Starting in 2028, Sweden will implement a major change in its education system, requiring children to start primary school at the age of six. This new approach will replace the current compulsory preschool year, known as förskoleklass, with an extra year of primary education. The government believes that this shift will improve children's learning outcomes by giving them an additional year to focus on essential skills such as LITERACY and MATHEMATICS.
The change is being introduced by Sweden's centre-right coalition government, with the backing of both the far-right Sweden Democrats and the left-leaning Social Democrats. According to Education Minister Johan Pehrson, the goal is to help students develop BASIC ACADEMIC SKILLS earlier, giving them a better foundation for success in later years. He stated that the plan aims to “go back to the basics,” emphasising early learning in key subjects.
However, the move has faced criticism, especially from those who value "play-based learning" for young children. Many researchers believe that allowing children to learn through play encourages creativity, problem solving, and exploration. Critics argue that rushing children into formal education could undermine these developmental benefits. Additionally, some fear that preschool teachers, who specialise in this type of learning, may lose their jobs as a result of the change.
The plan does have its supporters, though. Education experts like Johannes Westberg, a professor at the University of Groningen, believe that the change will bring Sweden more in line with other European countries where formal education begins earlier. The Social Democrats’ education spokesperson, Åsa Westlund, supports the idea but stresses that there must still be a mix of learning and play to help ease the transition between preschool and primary school.
As Sweden moves forward with this educational reform, the question remains: Will starting school earlier give children a better chance at academic success, or could it deprive them of the developmental benefits that come with learning through play?
Picture: Swedish children will start school a year early, moving from play to basics (Designer)
