Pupils in the 6th grade of compulsory schools (age 11-12 years) in representative municipalities in Sweden, participated in a study of cognitive capacity and "neurodevelopmental functioning" in relation to the new Swedish educational goals, set up by the National Agency for Education. Results from four subtests of the WISC-IV, the ESSENCE-Questionnaire, covering concerns regarding different developmental areas, information about educational support and about final subject grades were analysed. Of a total of 396 pupils, 229 (58%) agreed to participate. Pupils who had failed at least one subject had significantly lower cognitive test results and significantly more ESSENCE concerns, compared to those who passed in all subjects. In the group of pupils who had at least one failed subject, 89% had been given special educational support. The knowledge requirements in the new national curriculum need to be reviewed and adapted to these circumstances.