Published: Less than 20 min ago
Interest in starting or expanding independent schools appears to have decreased rapidly and sharply. In this year’s application round, the School Inspectorate has received 99 applications, which is more than halved since last year and the lowest number since statistics began to be kept in 2010.
Various school groups account for the majority of applications, and it is in that group that the reduction occurred. The applications from non-profit associations and foundations remain at the same level as last year.
One explanation for the slowdown among school companies could be that they received criticism for the operations in other schools when the School Inspectorate carried out inspections. Another explanation could be the economic uncertainty, with increased interest rates and inflation. In addition, a number of municipalities have signaled that there are already enough educational places, writes the School Inspectorate in a report.
The applications received at the beginning of this year are valid for the start or extension of the 2024/25 school year, provided that the School Inspectorate approves the application.