Sweden to Lower School Starting Age to Six from 2028
-
Loading... - Rebecca Harris
- 16 Oct 2024
- 65 Views
- 0 Like
- 0 Comment
Starting in 2028, children in Sweden will begin primary school (grundskola) at the age of six, marking a shift away from the country’s traditional play-based learning model. The new policy replaces the förskoleklass, a compulsory preschool year for six-year-olds, with an additional year of formal schooling. The plan was announced by the centre-right coalition government, which is supported by the Sweden Democrats and has the backing of the Social Democrats, the largest opposition party.
"Back to Basics" Education Policy
Education Minister Johan Pehrson explained that the reform aims to provide students with a stronger foundation in basic skills such as reading, writing, and mathematics. “School must go back to the basics,” Pehrson said. "This should lead to students having a better opportunity to develop essential skills and achieve educational goals early on."
The change reflects the government’s belief that earlier exposure to structured learning will better prepare children for future academic success.
Concerns from Experts and Educators
The decision has sparked criticism from educators and child development experts. They argue that forcing six-year-olds into a more formal school environment could undermine the benefits of play-based learning, which research shows fosters language development, problem-solving skills, creativity, and social-emotional growth.
Christian Eidevald, visiting professor at Södertörn University, voiced concerns:
"By pushing six-year-olds into a more formalized school environment, we risk losing the fundamental play-based methods that stimulate children's development. Studies confirm that play is the foundation for early learning and the development of critical skills."
Eidevald and other experts fear that the policy will also result in job losses for specialized preschool educators, whose expertise might not be utilized in the new structure. "Instead of structural changes, efforts should focus on improving education quality through competent teachers and play-centered methods," critics argue.
Additional Education Reforms
The government’s education overhaul also includes several other initiatives:
- "Emergency schools" to temporarily relocate students when schools face operational issues.
- Increased investment in textbooks to improve learning resources.
- Additional funding for teacher training to enhance the skills of educators and improve teaching standards.
While supporters of the policy argue that earlier schooling will help children build core competencies more effectively, opponents warn that such changes risk ignoring the developmental needs of young children. The debate highlights the tension between academic preparedness and child-centered learning approaches, with many experts urging the government to reconsider the balance between structured education and play-based methods.
The impact of these reforms will be closely watched, as Sweden’s education system has long been considered a model for progressive, child-centered learning. Whether the changes will lead to improved academic outcomes or exacerbate existing challenges remains to be seen.
