Introductory programmes in upper secondary school

Introductory programmes are intended for pupils who are not qualified for the national programmes in upper secondary school. Language introduction is one such programme.

Pupils’ home municipalities are responsible for offering introductory programmes to those who fulfil the requirements for the various programmes. Education on an introductory programme has to follow a plan drawn up by the principal. This must include the purpose and duration of the programme, and specify its main content. An individual study plan must also be drawn up for each pupil, And must take the pupil’s needs and interests into account.

Language introduction

Language introduction is offered to young people who have recently arrived in Sweden. The focus of this programme is on the Swedish language. Teaching can also include other subjects and courses that pupils need in order to develop their knowledge.

Language introduction is adapted to each individual pupil, and is therefore not planned according to a set model. However, several pupils can attend a programme if their needs are similar.

Language introduction is planned on the basis of an assessment of the pupil’s language knowledge carried out before reception. It can also include comprehensive or upper secondary school subjects the pupils needs for his/her continued education. Measures to stimulate motivation, and/or work placements, can also be included.

Preparatory programme (will be replaced by a new program in 2019)

Preparatory programmes are for pupils who want to attend a specific national programme but who lack one or more of the pass grades required for that programme.

The programme is not to extend beyond one year. It will primarily contain the comprehensive school subjects in which the pupil lacks a pass grade required to qualify for a national programme. It is also possible to study courses from national programmes, and the education can also include other measures for developing the pupil’s knowledge. Once a pupil achieves the qualifications for a national programme, he/she can be accepted on that programme subject to availability of places.

A pupil can choose to attend a preparatory programme to obtain qualifications for a higher education preparatory programme even if he/she is already qualified for a vocational programme.

Programme-specific individual choice (will be replaced by a new program in 2019)

Programme-specific individual choice is for pupils who want to attend a vocational programme but lack one or more of the pass grades required for that programme.

In order to be accepted, the pupil must have pass grades in Swedish or Swedish as a second language. Pass grades are also required in English or Mathematics and in at least four other subjects, or optionally in both English and Mathematics and at least three other subjects.

The education will include the comprehensive school subjects in which the pupil lacks pass grades, and which are required to qualify for a vocational programme. The pupil must also study courses from a vocational programme and do workplace-based learning (abbreviated apl in Swedish). Once a pupil achieves the qualifications for a vocational programme, he/she can be accepted on that programme subject to availability of places.

Occupational introduction

Occupational introduction is for pupils who want an occupationally oriented education but lack the pass grades required for a programme-specific individual choice or a vocational programme.

The goal of occupational introduction is for the pupil to be able to get employment or become qualified for a vocational programme. The education can e.g. include comprehensive school subjects in which the pupil lacks pass grades, courses from vocational programmes, workplace-based learning or a placement, and also any other measures needed for the pupil’s development of his/her knowledge.

Individual option

The aim of individual option is for the pupil to move on to occupational introduction, other further education or the labour market.

The education can e.g. include comprehensive school subjects in which the pupil lacks pass grades, courses from national programmes and other measures needed for the pupil’s development of his/her knowledge.

Upper secondary school induction programmes

This video presents the five upper secondary school induction programmes.