Schools and Colleges

Elementary education is compulsory in Sweden between the ages of 7 and 16. Most Swedish students continue their studies for a further three years in upper secondary school. Free state-run education is available for the children of all Swedish residents, regardless of nationality.

Schools are run by local authorities, but follow a national curriculum and are subject to government inspections. Free pre-school education is widely available in Sweden and most of Sweden's universities and colleges are state-run. Pre-school is available for children of parents who work, study, are unemployed and looking for work, or who need public child care for other reasons.

Pre-school education is offered for children between the age of 1 and 5 years and there is a fee for pre-school placement. In Jokkmokk town itself, there are four pre-schools: Bäckstugan, Fjällbacken, Katten, and Giella which is a Sámi pre-school. There are also pre schools in Kåbdalis, Vuollerim and Porjus. Children begin school (primary and secondary) when they turn seven years of age and continue for nine years.

The education, books and school lunches are free of charge. In Jokkmokk town there are three schools: Västra skolan (primary school), Östra skolan (secondary school) and Sameskolan (Sámi school). There is a state run primary school in Vuollerim for years 1-5 and an independent free school for years 6-9.

Almost all students within the compulsory school years continue to the Upper secondary school. All municipalities are obligated to offer an upper secondary education to young people (to the age of 20).

The education of the upper secondary school is also free of charge. In the upper secondary school, the students are expected to take greater responsibility for their studies than in the compulsory school.