Katedralskolan, Linköping

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Katedralskolan's logo with motto - Tradition and Development

Katedralskolan (literally The Cathedral School), in Linköping, Sweden, is a secondary school which offers Swedish programmes in Social Sciences and Natural Sciences as well as the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme which was started in 2001. The very first class to graduate with IB Diplomas from the school, in 2004, achieved the highest average score in Sweden with 36. The school is run by Linköping Municipality.

Having been founded in 1627, it is the third oldest gymnasium in Sweden, after the Rudbeckianska gymnasiet in Västerås and Thomasgymnasiet in Strängnäs. Its name comes from its proximity to Linköping Cathedral.

The current building was finalised in 1914 and renovated in 1999. The school is famous for its Assembly Hall, which features wall paintings of Gustav II Adolf, king at the time of the school's foundation, and Aristotle.

Katedralskolan is proud of its traditions but seeks to stay up to date, as reflected in is motto: "tradition and development". Its affinity for tradition is evident in its logo which says Gymnasium Lincopense, the latin name used at the time when Katedralskolan was the only school in Linköping.

In accordance with its commitment to international cooperation, it also maintains exchange programmes with schools in Herborn, Germany, the lycée de l'Elorn,Landerneau, France and Scarborough, England, Linköping's sister city Joensuu, Finland, and Spain.

The school has many societies. Sällskapet för vitterhet och hävd - Eranos (known as VH-E), dedicated to history, literature and philosophy, has been residents to the school since 1795 and counts many famous names amongst its members, such as Jöns Jacob Berzelius and Tage Danielsson. VH-E is an exclusive society open only to those who are proven worthy, which is necessary in order to protect the over 200 year old heritage. Another prestigious society is the Natural Scientific Society (Naturvetenskapliga sällskapet, Natve). It is open only to male students studying the Natural Sciences. Former members include Nobel Laureate Hugo Theorell. The Natural Scientific Society used to be responsible for electing the school Lucia. Kretteln is the school magazine which in earlier days was widely read in Linköping but now is mostly a forum for gossip. Other societies include a vibrant school club of the Moderate Youth League - the Moderate Party won both mock elections in 2002. Another society is the school-choir "Frukostklubben". The choir sings at different occasions such as "Lucia", "Advent" and all the commencements.

Gösta Björn was principal for more than 20 years and is still mentioned in the school song, called Katedralsången. Now Brittmarie Andersson is the headmaster, but Gösta will always be remembered!

The school enjoys a fierce rivalry with nearby Berzeliusskolan, which ironically is named after Katedralskolan alumnus Jöns Jacob Berzelius. Katedralskolan has a reputation for being posh, while Berzeliuskolan is seen as more scholarly.