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Växjö Katedralskola

Sweden, Vaxjo

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees Fees not listed
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 1400
Type Co-educational
Opened 1341
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP)
Taught languages English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Swedish
Strengths Visual and Creative Arts, Service and Sustainability, Languages
Clubs Arts and Creative, Community and Service, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Secondary School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

Växjö Katedralskola is a co-educational upper-secondary school in Växjö, Sweden, operated by Växjö Municipality. It offers national programmes alongside the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, taught mainly in English. The IB DP comprises six subjects and the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge and Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS), with two profiles: Social and Natural Sciences. National tracks include Economiprogrammet, Estetiska programmet, Humanistiska programmet, Naturvetenskapsprogrammet, Samhällsvetenskapsprogrammet and Introduktionsprogram. Naturvetenskapsprogrammet offers two tracks and language options such as French, Italian, Japanese, Spanish and German. Facilities include a Study Centre connected to the Library, a noise-reducing classroom and laptops for students, plus raised desks for accessibility. Ramps and lifts ensure access; sports take place at Araby Park Arena, with transportation provided. Elevhälsan and a Pastoral Care Team support wellbeing. The school is a World School, with meals and resources provided as part of the programme for international-minded learners and families in Sweden and Europe.

Samuel Ödmanns väg 1, 352 39 Växjö, Sweden

The Essentials

Växjö Katedralskola has 1,400 pupils, instruction in English.

Location
Växjö Katedralskola is in Växjö, Sweden. The campus address is Samuel Ödmanns väg 1, Växjö. It is part of Växjö kommun. Parking is limited, and cycling or public transport is encouraged.

Stages
The school is an upper secondary (gymnasieskola) with about 1,300 students across six programmes: Aesthetic Programme (ES), Classical (Arts) Programme (HU), Economy Programme (EK), International Baccalaureate (IB), Natural Science Programme (NA) and Social Science Programme (SA). The IB is offered as an international Diploma.

Type
Co-educational upper secondary school operated by Växjö Municipality.

Additional learning support
Study and career guidance is provided by study and career counselors.

Country affiliation
Sweden.

School day structure
The school is open 07:30–16:30. The cafeteria operates 07:45–15:00, with lunch served 13:00–13:30. On Fridays, the day ends at 14:30.
Diving Deeper

Food Options
Mealtimes are an important part of our operations and should be a positive overall experience. The cafeteria is open during school hours. Information about meals, special diets and the menu is available via the Mat och matsedel page.

Governance and Ownership
Owned and operated by Växjö municipality (Växjö kommun).
Fees
Application fees

- There is no application fee to apply to Växjö Katedralskolan for entry to the municipal gymnasium.

Tuition fees (by school year and term)

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

The education provided by Växjö Katedralskola as a municipal (kommunal) gymnasium is not subject to tuition charges; no recurring tuition or per-term schooling fees are charged to enrolled students.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- When charges do occur (for example for voluntary activities, facility hires, rented resources or externally billed services), billing and payment follow Växjö kommun's invoicing and payment rules and are handled through the municipality's billing procedures. Specific payment terms (due dates, reminders, debt-collection rules) are set according to the municipality's invoicing guidelines.

Boarding fees (if applicable)

- Växjö Katedralskola does not operate boarding or school-run student accommodation; there are no boarding fees charged by the school. Any student accommodation arrangements would be separate from the school's regular provision.

Other costs and typical additional charges

- School meals and cafeteria purchases: meal provision is organised by the school/municipal meal service. Whether a cost applies and the amount (if any) is determined by the municipality and by the type of meal service used; such purchases are charged separately when applicable.

- Study trips, course-related excursions, materials and protective clothing: certain voluntary or course-specific items (for example study trips, materials for practical courses, specific protective clothing or tools for vocational courses) can incur charges. Each activity's requirements and any associated charge are communicated to families in advance and billed per the municipality's billing procedures.

- Examinations / prövning: students may request prövning (re-sit or external course assessment). Prövning availability and schedules are provided by the school; any fees for special/extra arrangements follow applicable regulations and practice.

- Study grants and travel cards (not fees but relevant to student finances): students who meet eligibility rules receive national study support (CSN) and, when eligible by distance, the school arranges travel cards for Växjö-resident students as described by the school's study-economy guidance.

- Insurance and device terms: the municipality provides collective accident insurance for pupils and has specific terms for school-issued devices (warranty/insurance coverage for school laptops and warranty terms for tablets). Families are notified of device handling rules and any liabilities for damage or loss.

Refund information

- Tuition and application refunds: not applicable because there are no tuition or application charges.

- Refunds for paid activities or services: refunds (or partial refunds) for voluntary paid activities, hired facilities or purchased services are handled according to the activity's terms and Växjö kommun's invoicing and cancellation rules; the municipality's rules include provisions on cancellations and debiting for booked services.

Fee payment options and instructions

- Any invoice or charge issued in connection with the school is processed through Växjö kommun's billing system; the invoice or payment notice specifies accepted payment methods and payment instructions. Common payment channels used by Swedish public bodies include invoice/bank transfer, e‑invoice and direct-debit arrangements (autogiro), and municipalities increasingly provide mobile/instant options such as Swish where implemented; the precise available methods for a given charge will be listed on that charge's invoice or payment notice.

Summary statement

- No application fee, no tuition fees for Years 1–3 (SEK 0 per term / SEK 0 per year). Charges may only arise for voluntary or course-specific items (meals where applicable, trips, materials, hired facilities, special examinations). Billing, payment terms and refund handling are administered by Växjö kommun according to municipal invoicing and cancellation rules.
Academics

Växjö Katedralskola teaches IB (DP).

Curriculum
Växjö Katedralskola offers upper-secondary education with multiple university-preparatory programs and the IB Diploma Programme. National programs include Economiprogrammet, Estetiska programmet, Humanistiska programmet, Naturvetenskapsprogrammet, Samhällsvetenskapsprogrammet and Introduktionsprogram. Classes are held at Katedralskolan and at Norrtullskolan, which serves as the esthetic center. The IB Diploma Programme is taught primarily in English and covers six subjects, plus the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Creativity–Activity–Service (CAS), with two profiles to choose from: Social Sciences and Natural Sciences. After completing the IB Diploma, students are eligible to apply for higher education in Sweden and many other countries. Naturvetenskapsprogrammet offers two tracks—Naturvetenskap and Naturvetenskap och samhälle—and language options including French, Italian, Japanese, Spanish and German.

Higher Education Progression
IB Diploma Programme provides general entry requirements for higher education in Sweden and abroad. The national programs offer both basic and, where applicable, specific eligibility for university studies in fields such as economics, law, languages, sciences and humanities. Naturvetenskapsprogrammet prepares for studies in medicine, veterinary medicine and engineering, and also supports pathways into economics, law and other subjects. Estetiska and Humanistiska programs prepare students for arts, humanities and language-focused degrees, and Ekonomiprogrammet provides a foundation for higher studies in economics, law and related fields.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
At Växjö Katedralskola you can be yourself. Differences are appreciated here as they contribute to a wonderful atmosphere that is unique in its own way. The school is large with many students and an open atmosphere, making it easy to meet new friends with the same interests. Even though the school is large, you will not disappear in the mass; you will be seen and it is easy to talk to anyone. The aim is to help you acquire positive knowledge, enjoy your time with us, and develop as a person.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The DP Access and Inclusion Policy is founded on the Swedish Education Act guaranteeing equality of educational opportunity and the United Nations Convention against Discrimination in Education. Växjö Municipality recognises the right of all young people to an education and is committed to inclusive learning arrangements relevant to their talents and challenges. Implementing these arrangements takes place in the classroom, with extra learning support after school hours, with learning support teachers, and with Academic Coaches; The Pastoral Care Team supports every step of the DP years, during which their learning is promoted, evaluated, and valued. To ensure the best learning environment and to minimise stress and financial concern, Växjö Municipality arranges access to the IB Diploma Programme without fees; Transportation, textbooks, computers, and school lunches are provided, with CSN financial support, or monthly financial support for full-time studies provided by the Swedish state. A range of physical and mental learning challenges can lead to inclusive arrangements, including sensory impairments, cognitive impairments, emotional impairments, health impairments, communication impairments, and specific learning disabilities. The school provides a Study Centre, and the DP Coordinator coordinates inclusive assessment arrangements; The IB may grant inclusive arrangements; The school uses individualized education plans.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The working language of the DP at Växjö Katedralskola is English; the language of instruction is English, with the exception of instruction in other languages, and the response language for assessment is English. Instruction support is provided in Swedish as a Second Language for Diploma students starting Year 1 with prior grades. Swedish as a Second Language Group 2 ab initio has been offered since August 2021; Diploma students arriving in Sweden may take Swedish as a Second Language parallel to the Diploma to qualify for university entry. The DP Coordinator coaches students on language choices; The school provides instruction in mother-tongue languages, dictionaries, and online language resources, and offers a digitalised translation service for school subjects. Languages available in the DP include English A Language and Literature; Group 2 Language Acquisition (English B, German B, Swedish B, Swedish B ab initio); The DP Student Language Profile helps improve language placement for Group 1 and Group 2. The school library provides texts in many languages and supports research across languages.

Mental Wellbeing
The Child- and Student Health Services support all Växjö municipal children and students to feel well, learn and develop. Within elevhälsan there are counselors, speech therapists, psychologists, school nurses, school doctors, and special educators who work with principals and teachers to create safe and accessible learning environments where each child and student receives support in learning, health and social development. The counselor supports students in social and emotional development and helps when relationships, absence, worry or conflicts affect school life, and can provide individual counseling. The school nurse monitors students health throughout their school years, offers health visits, vaccinations and discussions about health and lifestyle, and is often the first contact for health concerns. The psychologist collaborates with staff to promote wellbeing and can support staff with guidance, contributing to safe, supportive learning environments for students. There is a Study Centre near the library with quiet study spaces, and Elevhälsan is available to all Växjö kommun schools with confidential and inclusive care, including HBTQ-diplomering.

Safeguarding
The school conducts preventive work against discrimination and abusive treatment, based on the Discrimination Act and the School Act. The main goal is to completely prevent discrimination and other harmful treatment, ensuring that all students can come to school feeling safe and respected. Class councils discuss the physical and psychological work environment, and staff must inform the principal if discrimination or harassment is suspected or occurs; The school leadership ensures that staff, students and guardians are informed and trained on current laws and actions. Elevskydd, or student protection representatives, are appointed and trained. Preventive activities are carried out in consultation with the student council, including Love Week to promote a positive school climate. In cases of serious incidents, the Krisgrupp (crisis group) provides help and support, and includes school leadership and elevhälsa. A formal handling plan exists for discrimination or harassment, and complaints are reported to the authorities.
Parent Experience

History
Växjö Katedralskola traces its roots to Växjö's medieval school, with the first evidence of a school in Växjö dating to 1341 when Asrun Eriksdotter donated a gift to the students. The medieval school offered a lower trivium and a higher division for priest training, and teaching was conducted in Latin. In 1643 Växjö received gymnasium privileges, and Schola Catedralis – Katedralskolan was established with five lektorats in theology, Hebrew and Greek, rhetoric, physics and mathematics, and logic, poetry and music. A building near the church is described in 1654, and the Karolinergymnasiet building was completed in 1715 after construction during the Great Northern War. In 1849 reforms merged the gymnasium and the lower school into Växjö elementarläroverk (later Växjö högre allmänna läroverk); 1927 the school opened to female students; a Bauhaus-inspired building north of the bishop's residence Östrabo was inaugurated in 1958; today the school is a modern gymnasium with about 1,400 students and 130 staff, offering national study programs and the International Baccalaureate program, with IM-program started in autumn 2021.

Community
Katedralskolan fosters an inclusive community where students are encouraged to be themselves, and differences contribute to a positive atmosphere. The school provides study trips and international contacts as part of its programs, creating a globally oriented learning environment. Recent activities include participation in Yrkesdagen, the region's largest career fair for students, information meetings for parents of first-year students, welcome events for new first-year students, and the Lucia concert at Växjö Cathedral.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school offers the IB Diploma Programme as a World School. Ramps connect sports facilities, dining halls and all classrooms; lifts provide access to lockers, and keys operate lifts for students on crutches or in wheelchairs; other accommodations adapt the campus to the needs of all. A noise-reducing renovated classroom supports a student with hearing difficulties, and a Study Centre connected to the Library provides daily subject support with dedicated study areas for students who need help concentrating. The Pastoral Care Team supports students throughout their three years. The IB Diploma Programme includes transportation, textbooks, computers, and school lunches provided as part of the program.

Sports Facilities
The school does not have its own on-site sports hall; sports activities are conducted at Araby Park Arena, and students are bused to the venue.

Academic Facilities
A Study Centre connected to the Library provides daily teacher-supported sessions in most subjects throughout the week, and a noise-reducing classroom was renovated to support a student with hearing difficulties; the school provides laptops to support learning and raised desks for students with certain needs.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The school maintains an Environmental Safety Council with student representation (two students from each DP1 and DP2 class) and supports inclusive learning practices through the Pastoral Care Team.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The school has about 1,300 students spread over six programmes. The six programmes are Aesthetic Programme (ES), Classical (Arts) Programme (HU), Economy Programme (EK), International Baccalaureate (IB), Natural Science Programme (NA) and Social Science Programme (SA). The International Baccalaureate Diploma is offered. The Aesthetic and Classical (Arts) programmes prepare for higher education in aesthetic, humanistic and social science subjects, and the Economy, Natural Science and Social Science programmes prepare for higher education in related fields.

Arts & Creative
The Aesthetic Programme and the Classical (Arts) Programme are offered.

Leadership & Professional
Study and career advice at Växjö Katedralskola helps students make informed choices. Advisors cover groups NA and HU; ES, SA and IM; and EK and IB.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
All students have access to Elevhälsan (child and student health services), which includes counselors, speech therapists, psychologists, school nurses and a school doctor. Elevhälsan supports wellbeing, learning and social development and aims to create safe and accessible learning environments in collaboration with staff.
Languages

Language Provision
Group 1 studies in language and literature include English, Swedish, or literature in another language. Group 2 language acquisition includes English, German, Spanish, Swedish/Swedish ab initio. Swedish language placement requires Swedish A or Swedish as a second language 3 to qualify for Swedish universities for degrees taught through Swedish; Swedish is not required for degrees taught through English. Students without a grade in Swedish in Year 9 are not offered beginner Swedish lessons in Year 1 (Year 10) / Pre-Diploma year, and may take Swedish B SL ab initio in the two IB Diploma years.

Bilingual Teaching
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is offered at Växjö Katedralskola. A bilingual Diploma is awarded to candidates who complete two languages from the DP course studies in language and literature and achieve a grade of 3 or higher in both. Alternatively, a bilingual Diploma is awarded if a candidate earns a 3+ in language and literature and a 3+ in an individuals and societies or an experimental science subject completed in a different language.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Eligibility and basics: You are eligible to apply for gymnasial education if you are 19 years old or younger in the year you apply. You must have completed the compulsory school (grundskolan) or an equivalent education. 2. Application window and how to apply: The application portal opened on January 15, 2026. The last day to apply was February 15, 2026. You must use the online application portal (ansökningswebben) to submit your choices and you will receive login details from your study- and career counselor. 3. Provisional and final admission decisions: From April 15, 2026 you can view your provisional admission decision by logging into the application portal. Final admission decisions for the programs you applied to are published in Procapita on July 1, 2026, and you log in with your personal identity number; login credentials are provided by your study- and career counselor. 4. Digital program catalog and information: The digital gymnasieskatalog lists all programs and tracks available and provides information to help with your gymnasieval. 5. Mother-tongue instruction (modersmålsundervisning): If you will attend Växjö municipality's municipal upper secondary schools (Katedralskolan, Kungsmadskolan or Teknikum), apply for mother-tongue instruction via the e-service below, regardless of where you are registered. If you do not belong to those groups, contact your home municipality for information on how to apply for mother-tongue instruction. 6. How to proceed and who to contact: The admissions office is Gymnasieantagningen Växjö. Use the provided contact channels for questions about the admissions process. 7. Additional notes: Information about adapted upper secondary schooling (Anpassad gymnasieskola) and related pages exist to support specific needs.

Waitlist
If you are on the reserve list, you still have a chance to be admitted to your first-choice program during the reserve admissions, which runs from August 5 to August 31, 2026.
School Events
The school has not added events
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