Secondary Education in Switzerland

The educational system in Switzerland is different for each canton. Thus, most decisions on the running of schools are taken at the cantonal level.

The complete period of schooling in Switzerland consists of 12 years. Compulsory primary education of 6 years is followed by secondary education levels I and II. After completing level II, the 9 years of compulsory education is finished. Depending on the school, the student can then go on to attain the Abitur or Matura, comparable to the A-Levels.

If you are looking for an appropriate school in Switzerland, you can choose between the following types of institutions: Gymnasium, High school, Primary school, Secondary school. Depending on the type of school, the following school leaving certificates are possible: Swiss Matura, German Abitur (after 12 years at school), International Baccalaureate (IB), French Baccalaureate.

Benefits:

• With its 4 languages – German, French, Italian and Rhaeto-Romanic – Switzerland has encouraged multicultural education for a long time. In recent years this development has been promoted even further because of Switzerland’s increasing international relations, worldwide mobility, as well as the growing number of foreigners who have settled in Switzerland.
• With a reputation for high teaching standards and strict discipline, Swiss schools are among the best in the world. They can be primary and secondary, day and boarding, and offer different teaching methods or a variety of curricula including international, Swiss, UK, US, German, French and Japanese education.
• Lessons are usually taught in English and/or in French, German or the native language of the school (eg. Japanese), avoiding the problem of having to learn courses in a new language. The classes at Swiss schools are small and the standards of education and the facilities are usually excellent. The schools also offer full-day schooling, which is helpful for working parents.