Skolgången

Skolgången is a Swedish term that denotes the process of going to school and, more broadly, the practice and policy surrounding school attendance. In everyday language, the word captures the routine act of pupils commuting to and participating in school, as well as discussions about how attendance is organized and monitored in society. The word derives from skol- meaning "school" and gång meaning "going" or "movement."

In educational policy and administration, skolgången refers to the obligation and rights surrounding a child's presence in school. Swedish law and school regulations place an emphasis on regular attendance, with schools responsible for monitoring enrollment and pupil participation. Parents and guardians have a duty to ensure that their children attend, while municipalities provide support services to address barriers such as illness, special educational needs, or family circumstances. Persistent absence may trigger additional measures aimed at ensuring the child’s continued participation in education.

Historically, the concept of skolgången reflects Sweden’s development of a public, standardized education system. From the late 19th century onward, extended compulsory schooling and centralized administration contributed to the normalization of regular school attendance as part of national civic life.

In contemporary discourse, skolgången is often discussed in relation to accessibility, equity, and inclusion. It appears in policy discussions, research on attendance patterns, and public debates about how best to support students to remain in school.

Related terms include skolplikt (compulsory schooling) and skolk (truancy).