Two schools in Sweden licensed for distance learning

Two schools in Sweden are now authorised to provide distance learning at primary school level.

In 2021, the Education Act was amended to allow primary schools to apply for permission to provide distance learning. Since then, more than 100 schools have applied to start distance learning with special support, but the vast majority have been rejected due to the high standards required.

Now, Palmbladskolan in Uppsala and Montessoriskolan Elyseum in Gothenburg have been approved to offer distance learning with special support.

According to Carin Clevesjö, head of unit at the Swedish Schools Inspectorate, in order for a pupil to be approved for this type of education, all other methods must first be tried. It must also be seen as a temporary solution.

– The student must also have a documented problem that makes it impossible for him or her to participate in normal education. Only then can the headmaster of the home school apply for a place for the student, she told the tax-funded SVT.

According to current legislation, distance learning cannot be used in preschool or early childhood education. If it is to be used in primary school, particularly good reasons are required and, depending on the age of the child, an adult must also be able to be at home. A decision on whether a pupil can receive distance learning with special support is valid for a maximum of one term at a time.