Hello, James!
I think Norway is a good place to live. Compared to the UK we are a bit more reserved and not into emotional outbursts and confrontations. Norway is a friendly country, but foreign people often feel that Norwegians do not like meeting new people. We usually don't speak to strangers, and it takes time to get to know Norwegians I would say. Our tendency to to speak little and be earnest, makes us seem very serious.

I think that it is a requirement to speak Norwegian to integrate to the Norwegian society. You will find it hard to be social and find friends if you don't speak the language. I'm just assuming that you want to integrate and be a part of the mainstream culture.
Don't know too much about jobs and school though...
I lived in the UK last year, and it was great, but there are certain differences between our countries.

Hope you find this information helpful