The Swedish Educational System School is compulsory between the ages of 7 and 16. The number of compulsory subjects is gradually increased at the various levels and in the upper forms there are four lessons per week reserved for optional subjects.
Homework is a regular part of school work.
Marks are given for the first time at the end of the first term of the eighth form and then at the end of each term. The scale of marks is from 1 to 5, where 5 is the highest. Admission to upper secondary school is based on the marks for the spring term of the ninth form. In the nine-year compulsory school all teaching materials are provided free of charge, and free school meals are served. If the pupils live far from the school, the local authorities provide free transport.