Skolverket

Skolverket, officially the Swedish National Agency for Education, is a government agency under the Ministry of Education and Research in Sweden. It serves as the central authority responsible for developing and implementing Sweden’s education policy for preschool through upper secondary school, and for certain forms of adult education. The agency provides guidance, sets national standards, and supports municipalities, schools, and educators in delivering an equal and high-quality education system.

Its main responsibilities include developing and issuing national curricula and syllabuses, coordinating national assessments and tests, and producing statistics and analyses to monitor education outcomes. Skolverket also offers guidance and resources to schools and principals, supports teacher and leader development, and promotes inclusive practices and educational equality. In addition, the agency engages in international collaboration on education policy and participates in global and European education initiatives.

Organizationally, Skolverket operates as a central government authority led by a Director-General. It collaborates with municipalities, schools, universities, other government bodies, and international partners. The agency produces official publications, guidance, and regulations that shape teaching, assessment, and school operations, and it maintains national data systems and reporting relevant to the Swedish education sector. Its work covers early childhood education, compulsory schooling, upper secondary education, and certain adult education programs.

Historically, Skolverket emerged from reforms in Sweden’s education system in the late 20th century and has since evolved to support contemporary policy aims, including quality assurance, equity, and modernized curricula.