The Main School at The Swedish School in London welcomes pupils aged 6 to 16, broadly equivalent to Key Stage 1 through Key Stage 4 in the British system. We offer a creative and academically ambitious learning environment that recognises each pupil as an individual, valuing their strengths, interests, and potential. With small class sizes — typically fewer than 20 pupils — we provide a highly personalised, supportive, and engaging educational experience.
Learning at our school is enquiry-based and creative, encouraging pupils to think independently and work collaboratively. We place strong emphasis on communication skills, presentations, and teamwork, supporting pupils in becoming confident learners.
Our aim is to develop responsible, curious, and resilient young people who are well prepared for further education and for life in an increasingly global and fast-changing world.
The Swedish School in London follows the Swedish national curriculum, while operating within a bilingual and international setting. Pupils benefit from a curriculum that values academic rigour alongside pupil wellbeing, critical thinking, and balanced personal development.
Our teaching team reflects this international approach, combining qualified teachers from Sweden with English-speaking teachers and staff. This ensures that pupils are exposed to both Swedish and British perspectives throughout their schooling.
Swedish language lessons place strong emphasis on reading comprehension, written expression, and grammar. These core literacy skills are essential for all pupils and particularly supportive for children from expatriate families who may not have lived in Sweden. This approach enables pupils to develop confidence in academic Swedish and keeps future pathways open, including progression to Swedish upper secondary education (Sixth Form equivalent) and university.
At the same time, English is given equal importance, ensuring high levels of fluency in both languages. In addition, pupils have the opportunity to study a modern foreign language, as is standard within the Swedish education system.
Each pupil is supported by a form mentor, who provides pastoral guidance and oversees wellbeing and academic progress. Assessment combines ongoing teacher feedback with formal assessments, with grading introduced from Year 6.
Teachers hold regular one-to-one discussions with pupils during projects and coursework, helping them understand their strengths and identify clear next steps. This approach encourages self-reflection and independence in learning.
Pupils also sit Swedish national assessments from Grade 3 (approximately Year 2), allowing progress to be benchmarked against pupils in Sweden. We are proud to consistently achieve results well above the national average, demonstrating strong academic outcomes alongside our holistic approach.
After Grade 9 (equivalent to the end of GCSE years), pupils are guaranteed a place at our Sixth Form in Kew. Alternatively, families can choose to continue upper secondary education in Sweden, at an international school, or may pursue British A-levels.
Ed & Anna Pennock
Three distinct stages
From Förskoleklass (the Swedish equivalent of Reception) through Year 3, pupils are taught primarily by a class teacher, who delivers most academic subjects and maintains close communication with parents. From Year 1 onwards, pupils receive English lessons tailored to ability. Creative subjects such as art and music are taught by specialist teachers.
From Year 4, pupils are taught individual subjects by subject specialist teachers, similar to the British upper primary model. Each pupil is assigned a form mentor who supports academic progress and wellbeing and acts as the main point of contact for parents.
In Years 7 to 9, pupils follow a subject-based timetable with specialist teachers, comparable to lower secondary education in the UK. Each pupil continues to receive pastoral support from a mentor who provides guidance and maintains regular contact with parents.
Pupils do not sit GCSE examinations. Instead, progress is assessed through continuous evaluation and Swedish national assessments.
The Swedish system avoids early exam pressure. Grades are are introduced at the age of 12 and academic subject choices are made at age 16 for Sixth Form.
Mentoring and wellbeing are integrated throughout all years.
Pupils develop academic fluency in both Swedish and English, keeping future education options open in the UK, Sweden, and internationally.
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