As the cost of living crisis bites, parents tend to take their kids out of school to take advantage of low season rates, sparking some controversy. What are the rules on taking kids out of school in Norway? In Norway, schooling is compulsory from age six to 16. Leave of up to two weeks can be granted by the headteacher, if it is in the interest of the child’s education, but fines can be issued to parents who take their children out of school without gaining permission. Indeed, fines are only usually issued when a child has been away repeatedly or for a long period. What about Sweden? In Sweden, schooling is compulsory from age six to 16: primary school students may be granted a short period of time off for ‘certain trips, family celebrations or religious holidays’, but these must not exceed 10 school days per academic year and are at the discretion of the headteacher. Also, leave is granted based on a student’s performance and behaviour.
