School System

The basic regulations for the compulsory school are set out in the Education Act and the Compulsory School Ordinance. Through the curriculum the government and parliament lay down the fundamental values that are to permeate the school's activities and the goals and guidelines that are to be applied. Apart from these regulations governing the activity of the school, there are also the syllabuses. These are binding regulations containing the requirements the state imposes on education in different subjects.

Swedish municipalities have an obligation to provide preschool activities for children from the age of one until they start school. Attendance at Primary school (“grundskolan”) is compulsory and lasts nine years from the age of 7-16. However, if the parents wish, a child can start school one year earlier, at the age of six. Upper secondary school (gymnasium) is optional but nowadays most Swedish youngsters attend for three years from the age of 16-19. Between these ages pupils can follow one of two pathways, one .which prepares for higher education and the other is vocationally centred. After upper secondary school students can apply to a university in order to receive a tertiary education.

The grading system is goal-related, meaning that student achievement is assessed in relation to the goals stated in the course syllabi. Grades are awarded for each term in year 8, at the end of the fall term in year 9 (term report) and when mandatory school attendance ends (final grade or “leaving certificate”). Grades are set by the teacher, and include one of the following possible grades: Pass (G), pass with distinction (VG), pass with special distinction (MVG). There are no assessments against national standards in music on a yearly basis, but every three years the National Agency for Education presents a current overview of the school system to government and parliament. This forms the basis of a national development plan for schools.