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Sweden Today

Swedish news in English

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Sweden's School Attendance Laws Under Fire

Published: 2024-09-08

In Sweden, the issue of school attendance laws is under scrutiny as families face challenges in balancing educational requirements with unique personal circumstances.

Recently, the Malmberg family from Uppsala was denied permission by the local municipality to allow their children to study at the Swedish School in Paris while their father conducted research in France.

Despite meeting most criteria, the municipality ruled that there were no 'exceptional reasons' to justify the move, emphasizing the strict interpretation of school attendance laws.

This decision has sparked debate, highlighting inconsistencies in how different municipalities interpret these laws.

Education Minister Lotta Edholm has acknowledged the need for a review, as the current legislation, established in 2010, often results in varied applications across regions.

The Malmberg family awaits a decision from the Court of Appeal, hoping for a resolution that might set a precedent for future cases.