Sigtuna boarding school faces inspection after abuse reports

Sweden’s Schools Inspectorate has launched an inspection of Sigtunaskolan Humanistiska läroverket, a boarding school in Sigtuna, following reports of abuse, SVT reports. Boarding chief Mazdak Sarvari appeared on SVT’s Morgonstudion to address criticism of the school.

Three young men have been remanded in custody on suspicion of serious offences, including aggravated sexual molestation and aggravated assault. Two others are suspected of assault and unlawful coercion. Several of the alleged offences are linked to the school’s boarding houses.

The inspectorate will examine whether the school has done enough to prevent abuse. “The Education Act is very clear that those who run schools must work systematically to ensure that schools are free from harassment. If new cases of harassment occur, the operator must carry out new analyses,” inspectorate director-general Marie Axelsson said on Morgonstudion.

If the investigation finds that the school did not do enough, the inspectorate can impose a fine or temporarily close it. Because the school is privately run, the inspectorate can also revoke its approval, which would mean it could no longer operate, Axelsson said.

The inspection is separate from the police investigation into the suspected offences.