However legislation allows the establishment of independent schools, which can be based on alternative ethical, religious and pedagogical principles as long as they guarantee to offer education of same standard and quality as the public schools. Independent schools are partially funded by the government.
Compulsory education - primary and lower secondary
Primary and lower secondary education is compulsory, comprehensive and co-educational. The child’s age rather than the child’s level of ability determines which grade he or she attends. Children belong to the same learning group from the first to at least the sixth grade. There is no repetition of grades in compulsory education.
Compulsory education was extended from 9 to 10 years following a reform for compulsory school in 1997. It is divided into the primary stage (grades 1 to 7) the child starting at age 6 and finishing at age 13 and the lower secondary stage (grades 8 to 10), for those aged 14 to 16.
Most pupils move on to upper secondary education and training (levels 11-13).
A new reform entitled “Knowledge promotion” was implemented from 1.8.2006. It involves both a new structure and new curricula in compulsory school and upper secondary education and training.
Upper secondary education and training
Upper secondary education consists of 3 years for academic programmes or 4-5 years for vocational programmes which includes training in working life. According to the Education Act the aim of upper secondary education is “to develop the skills, understanding and responsibility that prepare pupils for life at work and in society, and assist the pupils and apprentices in their personal development.”
Since 1994 all young people, age 16 to 19, have a statutory right to 3 years of upper secondary education. From 2006 pupils can choose from one general study programme area qualifying for higher education, and from 9 vocational study programmes.
Study programmes
The general study programme area consists of 4 study specialising programmes, and 2 other study programmes:
The 4 study specialising programmes are:
- Languages
- Natural sciences and mathematics
- Social sciences and economics
- Arts, crafts and design
Other study programmes:
- Sports
- Music, dance and drama
The 9 vocational study programmes are the following:
- Technical and industrial production
- Electrical engineering trades
- Building and construction trades
- Catering and food processing trades
- Health and social care trades
- Media and communication
- Service and transport
- Agriculture
- Design and handicraft
What upper secondary qualifies to
All study programmes provide education qualifying for college or university studies (for those completing a general study programme), or provides a craft or journeyman’s certificate, for those completing a vocational study programme.
Pupils following vocational study programmes will be given the opportunity to fulfil the additional qualifications required for access to higher education.
Upper secondary education and training consists of the following levels within the general study programmes leading to the Certificate of Upper Secondary Education:
- Advanced level I (first year)
- Advanced level II (second year)
- Advanced level III (third year)
And to the following levels within the vocational programmes, leading to a craft or journeyman’s certificate:
- Advanced level I (first year)
- Advanced level II (second year)
- 2-3 years training depending on the length of education for the specific vocational subject
Quality assurance in primary and secondary education and training
The Norwegian Directorate for Education and Training was established on 15 June 2004. It is responsible for the development of primary and secondary education. The Directorate is the executive agency for the Ministry of Education and Research. In this capacity the Directorate has the overall responsibility for supervising education and the governance of the education sector, as well as the implementation of Acts of Storting (the parliament), and regulations concerning education. The Directorate is also responsible for managing the Norwegian Support System for Special Education (Statped), State-owned schools and the pedagogical guidance of the National Education Centres.
Statistics, research and development
The Directorate is responsible for all national statistics concerning primary and secondary education, and on the basis of these statistics initiates, develops and monitors research and development. Statistics and research of relevance to Norwegian education can be found in the Directorates annual report on the status of primary and secondary education. The Directorate is also responsible for developing about 300 curricula for all subjects in primary and secondary education as part of the
“Knowledge promotion”. The Directorate prepares all final examinations, diagnostic tests and examinations held in primary and secondary schools.
The Directorate carries out a continuous assessment of the status of education and vocational training in Norway. The main objective of the Directorate is to ensure that all pupils and apprentices receive the high quality education they are entitled to.