Frequently asked questions.

What are the admission criteria for the school?
  1. English speaking families of foreign researchers or experts or students that have previously been in an English speaking school.
  2. The child already has a place in our pre-school
  3. They have a sibling in the school
  4. Length of time on the queue. Applications made or renewed by March 31st will be considered for admission that August. Applications made or renewed after March 31st will be considered for admission in August the year after.
Does the school follow the international curriculum? Are you an International School?
  • No, we are a Swedish independent school (‘friskola’) following the Swedish law and curriculum. We are therefore not an international school in the traditional sense of the word
Do I need to pay? Are you a private school?
  • No, we are not allowed to charge for your child’s education. Our funding comes from the ‘skolpeng’, effectively, the Swedish taxpayer.
Will my child need to learn Swedish?
  • Yes. All pupils must learn and pass Swedish in order to move on to the next stage of education. Swedish, Mathematics and English are the three core subjects that must be passed at the age of sixteen.
Does my child need to know English already? Can my child learn English completely at the school?
  • Yes, but as with all learning, to what extent varies from child to child. Knowing English is not essential but your child will get more out of the lessons if they have a basic ability. The aim of the school as laid down in the statutes is that a child that already has English or a need of English may continue their education in English. If your child has no English they may find another school more enjoyable.
Does it matter where I live in the city?
  • No, we admit pupils from all over the city. Location is not an admission criterion. You will be wise to consider the amount of time your child spends in travelling.
I am only in Sweden for two years and don’t want my child to go to a Swedish school? Can my child be a priority case?
  • This is not an admission criterion and we recommend that you apply for other schools as well as this one.
How long is the waiting list? Where is my child on the waiting list?
  • It is not possible to say because if a child is admitted in another class with siblings then those siblings may go above your child. We do not give out positions on the waiting list. We will contact you if a place comes up for your child.
Should I keep in touch?
  • Yes. You need to renew your interest each year within 12 months of your last application.
Will my child receive homework?
  • Yes, and they will need your support. The amount of homework increases as the children get older. You should consider whether your child will be happy to have a lot of homework
Can I get involved as a parent?
  • Yes, we have active and supportive parents who fundraise for activities for the class and put on social activities that bring the families together. This is very important in a school where families are spread out across the city. Parents with some free time are welcome to help in the library or to support younger children with their reading in English or Swedish.
Does the school have good standards?
  • The school gets consistently good results and is frequently amongst the top schools for the west of Sweden. You can see school results and analysis at www.skolverket.se.
Is there a school bus?
  • No, but the school has good communication links to the city. The number 11 tram stops near to the school, as do busses 114 and 91.
Will my child eat at school?
  • Yes, school lunches are free and are freshly prepared on the premises. We have a large dining hall.
Which subjects will my child learn?
  • English, Mathematics, Swedish, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, History, Religion, Sport, French, German, Woodwork, Textiles, Home Economics, Technology, ICT, Art and Music.
  • Under Swedish law pupils must be able to swim before they leave the school. The school does take pupils to the pool but if they can learn with their family then it will save them from missing other important lessons.
Health and Sex Education
  • Health Education includes such topics as smoking, safety, hygiene, nutrition, alcohol, crime prevention and substance misuse.
Religious Studies
  • Religious studies are taught to all pupils. The school is non-denominational and many different religions are discussed.
May I have a tour of the school?
  • Unfortunately, due to the high demand for places at the school we cannot offer tours of the school for prospective parents. If you are offered a place at the school, we will organise a tour before you make your final decision.