Compare International Schools in Gothenburg, Sweden

West Gothenburg, Västra Frölunda. The address is Redegatan 2, 426 77 Västra Frölunda. The campus is a modern learning environment developed after a major building program and is located in the western part of Gothenburg, near parks and sports facilities. Public transport links are good, with tram stops on line 11 and bus stops 114 and 91 nearby.

Preschool to Year 9

Independent, publicly funded friskola

Sweden

Non-denominational

There is no school bus. Public transport is available nearby, with tram stops on line 11 and bus stops 114 and 91 close to the school.

Independent, not-for-profit friskola (foundation) publicly funded. ESG is governed by a Board of Governors; the school is led by Head Teacher Andrew Potter. The Board is chaired by Tom Johnstone and includes members Helge Nielsen and Eileen Korczak, with parent representatives Gary Brown and Sofia Boström, and teacher representative Clare Skoglund.

The English School Gothenburg follows the Swedish curriculum and offers a liberal arts education. Students take Swedish National tests in years 3, 6 and 9 in the core subjects Swedish and Maths, with English tested in years 6 and 9. There are up to 24 students in a class and teaching assistants are often present to support individual learning. The staff come from many countries and incorporate diverse practices to plan and enrich learning, while learning occurs in both English and Swedish.

There are up to 24 students in a class, often with a teaching assistant.

The school gets consistently good results and is frequently amongst the top schools in the west of Sweden.

Many of our students go on to universities in the United Kingdom, the United States and Sweden.

ESG develops young people academically and socially. ESG values diversity among students and staff and uses both English and Swedish to support learning. The school aims for high academic results and good discipline, with the skills needed to be successful in the future. The staff come from many countries and bring diverse practices to the classroom. ESG provides a safe, modern and well-equipped environment for learning. The aim is that students leave ESG bilingual, enabling study and work in Swedish or English.

Knowing English is not essential, but a basic English ability helps students engage with lessons. The statutes aim that a child who already has English or has a need for English may continue education in English. If a child has no English they may find another school more enjoyable.

1. Admissions for August are completed by the end of April each year. The school has an August intake and no January intake. There is no tuition fee; funding comes from skolpeng. If offered a place, a tour is organized before you make your final decision.

2. English-speaking families of foreign researchers or experts or students who have previously been in an English-speaking school are eligible. The child must already have a place in pre-school. Having a sibling in the school strengthens eligibility. Length of time on the queue is a consideration; admissions for August are completed by the end of April each year and there is an August intake.

3. Waiting list positions are not disclosed; you will be contacted if a place becomes available. You cannot know your exact position on the waiting list. You must renew your interest every year within 12 months of your last application. Location is not an admission criterion; pupils are admitted from all over the city.

4. English is not essential, but having a basic ability helps; the aim is that a child with English or who may continue education in English can be accommodated. All pupils must learn Swedish and pass Swedish to move on. The school is Swedish independent and follows Swedish law and curriculum. The school does not follow an international curriculum.

Waiting list positions are not disclosed; you will be contacted if a place becomes available.

ISGR is located in Gothenburg, Sweden. It operates two centrally located campuses, Guldheden Campus (Guldhedsgatan 6, SE-413 20 Göteborg) and Götaberg Campus (Molinsgatan 6, SE-411 33 Göteborg). The campuses are well connected by public transport, with Guldheden near the Wavrinskys Plats bus/tram stop and Götaberg near Kapellplatsen bus/tram stop.

ISGR offers two tracks: the International Section (IB Primary Years Programme for ages 5–11 and IB Middle Years Programme for ages 11–16) taught in English; and the Swedish National Section (LgrP for grades F–6 and LgrM for grades 7–9) with up to 50% of instruction in English.

ISGR is a non-profit organization with two sections: the International Section (IB PYP/MYP) and the Swedish National Section (LgrP/LgrM).

48 nationalities among students; 53 primary languages spoken.

English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided for students whose first language is not English.

Sweden

Public transport access is available via nearby bus/tram stops: Wavrinskys Plats (Guldheden) and Kapellplatsen (Götaberg).

There is no school uniform.

All students receive a free school lunch. Grades K–3 are served in the main building or the Early Years Centre; Grades 4–5 eat in the Bamba (canteen) on the far side of the playground, shared with Guldhedsskolan. Every day there is a hot meal, a salad bar, and a choice of water or milk to drink. The school accommodates dietary requirements, and the environment is nut-free and sesame-seed-free.

ISGR is owned by the Gothenburg Region Association of Local Authorities (GR). The school is governed by a board that provides strategic direction, ensures educational quality, and supports long-term development.

ISGR is an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for ages 5–11 and the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for ages 11–16. A Swedish national section follows the Swedish curriculum with an English profile (LgrP primary, LgrM middle years). The Diploma Programme is part of the IB continuum through IHGR. English is the main language of instruction in the international section; a Host Country Swedish Language and Culture program runs from Grade 1; English Language Acquisition (ELA) supports new English learners; Mother Tongue language classes are available. ISGR operates with two campuses: Guldheden for primary and Götaberg for middle/high school (ages 12–18). The Swedish and international sections are integrated within ISGR, with IB PYP and MYP authorized and the DP offered through IHGR.

In the early grades class sizes are around 24 students per class with one teacher and, where necessary, one classroom assistant; in later years sizes can increase to approximately 26. ISGR also provides English as an Additional Language support for students who need it.

There is no separate gifted and talented program; differentiation in the classroom is used to meet individual needs. An English as an Additional Language program supports learners, and there is a dedicated Student Support Team to assist with students' needs.

Counselors provide confidential support for emotional and social well-being. The student health team meets regularly to discuss welfare and student needs. Well-being surveys are conducted annually on each campus to identify needs. A Responsive Classroom Approach is used to foster a safe, engaging learning environment. The school environment emphasizes respect and inclusion across both campuses.

Special Education Teachers support students with learning difficulties through tailored interventions. Learning Support Coordinators provide consultation and coordination of support services.

The International Section offers English as an Additional Language (EAL) support to help students access the curriculum. English is the main language of instruction at ISGR, with a framework to develop proficiency in additional languages. EAL programmes are provided to assist students whose first language is not English.

Counselors provide confidential support for emotional and social well-being. Well-being surveys are conducted annually to identify student needs. Health Talks are held regularly focusing on physical and psychosocial health.

A designated safeguarding leader oversees safeguarding at each section. ISGR has a formal Child Protection Policy and procedures.

ISGR provides two tracks: the International Section (IB PYP and MYP) taught in English for students aged 5–16, and the Swedish National Section (LGRP and LGRM) with up to 50% of instruction in English. Each section has its own admissions process and timeline. International Section admissions are rolling; placement depends on space in the requested grade, with priority for families relocating to Gothenburg, especially those whose children have previously attended international schools. The International Section charges a school fee (2025–2026: SEK 46,090; 2026–2027: SEK 47,520), with a 50% sibling discount for a third child; fees may be paid in installments via email invoices. Required documents typically include a completed application form, copies of previous school reports, a passport or ID, proof of relocation or employment in Gothenburg, and a Swedish personal number or tax registration; a full checklist is provided by the admissions team. Language of instruction in the International Section is English; EAL support is available for non-native speakers. Tours and meetings can be arranged through the admissions office; virtual meetings and online resources are available for prospective families. The IB curriculum is transferable between IB World Schools globally, facilitating continued study if the family relocates. Swedish families may apply to the International IB programme, and admission is based on factors including prior educational background and language proficiency to ensure the best placement.

ISGR accepts applications year-round; placement depends on space in the requested grade; relocation families, particularly those with children who have attended international schools before, are given priority.