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 the municipality, the provider or the school to ask how the application, availability and start date are handled.
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
Your home municipality is responsible for schooling, but the exact placement, start date and admission are governed by local rules and capacity.
You can apply to other schools, but selection, queue rules and admission vary between municipal and independent providers.
Ask the current and new school to plan the handover of documentation and follow-up. Support measures are assessed by the receiving school based on the pupil's needs.
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
If there is acute concern for safety or health, contact the school, pupil health services or the municipality directly and document the next step.
Common questions
Can I change school mid-term?
You can apply during the school year, but the place, start date and admission are decided by the school, the provider or the municipality based on local rules and capacity.
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 queue where possible and contact the municipality to understand the available options and the rules that apply.
Can a school refuse to admit my child?
Schools and providers must follow the Education Act and selection rules. If you are refused, ask for the reason in writing and contact the municipality if you need help finding a school place.
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