The city of Oslo has announced plans to close five additional schools due to decreasing student enrollment and a challenging municipal budget. The proposal, presented by Oslo’s Education Agency (Utdanningsetaten – UDE), affects the schools Trosterud, Maridalen, Sørkedalen, Nordpolen, and Møllergata.
Fewer students and economic constraints drive closures
The closures come amid a sustained decline in the number of school-age children, a trend consistent across Norway. Oslo alone anticipates a drop of nearly 3,000 primary school students by 2028. The financial pressures on Oslo Municipality are also significant, prompting the city to cut costs by reducing investment in infrastructure rather than compromising the quality of education.
“Trosterud, Nordpolen, and Møllergata schools are located in areas with considerable excess capacity. Møllergata, Sørkedalen, and Maridalen schools currently have low student numbers,” explained Oslo’s Education Agency.
Historical institutions face uncertain futures
Møllergata skole, one of Oslo’s oldest schools dating back to 1861, is among those slated for closure, marking the end of an educational legacy spanning over 160 years. Similarly, Nordpolen skole, established in 2012 following the renovation of the former Sandaker secondary school, may now revert to a high school.
Oslo’s Education Agency has also proposed scrapping several planned expansions and new constructions at schools including Hoff, Frysja, Verdensparken, Holtet, and Mortensrud. However, no secondary schools will be affected by these plans.
Potential savings of 20 billion NOK for Oslo schools
The restructuring plan, covering the period from 2026 to 2045, is projected to save the city around 20 billion Norwegian kroner (€1.75 billion). “In a period of declining student numbers and tighter budgets, we prefer saving on buildings rather than compromising activities inside classrooms,” said Marte Gerhardsen, Director of Oslo’s Education Agency.
Gerhardsen emphasized the importance of maintaining high-quality education, ensuring a smooth transition for students affected by the closures. “We understand that many people are upset today, but we promise good transitions and high standards of education at their new schools,” she reassured.
Community reactions and next steps
The announcement is expected to provoke strong reactions from students, parents, and communities. Oslo’s Education Agency has opened a consultation period until May 14, allowing stakeholders to express their concerns. The final proposal will be submitted to the City Council (bystyret) in June, with decisions expected in December alongside the city’s 2026 budget.
