Understanding the Norwegian school system is an important part of preparing for a move to Norway with children.
Norway has a comprehensive public education system available to all children who are legally resident in the country. Education is based on the principles of equal access, inclusion and lifelong learning, and the majority of children attend their local public school.
This guide explains how the Norwegian school system is structured, how pupils are allocated to schools, the educational pathways available, and the options for families considering private or international education.
Overview of the Norwegian School System
The Norwegian education system is divided into three main stages:
| School Level | Norwegian | Typical Age | Grades |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary School | Barneskole | 6–12 | 1–7 |
| Lower Secondary School | Ungdomsskole | 13–15 | 8–10 |
| Upper Secondary School | Videregående skole | 16–19 | 11–13 |
Compulsory education consists of ten years of schooling, covering primary and lower secondary education (Grades 1–10).
Children normally start school in August of the calendar year in which they turn six.
Upper secondary education is voluntary but is available free of charge in public schools.
Right and Obligation to Attend School
Children who are legally resident in Norway have both the right and the obligation to attend primary and lower secondary education.
Compulsory education applies regardless of nationality, provided the child is expected to remain in Norway for more than three months.
Public education is free. Public schools do not charge tuition fees for compulsory education.
Parents should note, however, that they remain responsible for certain personal expenses such as:
- School bags and stationery
- Clothing suitable for outdoor activities
- Packed lunches
- After-school care (SFO/AKS), where applicable
- Voluntary extracurricular activities
Public Schools
Approximately 95% of Norwegian pupils attend public schools.
Public schools are owned and operated by municipalities (primary and lower secondary) or county authorities (upper secondary).
The national curriculum ensures that pupils receive broadly the same education throughout Norway, although schools have flexibility in how teaching is organised.
School Catchment Areas
For primary and lower secondary education, pupils are normally allocated a place at the public school serving their local catchment area.
The child’s registered residential address is usually the determining factor when assigning a school place.
Municipalities may, in certain circumstances, approve applications to attend another school, although this depends on local regulations and available capacity.
School Enrolment
Children moving to Norway are enrolled through the municipality in which they will reside.
Parents are generally required to provide documentation such as:
- Proof of address
- Identification documents
- Previous school records, where available
- Vaccination information, if requested
Requirements and procedures may vary slightly between municipalities.
Families are encouraged to contact the municipality as early as possible before the child’s planned start date.
Language Support
Pupils whose first language is not Norwegian may be entitled to adapted Norwegian language instruction if they need additional support to participate fully in education.
Where necessary, municipalities may also provide:
- Mother tongue instruction
- Bilingual subject teaching
The type and duration of language support are determined individually and vary according to the pupil’s needs and the municipality’s organisation of services.
Curriculum
All public schools follow the National Curriculum (LK20).
Subjects include:
- Norwegian
- English
- Mathematics
- Natural Science
- Social Studies
- Religion, Philosophies of Life and Ethics
- Arts and Crafts
- Music
- Food and Health
- Physical Education
Older pupils may also study:
- Foreign languages
- Elective subjects
- Career education
Although English is taught from the early years of school, Norwegian is the principal language of instruction in public schools.
Assessment and Grading
Formal grades are generally introduced during lower secondary school.
Assessment throughout compulsory education combines:
- Teacher observations
- Class participation
- Assignments
- Oral and written assessments
- National tests in selected subjects and year groups
At the end of lower secondary school, pupils receive grades that form the basis for admission to upper secondary education.
School Day
The length of the school day varies according to the pupil’s age and the school’s timetable.
Schools typically operate Monday to Friday during the academic year.
Norwegian schools place considerable emphasis on:
- Inclusive learning environments
- Collaboration
- Independent learning
- Physical activity
- Outdoor education
- Pupil wellbeing
Many schools organise regular outdoor activities throughout the year, and pupils are expected to participate unless medically exempt.
School Meals
Public schools do not normally provide lunch.
Children are expected to bring a packed lunch (matpakke) from home.
Many schools provide milk or fruit subscription schemes that parents may choose to purchase.
Some lower secondary schools might have a canteen.
Digital Communication
Communication between schools and parents is primarily digital.
Schools typically use secure online platforms or mobile applications for:
- Announcements
- Timetables
- Homework
- Attendance
- Parent-teacher communication
- Permission forms
The specific platform varies between municipalities and schools.
After-School Care (SFO / AKS)
After-school care is available for younger pupils before and after the school day.
In most municipalities this service is known as SFO (Skolefritidsordningen).
In Oslo it is called AKS (Aktivitetsskolen).
SFO/AKS is generally available for pupils in Grades 1–4 and, where appropriate, older pupils with special needs.
Participation is voluntary.
Parents pay a monthly fee, although reduced rates or free places may apply depending on national and municipal regulations.
Upper Secondary Education
Upper secondary education (videregående skole) is not compulsory.
Students apply for admission through their county authority.
Admission is primarily based on grades achieved during lower secondary school together with the student’s chosen education programme and available places.
There are two principal pathways:
General Studies
This pathway prepares students for higher education at universities and university colleges.
Vocational Education and Training
Vocational programmes combine school-based education with practical training and apprenticeships, leading to recognised trade qualifications.
Many vocational programmes provide opportunities for progression to higher education through additional study.
Private Schools
Most children in Norway attend public schools.
Private schools exist but represent a relatively small proportion of the education system.
Private schools may include:
- Faith-based schools
- International schools
- Schools following alternative educational philosophies
- Schools offering specialised educational programmes
Private schools must be approved by the Norwegian authorities and operate under the Independent Schools Act.
Tuition fees vary between schools.
International Schools
International schools are available in several parts of Norway, particularly in larger cities.
Many offer internationally recognised curricula and provide instruction in English or another language.
Depending on the student’s background and future educational plans, some families also consider one of Norway’s public or private schools offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. As these programmes generally have limited capacity, admission may be competitive.
Families considering an international school should contact the school directly regarding admissions, waiting lists and tuition fees.
School Holidays
The academic year normally begins in August and ends in June.
School holiday dates are determined by each county and municipality, although they generally include:
- Autumn holiday
- Christmas holiday
- Winter holiday
- Easter holiday
- Summer holiday
Holiday dates vary slightly between regions.
Further Information
School regulations, admissions procedures and available services may vary between municipalities.
Families relocating to Norway are encouraged to contact their local municipality or prospective school for information relating to their specific circumstances.
If you require assistance understanding the Norwegian education system as part of your relocation, Relocation AS can provide guidance on school options, neighbourhoods and the practical aspects of settling into life in Norway.