Ability Streaming in the Basel School System
- FIND MY SWISS SCHOOL
- 13 hours ago
- 6 min read
One of the most common questions we hear from families navigating Swiss education is about ability streaming—the process where children are placed into different academic levels at the end of primary school (Grade 6, age 12). For many international parents, this moment can feel daunting and unfamiliar, especially if you are used to a more linear school system.
But don’t panic: while ability streaming is a central feature of Swiss schooling, it is designed to match children with the environment that best supports their strengths and abilities. It is also flexible and permeable, meaning students can move between levels at different points throughout the school year. In other words—it’s not the end of the world, and it certainly doesn’t define your child’s future. As we like to say, in the Swiss school system there are truly no dead ends (more on that below). For this article we are focusing on the process in Basel-Stadt and Basel-Land.
What Is Ability Streaming?
In Switzerland, ability streaming generally takes place between the ages of 11 and 13, depending on the canton. Children are placed into different tracks at lower secondary school, which influences the type of learning they do and the pathways open to them later, such as vocational training, higher professional education, or Gymnasium (leading to university).
While this may sound rigid, Switzerland’s education system is built around permeability: children can switch levels during school, take bridge years, or enter university through vocational pathways.
There is also a university prep-course and exam, the Passarelle, which is essentially a bridging course for students from other pathways to enter Swiss university. This course is not necessarily recognized abroad so make sure to check requirements with universities of interest.
Ability Streaming in Basel-Stadt and Basel-Land
Just to make this more complicated, Basel-Stadt and Basel-Land approach streaming differently. Here we go:
Basel-Stadt
Transfer from Primary to Secondary I
At the end of Grade 6, students are placed into one of three levels within Sekundarschule, which runs from Grades 7 to 9:
P (Progymnasium) – advanced, Gymnasium-preparatory track
E (Erweiterte Anforderungen) – extended requirements, middle track
A (Allgemeine Anforderungen) – general requirements, with a more practical focus
Placement is determined primarily by academic performance and grades. Parents will have meetings with the teacher in advance about performance and expected track and, by mid-April, the final report will be received that forms that basis for the placement.
Here is a link to the Basel Stadt education department’s information about the topic, including the calculation formula and marks thresholds. You can see grade in German, Math and NMG (natural sciences, social studies, and humanities) count x 3.
If your child does not get into the P track, your child can take the voluntary entrance exam which consists of Math and German.
Transfer from Secondary I to Secondary II Pathways
After Grade 9, Students can transfer to a Gymnasium (GYM), a Fachmaturitätsschule (FMS), an Informatikmittelschule (IMS), a Wirtschaftsmittelschule (WMS), or a Berufsmaturität (BM) if they have achieved certain grades. These grades are calculated differently with Math and German being weighted x 2. Here is a link to the Basel Stadt education department’s overview of the formula.
TIP: entry to Gymnasium can be possible from track P and E; it depends upon grades.
To learn more about these different education pathways, please visit this previous article from You Belong In Basel.
Basel-Land
Transfer from Primary to Secondary I
The transition process from Primary to Secondary I involves more dialogue between the family and teachers. At the end of Grade 6, teachers assess not only grades but also a student’s learning style, motivation, and classroom performance. Parents and students are included in the discussion, and teacher recommendations carry strong weight.
Placement into Secondary I is based upon three ability streaming levels:
P (Progymnasium) – advanced, Gymnasium-preparatory track
E (Erweiterte Anforderungen) – extended requirements, middle track
A (Allgemeine Anforderungen) – general requirements, with a more practical focus
Of course, grades do matter, but so do soft skills. Here is a link to the cantonal regulations of promotion in Basel-Land.
If parents do not agree with the teacher’s assessment and placement, students can opt to take a voluntary entrance exam. This is in Math and German and we have heard of teachers providing support and materials for students to study and prepare.
Transfer from Secondary I to Secondary II Pathways
Similar to Basel-Stadt, after Grade 9, Students can transfer to a Gymnasium (GYM), a Fachmaturitätsschule (FMS), an Informatikmittelschule (IMS), a Wirtschaftsmittelschule (WMS), or a Berufsmaturität (BM) if they have achieved certain grades.
Here is a link to the cantonal regulations for entry to Secondary II Pathways. This details the criteria and grades that must be met from each ability stream to enter different schooling pathways.
Why Not to Panic
For many families, especially newcomers, ability streaming can feel like a 'make-or-break' moment. It isn’t.
Permeability is built in: Students can move between levels if they develop academically or need more support.
Another chance after Grade 9: Students often shift pathways at this stage, with opportunities for Gymnasium, vocational training, or mixed options.
Multiple routes to success: Vocational training in Switzerland is world-class, and many vocational pathways still lead to university degrees.
Individual strengths matter: The system aims to place children where they can thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally.
What Parents Can Do
Stay calm and informed: Placement at 11 or 12 does not determine your child’s long-term potential.
Be positive: your mindset affects your children more than you realize.
Engage with teachers: Especially in Basel-Land, their recommendations shape the outcome, and you want to partner with them to support your child’s learning.
Understand your canton: Moving between Basel-Stadt and Basel-Land can mean very different processes.
Think long-term: There are always multiple doors open, even to Gymnasium and university, later in the journey.
Let your child grow up: time and time again we have seen kids figure things out in their own time. Take a breath and be the guardrail, not the bulldozer.
The Private School Option
There are many excellent private school options in the Basel area. These can offer alternatives to the Swiss public school system by offering different curricula, smaller classes, learn coaching and an environment that might be better suited to your child’s learning style or needs.
It is important to visit schools to determine what could be the right fit for your child. Keep in mind several schools are compatible with the Swiss public school system, and some are not. Our advice: think about both long-term and short-term education plans to make sure you keep as many options open as possible.
Final Thoughts
Ability streaming is one of the features that makes the Swiss school system distinctive, offering both permeability and flexibility. The structure is designed to recognize individual strengths and open multiple pathways toward future opportunities. Understanding how this works in Basel-Stadt and Basel-Land can help families feel more confident as they navigate key decisions.
And remember, FIND MY SWISS SCHOOL is here to help!
FIND MY SWISS SCHOOL
FIND MY SWISS SCHOOL is one of Switzerland’s leading education consultancies working with corporate and private families. We simplify the journey to finding the right school in Switzerland, be it public, private, international, or boarding school. We provide expertise on different curricula, as well as support with educational transitions and problem-solving
We offer:
Personalized school consultations to help find the right fit for your child within the Swiss public or private system
Support with enrolment, expectations, paperwork, and integration into the local school community
Expert guidance on language learning, special needs, and navigating differences between cantons
Workshops, events, and our podcast
Continued support for families through transitions, challenges, or with problem-solving
Website: https://findmyswissschool.ch/
Instagram: @findmyswissschool
Sandra Hueskes
Co-Founder of FIND MY SWISS SCHOOL
Sandra moved to Basel with her Swiss husband in 2019 from a high-level career in NYC. Sandra grew up all over and has experience changing schools, different curricula and moving. With two boys in Swiss school, Sandra co-founded FIND MY SWISS SCHOOL to offer the support she wished she had.
Pascale Baumgartner
Co-Founder of FIND MY SWISS SCHOOL
Pascale is Swiss with a background as a tax and estate planning lawyer. She served for years on the boards of different schools and organizations, and is currently Board Chair for Foundations for Learning. With a son in Swiss University, Pascale believes deeply in supporting children to fulfill their potential.
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