Schools

If you are working or studying, your child may go to pre-school for the entire day starting at one year of age. It is a right. If you do not work or study, the child may nonetheless go to a public pre-school for some hours a day starting at 3 years of age.

From the age of 6, children have a right to begin in pre-school class, which is a voluntary school form. Most six year olds in Sweden are in pre-school class. Pre-school class is free and has a large component of creative work and play. The children go to pre-school and pre-school class Monday to Friday. Saturdays, Sundays and holidays are at leisure.

Comprehensive school is required in Sweden. All children go here for nine years. Most begin first grade in the Autumn of the year they reach the age of 7. Every year consists of two terms, an Autumn Term and a Spring Term.

Special needs comprehensive school is for children and young people with intellectual disabilities, aged 7-15.

A child with an intellectual disability may not always manage in the ordinary comprehensive school. The child can then go the special comprehensive school instead. It is an individualised school form which provides an education adapted to every student's condition and needs.

The Swedish upper secondary school is voluntary. The upper secondary school is three years for most. Many begin here directly after comprehensive school at 16 years of age. The education must begin not later than when one reach the age of 20.

Special needs upper secondary school is for young people with intellectual disabilities aged 16-20. It runs for four years. There are national programs and individual programs to choose from.