Schools and Gymnasium entry in Hessen

Primary school in Hessen lasts four years, and children usually move on in Grade 5. Gymnasium is the academic pathway that leads to the Abitur, and the state also offers other secondary school types with different leaving qualifications.

Parents choose the Bildungsgang (educational pathway), including the Gymnasium pathway. The primary school advises you and shares its view of your child's learning, work habits and performance. There is no single statewide grade average that decides ordinary entry.

If the class conference does not recommend the pathway you want, the school tells you and offers another conversation. You can keep your choice after considering that advice.

One detail worth knowing: choosing the Gymnasium pathway does not guarantee a place at your preferred school. The ministry advises naming at least a second school, because places are allocated locally.

This page describes the ordinary move from primary school. Later transfers into Gymnasium, and specialist schools with their own profiles, can have different requirements.