Back2School: a Norwegian intervention to boost student attendance
Official title: Optimization and Testing Effectiveness of a Collaborative Intervention for School Attendance Problems in Norwegian Municipalities
Run by Norwegian University of Science and Technology · NCT07463001 · Data updated 2026-11-12
The study tests whether the Back2School program helps 9–15‑year-olds with low attendance in Norway, by starting the program now for half the participants and after 13 weeks for the other half, with both groups following the same school-supported plan.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 9 Years to 15 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 240 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Norwegian University of Science and Technology Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Bergen and 3 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 10, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2028 |
| Study ends | March 1, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | October 15, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07463001 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Children and adolescents aged 9–15 years with less than 80% school attendance in the past 12 weeks, with at least one Norwegian‑speaking parent willing to participate, and where the school agrees to participate.
✕Probably not a fit
Participants whose attendance issues are driven by factors outside the program scope or who require acute psychiatric intervention may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized study adapts the Back2School program for Norwegian conditions to help students with ongoing attendance problems. Eligible participants are 9 to 15 years old with less than 80% attendance in the prior 12 weeks and at least one Norwegian-speaking parent who is willing to participate. After consent, eligibility screening, and randomization, the intervention begins with a school‑based assessment and a collaboratively developed plan, followed by 13 weeks of joint work among the youth, family, and school via a municipal team. Assessments occur after the 13‑week program and again at 6 months to measure attendance outcomes. All participants receive the intervention, with the control group delayed by 13 weeks to allow comparison of immediate versus delayed start.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could improve school attendance and related outcomes for students with attendance problems.
How similar studies have gone: Previous similar approaches using collaborative, school‑based interventions have shown promise, though this Norwegian adaptation is novel in its specific delivery model and setting.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Participants must be between the ages of 9 and 15 at the time of enrollment. 2. Participants must have less than 80% attendance for the last 12 weeks of school at the time of screening. 3. At least one parent has to talk and understand Norwegian. 4. At least one parent has to be motivated to participate. 5. The school must agree to participate in the intervention Exclusion Criteria: 1 The participant has a known diagnosis of autism-spectrum disorder, psychosis, and/or eating disorder. 2\. Participant needs acute psychiatric intervention.
Where it's running
-
NORCE, RKBU Vest
Bergen, Norway Recruiting -
Pilar, Regionsenter for barn og unges psykiske helse
Oslo, Norway Recruiting -
UIT, RKBU Nord
Tromsø, Norway Recruiting -
Norwegian University of Scinece and Technology
Trondheim, Norway Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jo Magne Ingul, phd — Norwegian University of Science and Technology
- Study coordinator: Jo M Ingul, phd
- Email: jo.m.ingul@ntnu.no
- Phone: +4792869163
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.