Primary and Secondary Schools in Sweden

Swedish children go to school from the age of six, and both compulsory school and upper secondary school are free of charge. The school system is run under the Education Act by municipalities and by independent schools, and the Swedish National Agency for Education (Skolverket) is the central authority for it. For families moving to Sweden, the main questions are how the stages fit together, how to choose a school and what support exists for children who do not yet speak Swedish.

How the school system works

• Preschool class (förskoleklass): compulsory for all children; most start at six, for a maximum of six hours a day
• Compulsory school (grundskola): nine years, usually from the year a child turns seven until about 16, mandatory and free
• Upper secondary school (gymnasieskola): voluntary and free, for young people aged about 16 to 20

Each school year has an autumn and a spring semester. Pupils get a free school lunch every day, and from Year 1 there is a parent-teacher conference at least once a semester.

Upper secondary school offers 18 national programmes, all lasting three years: six higher education preparatory programmes and 12 vocational programmes. Vocational programmes include at least 15 weeks of workplace-based learning and can also give basic eligibility for university if the student takes the required subject levels. Students who do not qualify for a national programme can take one of four introductory programmes. Grades run from A to E for a pass, and F is a fail.

Municipal and independent schools

Most schools are run by the municipality, but there are also independent schools (friskolor), which are free of charge as well. Independent schools may have their own admission rules and, unlike municipal schools, may have a religious orientation; there are also Waldorf schools. All schools follow the Education Act and the national curriculum. Upper secondary schools may be municipal, independent or run by a county council.

Admission and support for international families

The municipality where you live must give you information about its schools, and you can tell the municipality which school you would prefer for your child. For an independent school, contact the school directly about its rules. Upper secondary school can be started up to the spring semester of the year a student turns 20.

Children whose mother tongue is not Swedish may be entitled to mother tongue tuition from Year 1. The school only has to organise it if at least five pupils are entitled to and want tuition in that language and a suitable teacher is available.

Costs

According to Skolverket, all schools in the compulsory system are free of charge, including independent schools, and pupils receive a free lunch. Upper secondary school is also free. Before and after the school day, pupils can attend school-age educare; ask the municipality about any fees for it.

Example: Saltsjöbadens Samskola

Saltsjöbadens Samskola (Samskolan) is a municipal compulsory school in Saltsjöbaden, run by Nacka kommun. As its full name, Samskola F9, shows, it covers the preschool class and Years 1 to 9, so a pupil can spend ten years at the school. It describes itself as an accredited school and as a research school (forskande skola) through its teacher academy, and it takes part in Erasmus+: in spring 2026 pupils from Years 6 to 8 travelled to Barcelona.

How to choose a school

• Stage: preschool class and compulsory school, or an upper secondary programme that leads to university or to a trade
• Organiser: municipal or independent school, and the admission rules that apply
• Orientation: general, religious, Waldorf, or a profile such as sports or culture
• Language support: ask about mother tongue tuition and help with learning Swedish
• Location: schools near home, and whether the municipality provides school transport

Frequently asked questions

At what age do children start school in Sweden?

Most children start preschool class at six and compulsory school in the year they turn seven. Both are compulsory.

Are schools in Sweden free?

Yes. Compulsory school and upper secondary school are free of charge, including independent schools, and pupils get a free lunch.

How long does upper secondary school last in Sweden?

All 18 national upper secondary programmes last three years: six prepare for higher education and 12 are vocational.

Can my child learn their mother tongue at a Swedish school?

Children with a mother tongue other than Swedish may be entitled to mother tongue tuition from Year 1, if at least five pupils want it and a teacher is available.