PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) is an international survey that tests 15-year-olds' knowledge in reading, mathematics and science. PISA is conducted every three years by the OECD and covers over 80 countries.
What does PISA measure?
Unlike national tests, PISA does not measure curriculum-specific knowledge but rather the ability to apply knowledge in real-world situations. The tests focus on problem-solving, critical thinking and analytical ability.
Sweden in PISA
Sweden's PISA results dropped markedly between 2000 and 2012, triggering an intense education debate. Since 2015, results have improved. In PISA 2022, Swedish students performed above the OECD average in all three subjects. PISA results do not affect individual schools' statistics on Skolkoll but provide important context for the Swedish education debate.