Sweden's 2025 PISA Results Reveal Historic Decline in Student Performance

The 2025 PISA assessment has revealed a significant drop in educational performance among Swedish 15-year-olds, marking the lowest scores recorded since the evaluation began in 2000. Swedish students scored an average of 464 in mathematics, a decline of 18 points from 2022, and 466 in reading comprehension, which fell by 21 points, the sharpest drop across subjects. Science scores decreased from 493 to 485 but were not statistically significant. This decline translates to about a year’s loss in knowledge development for students. Approximately one-third of Swedish students now fail to meet the OECD's basic proficiency levels in reading and mathematics. About 19.4% of students perform poorly across all three subjects, and 31% struggle with foundational reading tasks.

Experts indicate that these results reflect broader international trends, with all Nordic countries experiencing similar downturns though countries like Singapore and Japan maintain strong performances. Education Minister Simona Mohamson connected part of the decline to increased screen time, warning of a ‘screen pandemic’ that risks producing a generation of functionally illiterate individuals if unchecked. She emphasized a renewed focus on physical books to revive reading skills. Anna Castberg, head of analysis at the Swedish National Agency for Education, highlighted the seriousness of the decline in reading and numeracy skills critical for school, daily life, and societal participation.

Researcher Samuel Sollerman from Stockholm University expressed concern over growing educational inequalities, noting that low-performing students are losing ground and may not be investing enough effort, as indicated by their tendency to answer questions rapidly and incorrectly. The report also pointed out socioeconomic disparities affecting student outcomes, with students from disadvantaged backgrounds facing challenges such as poor study environments and less access to skilled teachers. This educational segregation compounds the overall decline, calling for urgent political action to ensure equitable opportunities.

Despite these alarming trends, Sweden’s performance still aligns with OECD averages, reflecting a shared challenge among industrialized nations. The 2025 results arrive amidst Sweden’s election campaign but represent long-term trends rather than immediate government policies. The findings underscore the complexity of factors influencing education today, including shifting reading habits, increased digital engagement, and the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, despite Sweden’s decision to keep schools open during that period.

The nation faces a critical juncture in addressing these setbacks to prevent enduring consequences for student learning and societal equity. Continued assessments and targeted reforms are essential to reverse this worrying trajectory in Swedish education.