Liv from Sigtuna awarded the Curt Nicolin Academic Award 2025

The Curt Nicolin Academic Achievement Award 2025 goes to Liv Berglund, who graduated from IB DP25 this spring.

The Curt Nicolin award recognizes the academic achievements of students on the IB Diploma Programme at SSHL.

Liv Berglund graduated this spring, and has achieved 41 points which was the highest score at SSHL last academic year. This means that Liv will receive a total prize sum of SEK 50,000.

Adrian Feehan, IB DP Coordinator at SSHL:

– We are immensely proud of all our IB Diploma students for their hard work, resilience, and commitment to excellence. Every student’s achievement is a testament to their determination and growth throughout the programme.

– And we are especially delighted to celebrate our Liv, who achieved an outstanding 41 points — an exceptional result that reflects both talent and dedication.

Liv Berglund together with 2 of her teachers; Christian Foley and Audrey Foley. 

Kerry Browning, Principal, is very pleased with last year’s IB student results: 

– The results for 2025 are very good, and proof that our students are doing really well and receive an education of high quality: IB DP SSHL average was 32 points (worldwide 30.3) and IB DP SSHL pass rate was 95.8% (worldwide 81.3%).

– Liv has, throughout her six years of IB education at SSHL, performed at a high academic level alongside actively engaging in the wider school community. To achieve a score of 41 points and thus be placed in the top 10% of IB DP students is something that she should be very proud of.

Today we were happy to meet with Liv, who lives close by and came to visit her old school: 

How do you feel about receiving this award?

– I felt very surprised actually, but it feels great. I wasn’t even predicted 40 points, so it was a massive surprise but I am very happy now and grateful to receive this scholarship.

What made you so successful in your studies?

– Well, I worked hard, and I chose subjects which I enjoyed and I think that helped me. I had English and Swedish literature, Art, ESS, Biology and Maths, which I think was a good blend since I like art and I like Science and Biology as well.

What are your plans for the near future?

– On Monday I am starting a one year course in art and design. And after that, I am not sure but I will probably continue studying.

How has your time at SSHL been? 

– I’ve been here for 6 years, from IB MYP 2. So that feels like a long time. And compared to my previous school, SSHL has broadened my horizons a lot and I’ve also made a lot of good friends here. I just feel like I’ve grown up here.

– I have some tips for future students: choose the subjects you really like, and you feel motivated to do. And then study hard the whole 2 years, not just at the end.

We congratulate all of our DP25 graduates for their achievements and wish them well in their future endeavours!

The Curt Nicolin award recognises students who reach 40 points or more. Beyond the recognition, all recipients are awarded a prize sum of SEK 10,000. The student who rises to the top to achieve the highest overall score at SSHL receives an additional award sum of SEK 40,000. Every year on Scholarship prize Day, we also recognise a large number of students with several other scholarships, awards and prizes.

Below: Liv Berglund together with Kerry Browning, Principal at SSHL and Adrian Feehan, IB DP Coordinator.