School system of the Canton of Bern: enrolment and cycles (cross-border guide)

Context

The school system of the Canton of Bern consists of six cycles, ranging from primary school to upper secondary school. Students must enroll in the school cycles within the deadlines established by the Canton. The school calendar varies depending on the cycle and the school.

The school years of the Canton of Bern

The school system of the Canton of Bern is divided into six cycles:

1. Primary school (Kleinkinderschule): lasting three years, it takes place between 6 and 9 years of age. 2. Lower secondary school (Realschule): lasting three years, it takes place between 9 and 12 years of age. 3. Upper secondary school (Gymnasium): lasting five years, it takes place between 12 and 17 years of age. 4. Vocational school (Berufsschule): lasting two or three years, it takes place between 14 and 18 years of age. 5. Vocational education school (Berufsfachschule): lasting two or three years, it takes place between 14 and 18 years of age. 6. University School (Universität): of variable duration, takes place after the age of 17.

Enrolment in school

Students must enroll in the school cycles within the deadlines established by the Canton. The deadline for enrolment varies depending on the cycle and the school. For example, for primary school enrollment, the deadline is June 15 of each year.

School Calendar

In general, the school calendar starts in September and ends in June. Example, lower middle school starts at

Operational details

Enrolling in school in the Canton of Bern is an important process for parents or guardians of pupils. They must provide identity documents and other requirements established by the Canton.

Enrollment Requirements

To register your children or students entrusted to your care in the school system of the Canton of Bern, you must provide a series of documents and information, including:

• Identity documents of parents or guardians
• Pupils' identity documents
• Proof of residence
• Birth certificate
• Certificate of vaccination
• Health insurance certificate

Types of school cycles

The Canton of Bern offers different types of schooling, depending on the age and needs of the pupils, including:

• Kindergarten (5-7 years)
• Primary school (8-11 years)
• Lower secondary school (12-14 years)
• Upper secondary school (15-18 years)

School Calendar

However, in general, the school year starts in September and ends in June.

Concrete examples

For example, in the kindergarten cycle, pupils attend school for 4 hours a day, 5 days a week. Primary school, on the other hand, provides 6 hours of lessons per day, 5 days a week.

Regulations and rules

The Canton of Bern has established a series of laws and regulations for enrolment and attendance at school, including:

• The Law on the School System of the Canton of Bern (LRB), 2019
• The

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Key points

To enroll your children in school in the Canton of Bern, you must contact your local school or school administration. They must provide identity documents and other requirements established by the Canton.

Prerequisites for registration

To enroll children in school in the Canton of Bern, parents or guardians must be able to provide the following documents:

• Child's identity document
• Birth certificate of the child
• Declaration of residence in the Canton of Bern
• Other requirements established by the Canton, such as certification of vaccination for children under the age of 12

School year

The Canton of Bern offers several different levels of education, including:

• Kindergarten (3-6 years)
• Elementary school (6-11 years)
• Middle school (11-15 years)
• High school (15-19 years)

School Calendar

Usually, the school year starts in September and ends in June. However, some schools may have different calendars.

Concrete examples

For example, the elementary school in Bern (Kantonsschule Bern) follows the following schedule:

• September: beginning of the school year
• October: Year-end exam for grades 5 and 6
• December: Christmas holidays
• January: start of the new school year
• May: year-end exam for 7th and 8th classes
• June: end of the school year

Private School Enrollment Requirements

Private schools in the Canton of Bern may have different enrollment requirements

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