Introduction to Sweden Education System

Geography and History of Sweden

• Occupies the eastern part of the Scandinavian Peninsula, making it the fourth largest country in Europe.
• Has a population of over 9 million people, with Stockholm as its capital city.
• Governed by a Constitutional Monarchy, a form of democratic government in which a monarch acts as a non-political head of state within the boundaries of a constitution.
• Historical background dates back to the 11th century when King Olaf Skottknenung converted to Christianity.
• Sweden was united with Denmark and Norway in the 1400s, but broke away in 1523 under the influence of Martin Luther.

Political Influence of Socialism

• In 1911, Sweden established its welfare legislation, which began with the introduction of old-age pensions.
• The country maintained its neutrality in both World War I and World War II, allowing it to establish systems of public health, housing, and job security.
• The socialist rule ended in 1976, but returned in 1982 with Olaf Palme, and again in 1991 when Sweden joined the European Union.

The Swedish Education System

• Introduced a 4-year primary school called Folkskola (people's schools) in 1842.
• Expanded education to make it mandatory for 7 years in the 1930s, 8 years in 1950, and 9 years in 1972.
• Students with excellent grades could attend secondary schools (Högere Allmänna Läroverket) after 3 years of primary school.
• Divided into lower levels (Realskola, 6-year school) and upper levels (Gymnasium, 4-year school) in 1905.
• Introduced Enhetsskola (unified school) in 1949, which became Forsöksskola in 1958, and then Grundskola (9-year primary school) in 1962.
• Upper secondary school (Gymnasieskola) provides education for ages 16-19, leading to university preparatory/vocational education.
• Vocational secondary school provides a basic qualification in 3 years.

Changes in the Education System

• 1992: Independent primary and secondary schools received public funding (i.e., free schools).
• 2007: Higher education divided into 3 levels: Grundnivå (basic level), Avancerad Nivå (advanced level), and Forskarnivå (doctoral level).
• 2008: 900 free schools were available.
• 2010: Abandoned free schools, and international students were charged fees.

Challenges Facing Swedish Education

• 2 egalitarian goals: equality of outcomes and equality of opportunity.
• Pressure on public budgets to maintain high levels of educational provisions and standards.
• Increasing class differences in education.
• Globalization poses a challenge to ensure equity in education.