Primary and secondary schools in Oslo
How Oslo’s school system works—from age 6 to lower secondary, with support for international families.
Starting school is a major milestone for children and families. If you're new to Oslo, understanding how the education system works can help you feel more confident and prepared. In Norway, all children have the right to free public education, and schools are designed to support both academic development and social wellbeing.
Oslo kommune is obligated to provide free public primary and lower secondary education to all children and young people residing in Oslo. Children shall normally start to attend school in the calendar year in which they attain the age of 6 years. The first 7 years children attend primary school (barneskolen), followed by 3 years of lower secondary school (ungdomskolen).
The right and duty to go to school
In Norway, education is both a right and a legal obligation. All children must attend school from the year they turn six. You’ll be contacted by your local district administration when your child approaches school age.
Some children may need special educational support or adapted learning plans. If you believe your child requires this, you should contact your local district office. Support is available for:
- Children with long-term illness (e.g. home tuition or flexible arrangements)
- Children with learning or developmental needs
- Children who have recently arrived in Norway and need basic Norwegian language training
Newly arrived pupils may be offered a place at a reception centre (resepsjonssenter) before joining a regular school. These centres help children build foundational language skills and adjust to the Norwegian school environment.
Which school can or should children attend?
It is possible to apply for a place at another school than your local one. There are many advantages of going to the local school. The children will be close to their friends, and walk together to school, visit eachother in their spare time etc.
- Find your local primary school or your local lower secondary school.
- Find information about the schools and admission in Oslo.
Public schools are free of charge, and girls and boys are in the same classes, and teaching is in Norwegian only.
Subjects and curriculum
All pupils follow a national curriculum that includes both academic and practical subjects. These are designed to support intellectual development, creativity, and social skills.
Subjects include:
- Norwegian, mathematics, science, history, geography, and social studies
- Physical education, arts & crafts, music, and food & health
The curriculum is consistent across the country, ensuring equal access to education regardless of background.
Language in school
Lessons are given in Norwegian in public schools. If necessary, pupils have the right to adapted education in Norwegian at their local school until they are proficient enough to follow the standard education curriculum. In particular cases, students may study in their mother tongue for a short period.
Newly arrived pupils in grade 3-10 may enter adapted language-training groups. Adapted Norwegian education for newly arrived non-Norwegian speakers is organised according to the pupil's age and school background. It is common to attend a language centre for up to 6 months before starting at the local school.
There are also internationals schools that teach their curricula in different languages. See below for a list.
Before and after-school programme (AKS)
The AKS programme (Aktivitetsskolen) is available for pupils in grades 1–4. It provides supervised care outside regular teaching hours and supports families with working parents.
AKS offers:
- A safe and structured environment for children before and after school
- Activities that promote play, creativity, and learning
- Social interaction and routines that complement classroom education
Participation fees vary depending on household income, but no family pays more than a set maximum. You can apply for reduced fees through your district administration.
You will get more information about AKS when your child is enrolled.
Vacation, planning days, and leaves of absence
Children in Oslo attend school for approximately 190 days per year. Public primary and secondary schools in Oslo have a set dates for holidays and days off for the whole year. These include:
- Autumn break (usually in October)
- Christmas break (late December to early January)
- Winter break (typically in February)
- Easter break (March or April)
- Summer break (late June to mid-August)
During these periods, schools are closed, and families often travel or spend time outdoors. If you’re new to Oslo, it’s helpful to plan ahead for these breaks, especially summer, which is the longest.
In addition to these holidays, schools have five planning days per year. These are used for teacher development and planning, and children do not attend school on these days. Schools will inform parents in advance.
If your family needs time off outside the regular school holidays, you can apply for a leave of absence. Parents may request up to two weeks per school year, but approval depends on the child’s age, academic progress, and the timing of the request. Applications should be submitted to the school administration.
Oslo summer school
To support learning and social engagement during the summer, Oslo kommune offers a free programme called Oslo Summer School (Sommerskolen). It’s open to children and youth in Oslo and includes:
- Courses in Norwegian, science, arts, and sports
- Activities designed to be fun, inclusive, and educational
- Opportunities to meet other children and practice language skills
You can apply online, and places are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Oslo Summer School, together with the Language Center, offers the Norwegian course for newly arrived students. During the week, students get to practice Norwegian through speaking, listening, reading and writing. There are two different courses Norwegian language training with swimming and Norwegian language training with outdoor life.
International schools in Oslo
Families who prefer an international curriculum or instruction in a language other than Norwegian can explore several international schools in Oslo. These schools may offer the International Baccalaureate (IB), British, American, or other national curricula. Instruction is typically in English or bilingual formats.
English international schools
- Manglerud skole - International Classes is Oslo's new city-wide public international education program.
- Northern Lights International School (nlis.no) - primary school
- Oslo International School (oslointernationalschool.no) - from kindergarten to IB Diploma
- Bjørnholt videregående skole (public school) - IB Diploma
- Blindern videregående skole (public school) (ibo.org) - IB Diploma
French international school
- Lycée Francaise d’Oslo – René Cassin (ifo.no) from kindergarten to upper secondary school
German international school
- Deutsche Schule Oslo – Max Tau (deutscheschule.no) from kindergarten to upper secondary school
International schools are privately run and charge tuition fees. Admission requirements vary, and some schools may have waiting lists. These schools are a good option for families planning a shorter stay in Norway or for children who have already been educated in another system.
What to keep in mind as a newcomer
Navigating the school system in a new country can feel overwhelming, but Oslo’s public education system is designed to be inclusive, supportive, and accessible. Whether your child is starting school for the first time or transferring from abroad, there are resources and programmes in place to help them succeed. From language support to summer activities, Oslo kommune offers a wide range of services to ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive.