The decentralisation of Swedish education began in the 1990s through municipalisation, the independent school reform, and the transition to goal- and result-based governance. Responsibility for school organisation and resources was transferred from the state to the municipalities.
Effects
Decentralisation has given municipalities considerable freedom to organise education locally. Critics argue it has led to growing differences between municipalities and reduced equity. Since the 2010s, there has been increasing discussion about re-nationalisation — giving the state more control again over funding and school governance.