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Örebro school reopens at Campus Risbergska in central Sweden, six months after the mass shooting on 4 February 2025 that left ten people dead. The perpetrator, a former adult-education student, died by suicide, and investigators have not presented a clear motive for his actions.
The campus, which had remained closed during police investigations and extensive refurbishment, resumed classes on Monday, 18 August, with new security measures in place and a visibly changed atmosphere.
What is Campus Risbergska
Campus Risbergska is a komvux (adult-education centre) in Örebro, serving students enrolled in upper secondary-level courses, Swedish-for-immigrants programmes, and vocational training. The campus is located in former high-school facilities and has historically welcomed a diverse body of learners.
After the February shooting, the entire site was closed for months as police conducted their investigation, followed by extensive cleaning and refurbishment. With its reopening for the autumn term, Risbergska seeks to move forward, even as the memory of the tragedy continues to shape daily life on campus.
Örebro school reopening: security upgrade and new protocols
Örebro municipality has not only renovated classrooms and common areas but also redesigned how people access the campus. Authorities describe the transition from an open to a locked school, with a staffed main entrance, coded entry for enrolled students, and extra personnel assigned to monitor and manage the daily flow.
Staff rooms now feature peepholes for added visibility, while curtains have been fitted to classroom windows to allow teachers and students to block sightlines if needed. These upgrades, although simple, are intended to help the school community regain a sense of safety in a place deeply marked by violence.
Students return amid trauma and support services
For many, returning to Campus Risbergska has been a difficult emotional step. A student described the experience as “returning to a crime scene,” underlining the lasting impact of the tragedy. To address these concerns, the school has reinforced its on-site support system by hiring additional staff who can provide psychological assistance and everyday guidance.
Teachers are also receiving support to help them manage both their own emotions and the needs of their students. Officials in Örebro stress that education cannot resume as if nothing happened, and that a long-term effort is required to help rebuild trust and confidence among learners and staff.
From open campus to locked school: what changes at Campus Risbergska
The new organisational model restricts external access and directs all entry through a single controlled point, which will be staffed throughout the day. Internal procedures have also been updated. There are clearer shelter-in-place guidelines, restricted circulation between different buildings, and reinforced doors in offices and sensitive areas.
The municipality explains that these measures are not meant to transform the school into a fortress but to ensure that students and employees can carry out daily activities without constant fear. By combining learning continuity with visible protection, the aim is to balance openness with a realistic sense of security.
Sweden’s school safety debate after Örebro
The attack at Campus Risbergska, one of Sweden’s deadliest incidents of school violence, has significantly influenced the national debate on how to ensure school security while preserving trust in educational institutions. Questions have emerged over whether Swedish schools, traditionally open and accessible, now need to rethink their approach to safety.
Politicians, educators and parents are discussing how much emphasis should be placed on physical protection compared to preventive measures such as improved mental health services and early intervention. The reopening in Örebro is expected to serve as a reference point for other municipalities that may introduce similar measures.
