Responsible Bodies

The principal organiser

The principal organiser of a school, that is, a municipality or the operator of an independent school, is responsible for its quality and results.

The Swedish Schools Inspectorate

The Swedish Schools Inspectorate (Skolinspektionen) monitors and scrutinises. In connection with these supervisory and quality auditing activities, the Swedish Schools Inspectorate provides advice and guidance as to what a school needs to rectify on the basis of the requirements of legislation. A licence is necessary to be allowed to start or extend an independent school. The Swedish Schools Inspectorate makes decisions about these licences and also follows up that the school starts in accordance with the licence conditions.

The Swedish National Council of Adult Education

The Swedish National Council of Adult Education (Folkbildningsrådet) is a non-profit association with certain authoritative tasks delegated by the government and the parliament. The council distributes government grants to study associations and folk high schools (folkhögskolor), submits budgetary documentation and annual reports to the government and follows up and evaluates liberal adult education activities. The council also works with certain assignments from the members. 

The Swedish Schools Inspectorate (Skolinspektionen)

The Swedish National Council of Adult Education (Folkbildningsrådet)

Approaches and Methods for Quality Assurance

Regular Supervision

The Swedish Schools Inspectorates conducts regular supervision of all municipal and independent schools, from preschool to adult education. Activities are scrutinised on a number of points. The decision states in which areas a school is failing to meet national requirements. At a seminar with those responsible from the municipality and school, a discussion is held about the areas where improvements are needed.

The Swedish Schools Inspectorate may make use of penalties and apply pressure so that a principal organiser rectifies its activities. If the principal organiser does not take action or seriously disregards its obligations, the inspectorate may decide to impose a conditional fine or measures at the principal organiser's expense. In the case of an independent school, its licence to operate may be revoked.

Quality Audits

Quality audits deal with well defined areas, for example a special matter or problem area within the school. Every school that is scrutinised receives a decision about what it needs to develop and improve in that area. The experience gained, also good examples, are summarised in a joint report which other schools will also find instructive. 

Anyone may make a complaint

Anyone, for example parents and students, may report grievances to the Swedish Schools Inspectorate (Skolinspektionen). These might relate to degrading treatment or support a student should have been given, but also to other problems. The Swedish Schools Inspectorate investigates these matters and makes a decision as to what the school needs to do.