Here, young people rate the grades
Sweden is overhauling its grading system once again, set to take effect in 2028, replacing the traditional A-F scale with a new 1-10 scale, eliminating the failing grade of F.
Sweden is preparing for a significant change to its grading system, with a new scale set to be implemented in 2028 that will replace the traditional A-F grades with a ten-point scale ranging from 1 to 10. This overhaul marks the third major revision of the grading system in over 30 years, eliminating the fail grade 'F' and introducing the lowest score of '1', which will indicate 'limited knowledge'. The decision has sparked some skepticism among students, particularly regarding the frequency of changes in the grading system.
The Education Minister, Simona Mohamsson from the Liberal Party, explained that the motivation behind this change is to address the issue of inflated grades, commonly referred to as 'joy grades'. The government aims to ensure that students are not given an unfair advantage in gaining admission to universities based solely on lenient grading practices at certain schools. By establishing a fairer grading system, the government hopes to promote a more equitable educational environment where students' capabilities are accurately reflected.
However, students like 19-year-old Elina express mixed feelings about the constant alterations in the grading system. As young people adjust to one grading method only for it to be changed again, there are concerns about the implications this has on learning and assessment. The broader conversation surrounding the grading system reflects ongoing debates in Sweden about educational equity, standards, and the preparation of students for higher education and future careers.