Upper secondary education

The county authority is responsible for upper secondary education in Oppland. In the Norwegian education system upper secondary education consists of 3 years for academic programmes or 4-5 years for vocational programmes which includes training in working life. According to the Education Act the aim of upper secondary education is “to develop the skills, understanding and responsibility that prepare pupils for life at work and in society, and assist the pupils and apprentices in their personal development.”

Since 1994 all young people, age 16 to 19, have a statutory right to 3 years of upper secondary education. From 2006 pupils can choose from one general study programme area qualifying for higher education, and from 9 vocational study programmes. All study programmes provide education qualifying for college or university studies (for those completing a general study programme), or provides a craft or journeyman’s certificate, for those completing a vocational study programme.

Oppland county authority runs 14 upper secondary schools and 2 folk high schools with students in the age group 16-21. The schools offer general and vocational education. The county authority is also responsible for apprenticeship training and adult education.