From district school to gymnasium

The 3rd year of district school is an important crossroads for a student's career future. Students usually try to attend the highest school level - cantonal school or BMS. There, they receive a broad education with a focus on key skills in languages and math.

We prepare students optimally for this transition. The changes to the entrance requirements mean that school marks are the decisive factor. There is no longer a final exam for district school. It is crucial to achieve high marks during the 3rd year of secondary.

No entrance exam in the final year

The transition from district school to gymnasium, a middle school or vocational school (with vocational Matura) is determined solely by school marks in the interim or final report for the 3rd year of district school.

Those who do not achieve the required marks to enter without an exam (4.7 for gymnasium, 4.4 for specialized, business, IT school and vocational school) can take an entrance exam for the desired school.

The entrance exams
for gymnasium, specialized, business and IT schoolcannot be taken in the final year of district school. Students must wait a year after completion. This means students who fail to achieve the necessary marks to enter these schools have a forced one-year waiting period.

This is why it is so important to prepare in advance!

Available spots and registration
Free spots

Repetition courses of individual subjects

Canton Aargau Registration Sports Holiday Course

CourseDetailsAvailable

Available spots and registration
Free spots

New entry process

New chances for secondary students

Download info sheet

Good marks are key

There is no longer a final exam for the district final examination. Entry to middle schools is now based solely on marks in the final year of district school. Students with an average of at least 4.7 may enter Gymnasium without an exam. It is worth it to stay on the ball at school!

Question: Should I attend cantonal school even if I don't know if I want to study at university later?

Answer: If you have the marks, it is worth it. In fact, a study found that apprenticeships are more work than gymnasiums (Kanti).

  • Semester courses
  • Holiday courses for Bez. year 2/3
  • Entering Kanti, HMS
  • Entering Gymnasium

Course Dates Accompanying Courses for the Transfer to the Kanti/WMS/FMS/IMS

for Students of the 3rd District / 3rd sec. / Private School /10th School Year

CourseDetailsAvailable

Canton Aargau Registration Sports Holiday Course

CourseDetailsAvailable

Transitioning from the 3rd year of district school – a brief overview

The requirements for entering the various Aargau middle schools:

Average marks of 4.7 after the 1st semester of the 3rd year of secondary.
provisional acceptance to gymnasium (half-year probation)

Average marks of 4.7 for the entire 3rd year of secondary. 
definite acceptance to gymnasium (no probation) 

Average marks of 4.4 after the 1st semester of the 3rd year of secondary.
provisional acceptance to specialized, business or IT school (half-year probation), definite acceptance to vocational school

Average marks of 4.4 for the entire 3rd year of secondary.
definite acceptance to specialized, business, IT or vocational school (no probation)

Averages of at least 4.0 in Mathematics and German are required in interim/final reports. These two subjects count double for the calculation of the required average.

Entrance exams for gymnasium, specialized, business and IT school can only be taken in the following year after completing district school (1-year waiting period for district school students who do not achieve the required marks).

The direct way to gymnasium

The transition to gymnasium (and also other middle schools) is not based solely on school marks from the final year of district school. 

It is therefore important to prepare early for the transfer to the desired secondary school. Continuous good performance in German and Mathematics is a must if you want to go to a grammar school. The Lern-Forum is at your side during this challenging time. 

 

Available spots and registration
Free spots