National tests (Swedish: nationella prov, abbreviated NP) are administered in years 3, 6 and 9 as well as in upper secondary school. The tests are mandatory and aim to provide an equitable and fair assessment of students' knowledge. The tests are developed by Swedish universities on behalf of Skolverket.
What does Skolkoll show?
Skolkoll reports the proportion of students with test grades A or B on the national tests in Swedish, English and Mathematics in year 9. This figure provides an external reference point beyond the final grades awarded by the school itself.
Why is it important?
National tests function as a control mechanism against grade inflation. If a school awards significantly higher final grades than what students achieve on the tests, it may indicate generous grading. The Swedish Schools Inspectorate uses the discrepancy between national test results and final grades as a risk indicator.
Limitations
The tests do not measure everything in the curriculum, and the test situation may negatively affect some students. National test results should be seen as one of several data points, not as a definitive measure. The tests are administered under standardised conditions but marked by teachers at the student's own school, which can introduce some variation.
Data refer to test results from the 2023/24 school year and are sourced from Skolverket's statistics database (SIRIS).