Liberal Party Proposes Maximum Class Size Limit in Swedish Schools

The Liberal Party has announced a new initiative to introduce a cap on the number of students allowed per classroom in Swedish schools. This announcement was made during the party's annual congress held in Karlstad, where education emerged as the central focus of their upcoming election campaign.

The proposed measure would prevent school classes from exceeding a set number of students, with the party arguing that current class sizes--often around 24 in primary schools and up to 32 in upper secondary schools--are too large for optimal learning environments. The party's leadership highlighted that reducing class sizes could provide teachers with better opportunities to support each student and promote a more orderly classroom atmosphere. Research cited by the party suggests that an ideal class size would be closer to 20 students.

To advance this policy, the government will initiate a formal review to assess the practical and financial implications of establishing a maximum class size. This move follows a series of earlier reforms proposed by the Liberal Party aimed at increasing state oversight and support in the education sector. These have included measures to ensure adequate access to teaching materials, the staffing of school libraries, improved student health services, and regulated teaching hours for educators.

Party representatives argue that stricter regulation of class sizes is the next logical step in their ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of education. They believe that smaller classes will particularly benefit students from disadvantaged backgrounds, providing more individualized attention and support. During a press conference following the announcement, the party emphasized the importance of prioritizing students' educational needs above commercial interests in the school sector.

At the congress, another major topic of debate was the future role of limited liability companies in managing Swedish schools. The party leadership expressed a clear preference for restricting such corporate involvement, arguing that educational outcomes should not be influenced by profit motives. While other coalition partners have resisted calls to ban corporate-run schools, the Liberal Party has reaffirmed its commitment to further reforms in the education system, positioning itself as a driving force for change within the government.

Delegates at the congress were tasked with deciding on the party's stance regarding private companies operating schools. The party is currently divided on the issue, and a final decision was scheduled for later during the meeting.

The Liberal Party also reaffirmed its leadership by re-electing its party chair at the congress. As the national election approaches, the party aims to distinguish itself with a strong focus on education reform, seeking to address both structural and practical challenges faced by Swedish schools. The congress agenda covered a range of matters, including coalition partnerships and the party's broader policy priorities for the coming year.

The upcoming year's election is expected to see education as a pivotal issue, with the Liberal Party positioning itself as a reform-oriented advocate for students, teachers, and quality standards in schools across Sweden.