Thinking about changing school?
Sometimes changing school is the right decision — but it is a big step. Here we cover warning signs, what to consider, and how the process works.
Warning signs — when to take action
These signs may indicate it is time to review the school situation:
Rarely or never wants to go to school, has lost interest in learning, seems unhappy or stressed.
You have reported bullying or harassment but the school does not act, or the situation does not improve.
The child needs extra support but the school does not provide adequate measures or does not follow the support plan.
The school is hard to reach, ignores your questions, or provides insufficient information about the child's development.
The child's grades and knowledge are falling without a clear explanation, despite the child's effort.
Constant changes of teachers and staff create uncertainty and a lack of continuity.
Before you decide
A school change is a major decision. Consider these steps first:
- Talk to the child
Listen carefully to their experience. What works? What is difficult? Does the child want to change, or are there other solutions?
- Document the issues
Save emails, write down incidents with dates. This may be needed when contacting the school or authorities.
- Raise the issues with the school
Book a meeting with the class teacher and principal. Describe the problems and ask what the school can do. Give them a chance to act.
- Contact pupil health services (elevhälsa)
The school counsellor, school nurse or special-needs teacher can often help with challenges.
- Consider alternatives
Sometimes a class change within the school or other adjustments can solve the problem without a full school change.
If you decide to change
Checklist for the school change
Use Skolkoll's search tool to find and compare schools near you.
Call or email to check if places are available. Municipal schools have an obligation to admit pupils from the municipality.
Book a visit so that both you and the child can get a feel for the environment.
Inform them once you have a place at the new school. Ask for a handover meeting.
Make sure grades, the individual development plan (IUP) and any support programme are transferred to the new school.
Talk about what will happen. Visit the new school together before the start date.
Your rights
Municipal compulsory schools must admit pupils who live in the municipality, regardless of when they apply.
You have the right to choose a school anywhere in the country, but independent schools may have a waiting list.
Support programmes and special-needs documentation must follow the pupil to the new school.
Good timing for a change
- Between terms — A natural break; easier for the child to settle into new routines
- Start of the school year — Everyone is new in some way, which makes the social transition easier
- At a stage transition — For example from lower primary to upper primary
However: if the situation is urgent, do not wait. The child's well-being comes first.
Common questions
Can I change school mid-term?
Yes, you can apply for a transfer at any time. Municipal schools have an obligation to admit pupils from the municipality. Independent schools admit if they have places available.
How long does a school change take?
It varies. If the new school has places it can take just a few days. Otherwise you may need to wait for a spot or for the start of a new term.
What happens to my child's grades?
Grades and documentation are transferred to the new school. Ask for a handover meeting so that the new teachers know where the child stands.
Do I have to explain why we are changing?
No, you are not required to give a reason. But if there are documented problems, sharing them can help the new school provide the right support.
What if the new school is full?
Join the waiting list and contact the municipality. The municipality is obliged to offer a school place, even if it is not your first choice.
Can a school refuse to admit my child?
Municipal schools must admit children who live in the municipality. Independent schools can decline if they are full, but not for discriminatory reasons.
External help
If you need support, these organisations can help:
- Skolinspektionen — Report a school that does not follow rules and regulations. skolinspektionen.se
- BEO (Barn- och elevombudet) — For bullying and harassment issues. beo.skolinspektionen.se
- Municipal education office — If you need help finding a school place
- BRIS — Support for children and young people. bris.se