The aim of this study is to compare Sweden and Finland with regards to the education systems in each country. The comparison is made based on three factors that can explain the different outcomes in the Swedish and Finnish schools. The three factors are: the education system, the curricula in upper secondary school, and the teacher's professional status. Inherent from these factors, the following three questions will be answered:

1. What are the similarities and differences between the Swedish and Finnish education systems?

2. What are the similarities and differences between the Swedish and Finnish school curricula in upper secondary school?

3. Is there any difference between the teacher's professional status in Swedish and Finnish schools?

In the analysis, applies the theories: Freidson's three logicians and the pedagogical reform movement Global Education Reform Movement, GERM. Research and analysis are based on articles from Swedish and Finnish researchers, debate articles and teacher magazines. By applying a comparative analysis approach, the factors were used to compare the similarities and differences between both countries.

The main difference between Sweden and Finland is that they have two different educational systems. The Finnish education system has achieved a success because of their own structured system. They do not follow the Global Education Reform Movement that the Swedish education system does. Another difference between Sweden and Finland is about the teacher's professional status. The professional position for the Swedish teachers has failed. The explanation why is that the bureaucracy but more importantly the market has taken over the role of teacher and affected their professional status. Finland, instead, has a high professionalism when it comes to the teacher’s professional status. An example of similarity between Sweden and Finland is that the school curricula in upper secondary school have the same values and the purpose of the education.

In conclusion, Finland has a better approach in their educational system that differentiates itself from GERM.