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Katedralskolan Skara

Sweden, Skara

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages Not listed
Type Co-educational
Opened 1641
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages Swedish, English
Strengths Sport, STEM, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Leadership and Professional, Academic and Intellectual
Stages Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

Located at Brunsbogatan 1 in Skara, Katedralskolan Skara is a municipal upper secondary school with a long history dating back to the 1200s, adjacent to Skara Cathedral. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme taught in English, alongside a Bespoke Curriculum designed to meet local needs. Students study six subjects across disciplines, complete an Extended Essay, and participate in Creativity, Activity and Service, with CAS requirements supporting global awareness. There is an option to combine IB with Local Sports Education (LIU) to integrate sport and academics. Facilities include Labbet, a natural sciences laboratory with advanced instruments such as an electron microscope and astronomical equipment; a dedicated sports academy with a swimming pool and gym; and RIG cycling for elite student‑athletes. The school also hosts UF – Ung Företagsamhet, entrepreneurship education, and Estetiska programmet with Dans and Teater tracks, enriching arts and culture opportunities. A supportive international community enhances growth.

Brunsbogatan 1, 532 37 Skara, Sweden

The Essentials

Katedralskolan Skara has instruction in English.

Location
Visiting address: Brunsbogatan 1, Skara (532 38). All programs are located at Brunsbogatan 1 except the Vehicle program's facilities at Vallgatan 49. Reception, administration, the restaurant, cafeteria, gym and auditorium are on Brunsbogatan 1.

Stages
Upper secondary education (gymnasium) with a broad range of national programs, International Baccalaureate, and introductory programs. The national programs include Barn- och fritidsprogrammet, Bygg- och anläggningsprogrammet, Ekonomiprogrammet, El- och energiprogrammet, Estetiska programmet (Dans & Teater), Fordons- och transportprogrammet, Försäljnings- och serviceprogrammet, Naturvetenskapsprogrammet, Samhällsvetenskapsprogrammet, Teknikprogrammet, Vård- och omsorgsprogrammet; plus the International Baccalaureate and two sports-oriented tracks: RIG – Cycling and LIU (Local Sports Education).

Type
Municipal upper secondary school (gymnasium).

Additional learning support
A student health team provides support and help in various ways. Studievägledning (study and career guidance) is available.

Country affiliation
Sweden

School day structure
School year 2026/2027 runs from August 2026 to June 2027. The autumn term begins August 17–18, 2026; there are breaks on September 24–25 and October 6, plus an autumn break October 26–30. Christmas break runs December 23–January 8, and the spring term starts January 11, 2027, with breaks February 15–19 and March 22–29; Student day is June 11, 2027.

Bus service
Bus passes are issued by the school to eligible students without the need to apply.
Diving Deeper

Food Options
Here you can see what is served at the municipality's preschools, primary schools and the upper secondary school. This page replaces the previous skolmaten.se. Monthly menus are published (May through October), and special diets are available.

Governance and Ownership
The school is a municipal upper secondary school operated by Skara Municipality.
Fees
Application fees

- Application fee: SEK 0 per application. No fee is charged in connection with applying for a place at Katedralskolan.

Tuition fees by year group (per term and per academic year)

- Year 1 (Gymnasiet år 1): SEK 0 per term; SEK 0 per academic year.
- Year 2 (Gymnasiet år 2): SEK 0 per term; SEK 0 per academic year.
- Year 3 (Gymnasiet år 3): SEK 0 per term; SEK 0 per academic year.

Education at Katedralskolan is provided without tuition charge for gymnasieelever. There are no compulsory tuition charges billed termly or annually.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- There is no tuition invoice to pay for any year group (no term or annual tuition billing).
- Where a charge may occur (voluntary school trips, optional course-related activities, or non-standard materials for specific vocational courses), billing is issued for that specific activity or item and payment terms follow the invoice or the organiser's stated terms. Charges for voluntary activities are not part of compulsory tuition and are handled on an activity-by-activity basis.

Boarding fees (if applicable)

- Katedralskolan does not operate a student boarding (internat/elevboende) as part of its normal provision; therefore there are no boarding fees charged by the school.

Other costs or fees

- School meals: SEK 0 per meal — school meals for pupils at Skara's schools (including gymnasiet) are provided without charge. Meal provision is included and does not require a meal fee.
- Learning materials and textbooks: pupils are provided with required textbooks and other core learning materials at no charge as part of the free education principle. Costs for optional personal items, voluntary course extras, or non-standard materials (for example specialised tools, personal protective equipment for certain vocational training) may fall to the student; such costs, if charged, are limited to direct acquisition cost and are specific to the course.
- Uniforms: Katedralskolan does not require a school uniform as a general rule; no uniform fee is imposed. If specific clothing or protective kit is required for a particular programme (e.g., vocational protective clothing), that cost can be charged or requested of the student where appropriate for the course.
- Insurance: pupils are covered by the municipality's accident insurance; there is no separate insurance fee charged to pupils for the standard accident cover provided by the municipality.

Refund information

- There are no tuition or application fees to refund because Katedralskolan does not levy those charges.
- For paid voluntary activities or purchased items (study trips, optional materials, private course extras), refund handling is done according to the terms set for that specific activity or purchase; refunds for such items are processed in accordance with the organiser's or municipal invoicing rules for that activity.

Fee payment options

- Since the school does not bill tuition or application fees, routine tuition payment methods are not applicable.
- When charges are issued for voluntary activities or optional items, those charges are generally invoiced and must be paid according to the invoice terms; questions about payment and invoices are handled via the municipality's contact channels. Typical municipal payment methods include invoice / e‑invoice and bank payment arrangements consistent with municipal billing practice. For questions about individual invoices or payment options contact the school or the municipality's contact centre.

Summary (practical points for a parent)

- No application fee, no tuition fees for any gymnasium year — SEK 0 per term and SEK 0 per year for Years 1–3.
- School meals and required core textbooks/learning materials are provided without charge in Skara.
- No school-run boarding is offered; therefore no boarding fees apply.
- Occasional voluntary costs (study trips, optional course extras, specialised equipment) may be charged separately and will be billed for that activity only; payment and refund terms for those items follow the specific activity's invoicing rules.
Academics

Katedralskolan Skara teaches IB (DP), Bespoke Curriculum.

Curriculum
International Baccalaureate (IB) is taught in English at Katedralskolan Skara, with language subjects available in Swedish and other modern languages. The program provides a broad, internationally oriented education across six subjects from different disciplines. Students complete an Extended Essay and participate in Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) as part of the Diploma requirements. The IB diploma is university-preparatory and opens doors to top universities worldwide. There is an option to combine IB studies with Local Sports Education (LIU). The program has a modern direction, including a social sciences specialization, Digital Societies, and Environmental Systems and Societies to reflect current global needs.

Higher Education Progression
IB diploma opens doors to top universities worldwide. The program prepares students for studies at international universities, with emphasis on critical thinking and global awareness. It is designed to provide academic breadth and depth to support higher education opportunities globally. The diploma is a recognized credential that supports admission to universities around the world.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school supports holistic development through Mer än bara studier, including Idrott + studier (an academy for sport and health), Internationellt (international opportunities), Labbet – naturvetenskapligt laboratorium (a science laboratory), and UF – Ung företagsamhet (entrepreneurship).

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Speciallärare provide extra support for learners needing help due to learning difficulties, disabilities or other challenges; Specialpedagog works to create a good learning environment and helps students develop study techniques.

Mental Wellbeing
The school has an elevhälsoteam that provides support in various ways; a skolsköterska (school nurse) offers health visits and wellbeing guidance; a skolkurator (school counselor) provides emotional and practical support and can connect students with external services; a heltidsmentor (full-time mentor) promotes attendance and wellbeing in collaboration with staff.

Safeguarding
Specialists provide contact with students: Speciallärare (special teacher), Specialpedagog (special educator), Studie- och yrkesvägledare (study and career counselor), Skolsköterska (school nurse), Skolkurator (school counselor), and Heltidsmentor (full-time mentor). Staff can facilitate contact with external organizations such as ungdomsmottagningen (youth clinic) or socialtjänsten (social services).
Parent Experience

History
The school has existed in Skara since the 1200s, adjacent to Skara Cathedral. In 1641 it became one of Sweden's first gymnasiums by a decision of Queen Christina. For about a hundred years it resided in a brick building by architect Helgo Zettervall, today Skaras Stadshus just south of the cathedral. In 1972 the school moved to its current premises about 1 km east of the city center. The school has rich traditions linked to the student examination, including Musikens Vänner (MV) from 1887 and Octo Puellae (OP) from 1977, and many notable Skaradjäknar have studied here.

Community
The school has an active student life featuring Student Ambassadors who share their experiences and Student Democracy. There are long-standing student associations, including Musikens Vänner (MV) and Octo Puellae (OP), as well as the Student Council and various sports clubs. The facilities display artworks dating from the 1600s onward, reflecting the school's cultural heritage.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school offers a dedicated sports academy and a high‑level science laboratory, alongside international and entrepreneurial programs. LIU (Local Sports Education) enables students to combine sport with studies and provides coaching across many sports, with access to a swimming pool and a gym and breakfast after sessions. RIG cycling is Sweden's national cycling high school, offering elite cycling opportunities in parallel with study through a collaboration with the national federation. Labbet, a natural sciences laboratory, gives students the chance to conduct university‑level experiments with advanced instruments, including an electron microscope and astronomical equipment. The International Baccalaureate program is taught in English, and UF (Young Entrepreneurship) teaches students to start, run, and wind up a company.

Sports Facilities
Facilities include a swimming pool and a gym for LIU activities. LIU offers coaching in handball, football, floorball, ice hockey, and figure skating, with group sessions and an option for individual plans if another sport is pursued. The RIG cycling program is Sweden's national cycling high school, enabling elite cyclists to study while training at a high level through a collaboration with the national federation. Students may participate in other sports through an individual arrangement. The combination of sport and study is supported through structured programming and access to dedicated athletic facilities.

Academic Facilities
Labbet – natural sciences laboratory provides a university‑level environment with advanced instruments, including electronic microscopes and astronomical equipment. NA and IB students can conduct much of their practical work there, while students on other programs can use the laboratory for relevant science courses. The lab is part of a broader university‑in‑miniature ethos at Katedralskolan. The IB program is taught in English, preparing students for global studies and university coursework.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Idrott + studier offers LIU, the Local Sports Education pathway, with a broad range of sports and structured coaching, plus access to gym facilities and group sessions. The school hosts RIG cycling, Sweden's national cycling high school, for elite student‑athletes. UF – Ung Företagsamhet provides practical entrepreneurship education where students start, run, and wind up a company. The school supports international activities and language‑focused programs through the IB program and related exchanges. Labbet provides hands‑on science opportunities that complement extracurricular science interests.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school has Labbet, the natural science laboratory, a facility for high-level scientific investigations with advanced instruments. The school has NA and IB students conducting most practical work there, and other programs have access to the lab for science courses. The facility develops both theoretical understanding and hands-on laboratory skills through university-level experiments. The school has UF - Ung Företagsamhet, which teaches students to start, run and wind up a company.

Arts & Creative
The school has Estetiska programmet with Dans and Teater tracks. It provides in-depth training in performing arts, including costumes, makeup, scenography, and marketing. Students collaborate on productions and present performances to a live audience. The program is flexible and allows additional coursework to strengthen university eligibility, preparing students for further studies in dance, theatre, or related fields.

Cultural & Language
The school has International Baccalaureate (IB) program, taught in English, with Swedish and modern languages offered. Students study six subjects, complete an Extended Essay, and participate in Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS). The IB prepares students for higher education at international universities and opens doors worldwide. LIU – Local idrottsutbildning can be combined with the IB program to study sports alongside academics.

Social & Hobbies
The school has UF - Ung Företagsamhet, teaching students to start, run and wind up a company. Forty percent of students at Katedralen run UF companies. UF is implemented on Economics, Sales & Service, Vehicle & Energy, and Technology programs, and can be taken as an elective on other programs. These activities promote teamwork and practical business skills.

Community & Service
The school has CAS (Creativity, Activity and Service) as part of the IB program, fostering community involvement and service. CAS requires students to undertake projects that involve creativity, activity and service. IB emphasizes social responsibility and community impact through CAS projects. Participation occurs in local and global contexts as part of the program.

Leadership & Professional
The school has UF, which fosters leadership and entrepreneurial skills by requiring students to start and manage a company. Students work in teams, develop business ideas, and receive mentorship as part of UF. The school collaborates with local businesses and the community to support UF projects. UF is a cross-program initiative across multiple programs.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
The school has LIU – Local idrottsutbildning that lets students combine sport with studies, offering a wide range of sports coached by experienced instructors. The school has RIG – Sweden's only national sports high school for cycling, enabling elite cyclists to study while training. Shared training sessions, access to the swimming pool and gym, and breakfast after sessions are part of the program. The school has Elevhälsa, a student health team that supports sleep, diet, exercise and overall wellbeing, including a special educator, school nurse, counselor and mentor.
Languages

Language Provision
Courses are taught in English, except for Swedish and modern-language courses. In Sweden, the IB program is three years. Merit courses in modern languages are available (step 3 and possibly 4-5 if you study the language all three years).

Bilingual Teaching
The IB program uses English as the language of instruction for most courses; Swedish and modern-language courses are taught in Swedish.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Applications are submitted between the start of the January term and February 1, using the password provided by the guidance counselor. Residents of Skaraborg apply to Katedralskolan through Utbildning Skaraborg's admissions process. The password from the guidance counselor is required when submitting the application. The dates must be followed to ensure the application is considered.

2. Mid-April you can log in online to see if you have been preliminarily admitted based on your grades from the autumn term. The preliminary admission is provisional and based on those grades. The online result indicates your current status in the process.

3. During the omvalsperiod (April 15 to May 15) you can change your program selections. This is your opportunity to adjust your choices. Changes must be submitted within this period.

4. On July 1 you can log in online to see your final admission decision based on your grades from the spring term. The admission letter states where and when you have been admitted. Remember to respond online to your admission no later than July 25.

5. For applicants living outside Skaraborg: If you study at a school outside Skaraborg and want to apply to Katedralskolan, contact the guidance counselor at your school. They will inform you about the applicable rules and how to proceed. Follow the guidance provided to ensure the process proceeds smoothly.

6. Admissions tests for the Arts Programme and IB: When applying to the Arts Programme and International Baccalaureate (IB), you are invited to an admissions test and interview. The tests and interviews are part of the selection process. Details are provided on the respective program pages.
School Events
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