In English

"Optimum duo mundi"

The Norwegian School in London is an English independent school that follows the Norwegian curriculum. The school’s philosophy is that pupils should experience "the best of both worlds." This means that even if the school follows the Norwegian curriculum, the teaching, where possible and appropriate, is given in English.

"The English lessons are much better
than in Norway
because more teachers are English.
And it helps that you have to use
English in daily life, too."
Pupil



The school is small with mixed-age classes that cover the Norwegian curriculum for 6 to 16-year olds (year 1-10). There is also a nursery for 3-5 year old children.

"It's a good, close and quiet environment
and I think that almost everyone at the school knows each other.
Everyone is friends and no-one is excluded."
Pupil


The school adheres to Norwegian culture and Norwegian values and traditions, all the while aiming for a strong focus on the English language, history and heritage. The school aims to collaborate and be involved in activities with other English schools and pupils. This means that students have a unique opportunity to compare their own and other cultural traditions which in turn will enrich their insight and experience, and encourage understanding of other ways of thinking and acting.

"The teacher only speaks English
and I feel we learn quicker that way
because we have to understand what she is saying."
Pupil



The Curriculum

Teaching at all levels is based on the Norwegian National Curriculum. English is extensively taught at all levels.

Main focus areas for the Nursery School

Subjects taught in year 1-4

Subjects taught in year 5-10

The natural choice for Norwegian families

The school's vision is that it should be the natural choice for Norwegian families living in London. Families should choose the school because of its high quality, as well as its knowledge, security, commitment and creativity.

The school has a good and unique learning environment with small classes and a high pupil-teacher ratio. This means that all teaching is tailored to each pupil's individual ability and needs, whether they need extra assistance or greater challenges.

To be clever is a positive thing and the goal of the school is to inspire all students to want to learn more.

"Teachers respect the pupils here
and ask for their opinion."
Pupil

The school is distinctively a living organisation. It wants to quickly be able to change in keeping with new demands from its environment, primarily outlined by the British and Norwegian authorities. In addition, the school environment is defined by everybody that works together to create it: pupils, teachers, other staff, guardians and collaborators.

ICT (Information and Communication Technology) is actively used in most subjects as a resource and tool.

We put high value on courtesy and mutual respect.

"Teachers listen to pupils here
more than in Norway.
If they listen to us, we'll listen to them
and we'll behave better."
Pupil

The time that pupils and staff spend at the school should be perceived as a valuable investment in the development of their own and others' skills.


The Governors

The Board of Governors represents the owners "The Norwegian School in London Ltd." which is a registered English charity established in 1981. The Board of Governors is the school's highest governing body and is responsible for the running of the school in accordance with both British and Norwegian law. The school’s Governors are unpaid. State grants and student fees are to benefit students and their education. Unused revenues may be set aside for maintenance and other investment purposes according to specific guidelines laid out in the Norwegian Private School Act.

The Board of Governors is responsible to the Norwegian authorities that the school is operated within the approved framework given by the Private School Act. The Governors are fully responsible for the foundation's overall financial situation and is to plan, implement and report financial strategies, annual budgets and accounts to the British and Norwegian authorities.

The Governors are responsible for school property and is the employer of all staff positions. In addition, it ensures that the Norwegian School in London continues to emerge as a popular educational service, and that long-term plans regarding the school's operation are put into force.


School History

The Norwegian School in London is an English independent school approved and partially funded by the Norwegian authorities. It is owned by a charity, "The Norwegian School in London Ltd".

The school started in autumn 1980 in rented premises of an English school. On the 9th March 1982 the newly acquired school building in Arterberry Road in Wimbledon officially opened. The building dates from the mid 1800s but has been refurbished and extended numerous times. The building was last renovated in 2010, and the playground in 2008.