News | 28 January 2026
All students have the right to a calm study environment – IES welcomes the government's new reforms
Internationella Engelska Skolan (IES) welcomes the government's reform package for safety and a calm study environment. Several of the proposals presented today – a national mobile phone ban, stricter disciplinary measures and clear expectation documents – mean that the model IES has long advocated for can now become the new national standard for all Swedish schools.
Since the start in 1993, IES has offered an independent school alternative where a safe and orderly learning environment and high expectations are fundamental principles. That the government now chooses to legislate in line with the IES model is an acknowledgment that these methods are necessary for the development of the Swedish school system.
"It is a welcome 'IES-ification' of Swedish schools. We know that order and discipline in school is a prerequisite for learning. Several of the proposals the government presented today are about addressing the view of knowledge and school leaders' mandate to lead the school. That the government is simultaneously considering legislating against our and other independent schools' ability to operate is regrettable," says Linda Öholm, deputy CEO of Internationella Engelska Skolan.
From proven model to national law In its consultation response to SOU 2025:8, IES has emphasized the importance of moving from words to action. IES views it very positively that the government is now proceeding with what was requested during the consultation period on the following points:
-
Mobile phone ban throughout the school day: What has long worked within IES is now becoming law for all F-9 schools in Sweden.
-
Reduced documentation burden: Scrapping requirements for written documentation for minor interventions frees up time for teachers to focus on teaching.
-
Strict disciplinary tools: The possibility for more and longer suspensions, as well as denial of entry in case of serious danger, strengthens the school's mandate and makes the school safer.
-
Expectation documents: It is positive that the school clarifies what is expected of both students and guardians, just as IES has done previously.
Focus on the students' best interests. While IES views the main features of the reform positively, the importance of a careful implementation is emphasized.
"We now need to look closer at the details of the proposals, for example, how the proposed support teaching should be designed in practice. It is crucial that the final changes are based on the students' best interests and that we ensure every student receives the support needed in an effective way," concludes Linda Öholm.