News | 27 August 2026
#movewithIES expands: 42 out of 46 schools go all-in on student health for the new school year
For the new school year, Internationella Engelska Skolan (IES) is taking the next major step in its health initiatives. The national health initiative #movewithIES is growing significantly to include 42 out of 46 IES schools across the country. This means that almost all IES students will now benefit from a more active, safe, and healthy school day.
“It feels fantastic to have 42 schools engaged. Our goal is to instil healthy habits that last a lifetime, and seeing how the initiative has grown since launching at just five schools in the autumn of 2021 demonstrates the immense commitment across our schools,” says Andjela Dimitrijevic, manager for #movewithIES.
The initiative was launched in direct response to the decline in young people's health and well-being during the pandemic. It has now become an integral part of the IES student health plan, offering a structured, health-promoting approach. Despite its name, the programme is not just about physical exercise, but about students' overall well-being.
A holistic approach to health – physical, mental, and social
Research shows that physical activity improves concentration and memory, which in turn enhances academic performance. The initiative thus aligns directly with the IES ethos: high academic expectations combined with a safe and calm learning environment.
“Health is about the complete picture. When we organise fun, inclusive breaktime activities, we see not only improved fitness, but also fewer conflicts in the playground. By combining movement with knowledge about sleep, nutrition, and mental health, we give our students the best possible foundation to succeed both inside and outside the classroom,” Andjela Dimitrijevic explains.
The day-to-day work is driven locally at each school by a designated health motivator. In practice, #movewithIES weaves health-promoting initiatives directly into the school day:
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Active breaktimes and movement: Led playground activities – ranging from football and basketball to salsa and active games – encourage students to get moving. This also fosters stronger camaraderie and reduces playground conflicts.
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Brain breaks: Teachers are encouraged to incorporate short movement breaks during the school day to interrupt prolonged sitting and maintain focus.
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Mental health and lifestyle education: Using the tool “Det syns inte” alongside educational material based on Maria Dufva’s book “Värsta bästa hälsan”, students learn about mental health, sleep, and nutrition.
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Inclusive environment: Activities at the schools are adapted so everyone can participate without pressure, including students with special educational needs.