Skoleløp

Skoleløp is a Norwegian term that describes the educational trajectory or path a student follows through the school system from the beginning of schooling to the completion of formal qualifications. It encompasses the sequence of schooling, courses, and assessments that together determine a student’s progression and eventual graduation.

In Norway, the typical skoleløp starts with grunnskolen, which lasts ten years and comprises the primary and lower secondary levels (about 1st through 10th grade). After grunnskolen, students enter videregående opplæring, a three-year program that leads to a diploma and qualification for either higher education or vocational work. Within videregående opplæring there are different tracks, most notably studiespesialisering for those aiming at higher education and yrkesfag for vocational training, along with various combinations and specializations. The skoleløp includes compulsory core subjects, elective subjects, and, in some tracks, apprenticeship components.

The concept is used in policy and administrative contexts to describe and manage a student’s progression, ensure timely completion of compulsory education, and support transitions between schools or educational tracks. Schools and municipalities typically implement skolløp planning through curricula, individualized guidance, and progress monitoring to help students meet required competencies. The skoleløp framework also recognizes diverse pathways, including flexible timelines or alternative routes, to accommodate different learning needs while maintaining the goal of obtaining the necessary qualifications by the end of upper secondary education.