Norwegian school tests show grade-eight gains alongside a longer-term gap

Norway’s 2026 national tests show improved numeracy among eighth-grade pupils for a second consecutive year, the education ministry reported on 12 November. The share reaching the two highest proficiency levels rose 1.7 percentage points from 2025, although performance remained below 2022.

Reading also improved in eighth grade: the proportion at the lowest levels fell by almost two percentage points. The share at the two highest levels remained five percentage points below 2022. English results declined compared with the previous year.

Fifth-grade results changed little overall. The ministry highlighted geographic differences: the proportion at the lowest reading level ranged from 21% in Oslo to more than 32% in Østfold, Nordland and Finnmark. The release compares annual pupil cohorts across the national tests.