The Swiss connection

The Swiss system of education is essentially the responsibility of the cantons. Thus one cannot really talk about a Swiss educational system but only of several independent and different systems.

The Swiss system of education is essentially the responsibility of the cantons. Thus one cannot really talk about a Swiss educational system but only of several independent and different systems. The differences in the education systems for the first eight or nine years of school have arisen through the federal structure of the State and the variation even shows itself within the different language regions. For example the German-speaking cantons have no uniform designation for similar types of schools, and it was only in 1985 that the cantonal electorates voted to introduce a uniform start to the school year in the autumn.

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However, if they are looked at in very simplified terms, certain common characteristics can be made out among the cantonal school systems. After a voluntary period of kindergarten fully financed by the state, most cantons have nine years compulsory schooling. There then follows a choice of schooling, putting varying demands on the pupils, and known collectively as the secondary level I. The elementary school normally passes their pupils on to either vocational training or into a secondary level II. These high schools (gymnasium) are a preparation for university. Vocational training is also supervised by the Confederation.