skolevesenet

Skolevesenet is the Norwegian term for the organized system of education in Norway, covering compulsory basic education and upper secondary schooling. It includes publicly funded schools and private schools operating under national regulations. National policy is set by the Parliament and ministerial authorities, while day-to-day administration and financing are carried out by local and regional authorities within the framework of laws and curricula prepared by the state.

Grunnskolen, the basic compulsory education, lasts about ten years and typically serves children aged around 6 to 16. It is organized mainly by municipalities and is designed to provide a common foundation in core subjects such as Norwegian, mathematics, science, social studies, languages, arts, and physical education. The system emphasizes inclusion and support for pupils with special educational needs, with opportunities for individualized learning plans and additional instruction.

Videregående opplæring, or upper secondary education, generally spans three years and is administered by the county authorities. It offers two main pathways: studieforberedende programs intended to prepare students for higher education, and yrkesfaglige programs that include apprenticeships and lead to vocational qualifications. Completion typically yields a vitnemål (certificate) for general studies or a fagbrev/svennebrev for vocational tracks, after which further education or entering the labor market is possible.

Governance and policy are anchored in the Opplæringsloven (Education Act) and national curriculum frameworks, with the Directorate for Education and Training translating policy into learning objectives. Since the structure reform, county authorities play a central role in upper secondary education, while municipalities remain responsible for grunnskolen. The system continually evolves through reforms like Fagfornyelsen, aiming to improve learning outcomes and inclusivity.