Background & Purpose

Today, the preschool class is a separate school form outside the regular compulsory school system, which creates a transition between different school forms. To create a more cohesive and equal education, the government proposed extending compulsory schooling by one year.

The Decision

The Swedish parliament approved the government's proposal to reform the school system, creating a ten-year compulsory school with a new first grade.

Does this affect you?

  • Students starting school: They will enter a longer, more cohesive ten-year school system starting directly in grade 1 instead of a separate preschool class.
  • Teachers and school staff: They need to adapt their teaching and planning to the new ten-year school structure and curriculum rules.

In Practice

  • The preschool class is replaced by a new first year within the compulsory school system.
  • The regular compulsory school becomes ten years long, ending with grade 10.
  • The adapted compulsory school becomes ten-year, the special school eleven-year, and the Sami school seven-year.
  • The new first grade will be adapted to the children's age while following established subject and curriculum rules.