Sweden: Education reforms face implementation concerns and new teacher regulations

The organization Fremia has submitted a request to the Swedish government to delay the implementation of the principle of public access for independent preschools, schools, and daycare centers. The reform is currently scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027, but Fremia argues that the timeline is insufficient. With official guidance not expected until December 18, small, mission-driven employers would have only two weeks over the holiday period to establish new administrative routines, train staff, and update technical systems.

Separately, new regulations regarding teacher working hours are set to be introduced next academic year. The reform will cap annual teaching time at between 500 and 600 hours and mandate that planning and follow-up time must equal the number of teaching hours plus a ten percent increase. The Swedish Teachers' union has described this as the most important reform of the century, noting that it aims to address high workloads and the increasing administrative burden that has contributed to teachers leaving the profession.