Schools in Stockholm

[wingingitwithkids]

We are looking to relocating to Stockholm as DP has been offered a good job there. We (3 S's) are all up for an adventure, and DP and me have been out there a few times now on research trips. Work have been very supportive with relocation etc but it is schooling we are struggling with (UK Key Stage 2). Ideally are looking to live outside Stockholm near colleagues and travel in. We did initially look at English international schools, but it seems either the fees are ridiculous or the waiting lists are so long (we are getting no schooling relocation support). Long term (if we stayed long term) we would want the children to be fully immersed in Swedish e.g. Swedish school but felt that this was perhaps a stepping stone. Also, we are worried about the quality of education as we've read some bad reviews of some schools. Are there are sites that review schools like we do in the UK? I don't mean school league tables. Please help. Much appreciated.

[sleepismysuperpower1]

i can't help in terms of an 'ofsted like' website but you might want to look at the american international school. they teach both english and swedish, and have a school in stockholm which is meant to be very good. they follow the swedish national curriculum also. all the best with your move x

[wingingitwithkids]

Thanks Sleepismysuperpower1 much appreciate
. Is that school in Stockholm? It looks ace but the website seems to say it is in Gothenberg?

[sleepismysuperpower1]

if you click the 'join the queue' button, you have to select the school you want to apply for and thats when you choose the one in stockholm x

[wingingitwithkids]

Thank you - the contact details said Gothenberg on the website so presumed that's where it was. Many thanks again for your help. Much appreciated. x

[sleepismysuperpower1]

no problem, glad i could be of some help

[sleepismysuperpower1]

oh, also i know you didn't mention this but try and get your dc learning the language whilst they are still over here, it makes the transition much easier if they have already attended classes

[sleepismysuperpower1]

sorry last message, the comparison of years (as you need to compare the UK system to the USA's one) is as follows (since i found it confusing when I had to look!):
Year 3- 2nd Grade
Year 4- 3rd Grade
Year 5- 4th Grade
Year 6- 5th Grade

promise I'll stop posting now

[Lunde]

I don't live in Stockholm but I have navigated the Swedish school system

Is this a permanent or temporary move?

There is of course the British International School that follows the international British curriculum but is of course pretty expensive as it is fully private as it doesn't conform to the Swedish national curriculum
www.bisstockholm.se/

Your other option would be to look into one of the bilingual English Swedish state schools or free schools. They will teach in English and Swedish languages and by law have to be free. The Swedish national curriculum is a little different to the UK with a later school start and a broader curriculum (all 16 National Curriculum subjects are compulsory at GCSE!). Some schools also teach the IB. I would also look into getting native language classes (modersmålundervisning) that Local Authorities and schools are required to provide (if more than 5 in the LA apply)

Depending on where you intend to live look at
www.vasainternationalschoolofstockholm.com/en-GB/about-us/faq-32112998 (this one is an IB school has a 1000sek/£100 term fee for the Enlish programme)
engrodabergsskolan.stockholm.se/
engelska.se/
stockholm.futuraskolan.se/ (site is down at the moment)
www.esn.se/
This Stockholm University page has links to most international schools in the Stockholm area www.su.se/english/staff/relocation/planning-your-stay/international-schools-in-stockholm-1.208987

Hope this helps a little

[wingingitwithkids]

sleepismysuperpower1 thanks so much for all your help! Much appreciated. Lunde - really helpful links and advice - thank you. The move would be permanent as staff job. How did you find the Swedish system? Was it yourself or your children that navigated it? If they switched - how did they find it? Many thanks again x