Compulsory preschool year for six-year-olds to be replaced with extra year in primary school from 2028
Children in Sweden are to start school at six years old from 2028, a year earlier than at present, in an overhaul of the country’s education system that signals a switch from play-based teaching for younger children.
The government has announced plans to replace a compulsory preschool year for six-year-olds known as förskoleklass with an additional year in grundskola (primary school).
The centre-right coalition government, led by the Moderates and backed by the far-right Sweden Democrats, announced the plan before the presentation of the 2025 budget, due on Thursday. The plan dates back to the previous government and is also backed by the left-leaning Social Democrats.
Put them kids to work! Can’t have anyone enjoying life.
My gut had me wanting to say the same thing, but looking at the age ranges, this actually seems reasonable and in line with how many other countries operate. By 6 years old, students in the US are in first grade, for example. Kindergarten a year or two prior as well, which is also compulsory in some states.