The school voucher (skolpeng, formally grundbelopp — basic amount) is the sum the municipality pays to the school in which the pupil is enrolled. The funding follows the pupil — if the pupil chooses an independent school, the voucher is paid there instead of to a municipal school.
What is included?
The basic amount is intended to cover teaching, learning materials, student health services, school meals, administration, and premises costs. The amount varies between municipalities and typically ranges from SEK 80,000–120,000 per pupil per year in compulsory school. In addition to the basic amount, schools can receive a supplementary amount for pupils with extensive support needs.
Equal conditions
Under the Education Act, municipal and independent schools are to be funded on equal terms. However, independent schools have criticised municipalities for sometimes setting the voucher too low, while municipalities argue that they bear additional costs (e.g. the obligation to accept all pupils).