Grammar school

The grammar school comprises grades 5 to 13 and registration is required to attend.

The grammar school program is aimed at intellectually gifted, capable and willing pupils and prepares them for attending university or for the professional and working world. It is designed to provide a broad and in-depth general education and also allows pupils to focus on their particular abilities and inclinations.

The grammar school course leads pupils to the general higher education entrance qualification - the Abitur. In the lower secondary level, it comprises grades 5 to 9 or 5 to 10, which are followed by a three-year upper secondary level (Sekundarstufe II). This means that pupils at grammar schools can achieve the Abitur after eight years (G8) or the Abitur after nine years (G9). The gymnasium course can also be completed at integrated and cooperative comprehensive schools.

In the gymnasiale Oberstufe, the focus is on preparing students for academic work, which is why particular emphasis is placed on independent work and learning. The first year of the upper secondary level (introductory phase) serves, among other things, to balance out the different prerequisites that the students bring with them. Only the results of the second and third year of the upper school (qualification phase) count towards the Abitur.

The Abitur examination comprises three written (including the two advanced courses) and two oral examination subjects. For one of the two oral examination subjects, a presentation examination or a special learning achievement may be chosen instead of an oral examination. Every pupil must take an examination in German and mathematics.

It is possible to obtain the school-based part of the advanced technical college entrance qualification after just two years in the upper secondary school. Afterwards, at least one year of work experience or an internship leads to the final issue of the Fachhochschulreife certificate.

In Hesse, the Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs is responsible for the school system.

• Your child has successfully completed primary school (grades 1 to 4).
• The pupil must have their habitual residence in the area of the school authority.
• The elementary school will issue a school recommendation. However, this is not binding.
• The choice of secondary school for your child is given if your child's previous learning development, level of performance and attitude to work indicate that he or she is likely to be successful at grammar school.
• As a parent or guardian, you are free to choose the type of secondary school within the framework of the local school offerings .
  • If necessary, you can contact the previous elementary school attended for prior advice. The class teacher can support you in your decision.
  • The class conference, chaired by the head teacher, will make a written statement. This contains a recommendation for the course of education.
  • If the decision of the elementary school differs from your decision, you can request a new consultation.
• Other possible requirements of the school:
  • Sufficient knowledge of German for foreign pupils
  • attendance of a language course if necessary

Transition from the Förderstufe to a Gymnasium:

• If you would like your child to transfer from the Förderstufe to a Gymnasium, the class conference must approve this.

Transfer from the Realschule to a Gymnasium:

• If your child is to transfer to a grammar school after year 10, they must have an intermediate school leaving certificate (Realschulabschluss)
• Your child must have performed well in the qualified Realschulabschluss and have an average of at least 3.0 in the individual subjects.

Not applicable

You can usually register for admission to a grammar school online by e-mail or by post with the grammar school in question.

• You register your child at the grammar school you have chosen.
• The school will then check the requirements.
• The school also checks the capacity of the places on offer.
• The procedure for registration and selection at a grammar school comprises several steps, which are determined by the school management.
• You will receive notification of admission or rejection.
• After registration, you inform the elementary school which grammar school your child will attend in the future.

Further information: