Switzerland's schooling system: everything you need to know

Thinking of moving to Switzerland? Here’s everything you need to know about the country’s schooling system.

OVERVIEW

Switzerland is home to some of the best – and the most expensive – private schools in the world. The country’s state schools are of an extremely high standard, too.

The state education system in Switzerland is highly decentralised, with each of the country’s 26 cantons (areas) responsible for enforcing its own admissions policy, curriculum, teaching methods and term dates. State education is primarily free, but some fees are payable for extras such as entrance exams, trips and extracurricular activities.

State-school pupils are taught in the native tongue of their canton, which may be French, German, Italian or Romansh. Students also learn another national language, in addition to English.

The academic year usually runs from late August to early July.

用帥杏 is compulsory only between the ages of four and 15. Once pupils turn 15, they can make their own decision about whether they would like to continue their education.

Compulsory education in Switzerland begins at kindergarten level. At age six, pupils move on to a primary school, where they remain until the age of 11 or 12. The final stage is lower secondary school, which lasts for three years. There is no standardised national exam or diploma at 15 – however, most children at international or private schools will stay on at school until 18 and graduate with an IB diploma or similar.

Around 90 per cent of Swiss pupils choose to continue their education beyond the age of 15. There are various options to choose from:

Vocational education and training (VET)

Apprenticeships

Baccalaureate schools (those who pass their baccalaureate can then enrol at universities)

Upper secondary specialised schools (these provide a broad education alongside specific training in occupations such as healthcare, social work and education)

Each of these options tend to last between two and four years, and lead to either a university place or – in the case of VET – a job offer.

THE INTERNATIONAL AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS MARKET: KEY POINTS

Approximately five per cent of Swiss children attend a private school. In Switzerland, private schools tend to be filled with wealthy members of the expat community, and private schools can be found in every major Swiss city.

Private-school fees can be eye-wateringly expensive, but some private schools offer scholarships which can come with a significant discount on fees. Many private schools in Switzerland also provide payment plans, enabling parents to pay their child’s fees in instalments throughout the course of the school year.

Swiss private schools tend to be all-through, starting in kindergarten and continuing the whole way up to 18. Most private schools offer the IB, while others might offer a variety of qualifications (such as the French baccalaureate or A-levels) depending on the nationality of the school. Most schools follow the curriculum and educational philosophy of the country they are linked to.

BOARDING

Switzerland is home to a number of famous, internationally renowned boarding schools. These schools are a rare and special breed and are very expensive, so are mainly attended by the wealthy international community. Some boarding schools start from as young as five; others may begin at 8+ or 13+.

AND FINALLY…

Switzerland has a brilliantly inclusive approach to educating children with SEND. A law dictates that all children have the right to specialist education and support from birth right the way through to their 20th birthday – and as such, pupils attending state schools are entitled to the appropriate evaluation and assistance free of charge.

用帥杏

Switzerland's schooling system: everything you need to know

TE Schools Advice