Ever wondered how a school can educate generations? Bladins gymnasium has been a cornerstone of Malmö education since 1874.
Bladins gymnasium stands as one of Sweden’s oldest independent schools. It has a rich history. The school isn’t just one entity. It is seven different operations across Rönneholm, Stadiongatan, and Själlandstorget near Pildammsparken. Around 1600 children and teens attend Bladins’ preschools and schools every day.
Initially, Bladins gymnasium began as an elementary school. This school was meant to supplement the public school system. The name “Bladins” was adopted in 1957. A lot happened in 1967. The school expanded to include a Montessori preschool, a regular preschool, primary school, upper secondary school, an international school, and two after-school programs.
The international school emerged in 1987. This was when Kockums secured a contract. They would build submarines for the Australian navy. A school was needed for the Australian children accompanying their parents working on the submarine project in Malmö.
Bladins gymnasium provides three programs. There is a science program with a research profile. Also, it has a social science program emphasizing international relations, plus another social science program focused on behavior. Roughly 200 students attend the gymnasium.
The school’s logo tells a story. It features a lily in the coat of arms. This was inspired by a secondary school teacher named Lilja. Lilja means “lily” in Swedish. She became Bladins’ first principal. Vilhelm Bladin lent his name to the school. He served as principal until the mid-1950s.
In 1969, the Foundation Bladins School was established. Its purpose was to ensure the school’s financial stability. The school continues to operate as a foundation today.
Bladins International School of Malmö is an authorized IB World School. It is connected to the International Baccalaureate Organisation. The organization has approved it to teach the Middle Years Programme for children aged eleven to sixteen. Since 2000, it has also been approved to teach the Primary Years Programme for children aged three to eleven. Over 500 students from 45 countries attend BISM. They are taught in English by native English-speaking teachers.
In 2009, Bladins acquired the former Kronborgsskolan and Parkskolan in Malmö. Bladins International School then moved from its buildings in Rönneholm to this new section of the school. Since 2022, Bladins International School of Malmö has been located at Stadiongatan 25 E, while Bladins primary school is at Själlandstorget. Bladins upper secondary school is located in Rönneholmsgården.
Bladins prides itself on recruiting creative and dedicated teachers. It has always been led by enthusiastic principals and supporting staff. The “Bladins spirit” developed over time and it still lives on. Bladins gymnasium has a long tradition of education as one of Sweden’s oldest independent schools.