In Switzerland you have a choice between state or private schools, and international schools can also be found in or near major centres. The split between private and state is approximately 5% in the former and 95% in the latter. Private schools also include Montessori schools. Your choices in compulsory education may not only be influenced by location and cost but also by the language of instruction and which examination system you feel would be of most value to your children's future.

Primary education starts at age six and continues through lower secondary schooling, providing around nine years of compulsory education. Note that cantons are responsible for their own state schools and that compulsory schooling has not yet been fully harmonised and you can find differences from one canton to another. The non-compulsory upper secondary schooling is equivalent to sixth form (or the Scottish sixth year) in the UK or to senior high school in the US.

For younger children there are two years (one in certain cantons) of free Kindergarten (F: École enfantine) prior to primary school. These are similar to a UK or Australian reception class and are likely to be somewhat more regimented than the word kindergarten suggests. Before this, small children can be enrolled in nurseries (G: Kinderkrippe/Kindertagesstätte, F: Crèches) or playgroups (G: Spielgruppen, F: Haltes-garderies), which may help them make the transition to a kindergarten where instructions and activities will be in the local language. Early application for places is advised. It is possible to find bilingual or English-only pre-schools and daycare. If looking for recommendations, other expats are an excellent source of insights and often happy to share their experiences.

Primary school generally lasts for six years and in a state school the official language of the canton will be used (in German-speaking cantons, Swiss German may be used in playgrounds). For the first two years it is common for there to be one or two afternoons off a week, but there would normally be an after-school programme of activities available. Lower secondary state schools, which in most cantons would be attended from age 12, provide an additional 3 years of compulsory education. Students at lower secondary level are often grouped by performance for some or all subjects and may only have a couple of teachers who cover the full range of subject areas. There is some variability to this model across the cantons so it is best to check locally. There may be an additional year offered for teenagers who need to catch up on education.

In addition to all traditional academic subjects, children in state schools will frequently study a couple of languages. One of these is likely to be English. Technical subjects are given priority and children in Swiss schools are unlikely to be offered creative or non-traditional subjects. Sports lessons are included in the school curriculum.

At upper secondary level, there is a choice between the academic Matura (three to four years) and basic vocational education and training (two to four years). The Matura is required for University and Federal Institutes of Technology entry, with a Professional Baccalaureate being in certain cases also acceptable. The Federal Certificate gained from the upper secondary vocational education and training will be required for admission to Colleges of Higher Vocational Education and Training. Switzerland has signed the EU Bologna Declaration which aims to harmonise university qualifications throughout Europe.

Although school hours vary with the canton and the school, in general lessons start much earlier than in the UK but at a younger age not every day will be a full day. Your child may have to be there as early as 7am. Schools take long lunch breaks (a couple of hours is normal) and children who are not going home for lunch can attend a daycare scheme where they will receive a meal, but this is usually not on school premises and children may have to make their own way there on foot. School holidays (vacations) are also subject to individual variation but are likely to consist of a couple of weeks in early October, a week or two at Christmas, another week or two at Easter, and a longer summer break of around 6 weeks.

You must apply to fee-paying schools and once registered will have an obligation to pay. They will be able to advise you of their specific application requirements. Note that popular private and international schools have waiting lists. Local state school places are allocated according to where you live. If you wish to register in advance of moving to Switzerland (or to a new canton) you can contact the local authorities and they will assist and will advise you of any documentation you need to provide. Home schooling is regulated differently across Switzerland according to the stance of each canton.

Children at state schools do not wear uniforms and have to take slippers for indoor use. Some kind of PE (sports) kit is required. In Switzerland children still go to school on foot, bicycle or scooter and it would be unusual for them to be driven by car.

Outside of school there are a number of sports clubs and other activities available locally. Check with your community centre to find out what's on offer. Martial arts, football (soccer) and tennis are all popular and you should also be able to find dance lessons and gymnastics, plus art and music groups.

Useful Resources

Swiss Federation of Private Schools (SFPS)
http://www.swiss-schools.ch/
Hotelgasse 1, Postfach, CH 3000, Bern 7
Tel: +41 (0)31 328 40 50
Email: info@swiss-schools.ch

Swiss Group of International Schools (SGIS)
http://www.sgischools.com/
Email: info@sgischools.ch