Norway removed the requirement for county authorities to set a written main language for each upper-secondary school. Students’ individual right to choose their written main language remains unchanged.
Norway gave county authorities the option to provide more extensive distance teaching in VG1 and VG2 vocational programmes in areas with low population density and long distances. The model must be combined with practical training and regular physical gatherings.
Norway expanded county authorities’ duty to admit applicants to upper-secondary education after normal deadlines in special welfare-related situations. The change covers moves to or from child-welfare measures and return after involuntary stays abroad.
Norway made 12 hours of free school-age childcare, known as SFO, a statutory right for pupils in grades 1–3. The right applies from 1 August 2026.
Norway adopted regulation changes so that visits to the school health service no longer count as absence from education. The change applies in both compulsory and upper-secondary education from 1 August 2026.
Norway amended the curriculum framework and subject curricula for grades 1–4 to state that digital-device use must be especially cautious and must not dominate teaching. The changes take effect on 1 August 2026.
Norway changed practice so that all students in upper-secondary education can receive an equipment grant for necessary equipment and school computers. The change covers around 3,000 additional students who combine school and apprenticeship training.
The government proposed a statutory requirement that compulsory schools must have access to printed learning materials. The proposal is part of a broader effort to rebalance screen use and physical books in Norwegian schools.
Norway announced national recommendations for age-appropriate use of generative artificial intelligence in education. Pupils in grades 1–7 should generally not be given access to AI for schoolwork, while lower-secondary use should be gradual and upper-secondary students should learn appropriate use.
Norway published a national mapping of democracy knowledge among VG2 upper-secondary students, the first such national survey in 20 years. The Ministry said the results showed major knowledge gaps and low democratic engagement among a significant share of students.