Educational pathways

Berlin’s education system is diverse and permeable, because many different paths can lead to the goal. The different types of schools ensure every schoolchild the best possible individual support. Here you find Berlin’s educational pathways: from elementary school to secondary school or Gymnasium (grammar school). You will also find information on how to continue with vocational training after general school education.

Das Berliner Schulsystem

Berlin's school system

Berlin's education system is diverse and permeable, because many different paths can lead to the goal. The different types of schools ensure every schoolchild the best possible individual support. Berlin's school system

Mädchen malen im Kindergarten

Early Education in Daycare Centres

A child's learning in the first years of its life is of great importance for its future path in life. It is the task of daycare centres and children’s daycare to complement and support the education, upbringing and care of the children in families. Early Education in Daycare Centres

Drei Schüler in der Grundschule

Primary school

School enrolment marks the beginning of a new phase of life for children, in which they are not only taught knowledge but also in particular the ability to engage in lifelong learning with all their senses. Primary school

Schüler und Schülerinnen vor der Schule

Where to go after primary school?

In the sixth school year children and their parents have to make an important decision: choosing a secondary school. Primary schools help parents make this decision because every child should attend the school that best suits their skills and abilities. Where to go after primary school?

Schüler am Computer

Integrated Secondary School

More support, more equal opportunities, new collaborations: the Integrated Secondary School is a school for everyone. Every single student is optimally supported and challenged, and the secondary school offers all qualifications up to and including the Abitur. Integrated Secondary School

Schülerin im Unterricht

Gymnasium

Those who attend a Gymnasium can obtain the Abitur after 12 school years and are thus entitled to study at a university or higher education institution. Many Gymnasiums have pedagogical focuses, e.g., with regard to science, music, sports and languages. Gymnasium

Schülerin im Klassenraum

Comprehensive school

The goal of the Comprehensive school is to create more equality and fairness through longer joint learning and optimal support of the individual abilities of all students. The Comprehensive schools lead to further school qualifications. Comprehensive school

Kinder liegend im Kreis

Schools with a Special Educational Focus

In a school with a special educational focus, also known as a special needs centre or special needs school in common usage, only children and young people are taught who have special educational needs. Schools with a Special Educational Focus

Schülerin und Schüler

After leaving school

After a general school education, many students begin vocational preparation and training. Here you can find information on the vocational training courses and qualifications at vocational schools and upper secondary level centres. After leaving school

Junge Frau drapiert Zeitung an einer Schneiderpuppe

Vocational training

After general school education, many students continue with vocational preparation and vocational training. Here you will find information on vocational training programmes and the opportunities to obtain an entrance qualification for universities of applied science. Vocational training

Lernen in der Volkshochschule

Second-chance Education

The second-chance education offers everyone who wishes to continue their education a wide range of opportunities to complete their school leaving certificate or obtain a higher level certificate. Second-chance Education

Junger Mann arbeitet an Metall. Es fliegen Funken

Career and study orientation

Students are supported in their career and study orientation, starting at school. Dual learning therefore offers all students, both those with learning difficulties and those with special interests, good prospects for a career path. Career and study orientation