Michael Balmer
A major change is imminent in the canton of Zurich: from the 2029/30 school year onwards, all Zurich secondary schools, including those offering only long-term programs, will have to accept secondary school students. However, these young people will not be transferring to existing long-term secondary schools, but to newly created short-term secondary schools within the same schools. This will allow students to transfer directly to any secondary school after the third year of secondary school, regardless of whether the school previously offered only long-term or short-term secondary education.
The aim of the reform is clear: greater equality of opportunity and a better distribution of pupils across different schools. However, not everyone welcomes the change, and many parents and young people are now asking themselves: what does this mean for me in concrete terms?
Long-term and short-term high school: What is the difference?
Until now, there were two ways to enter high school in the canton of Zurich:
- Long-term secondary school: Entry after the 6th grade of primary school, lasts 6 years until graduation.
- Short-term high school: Entry after the 3rd year of secondary school, lasts 4 years until graduation.
Some well-known schools (such as the Literargymnasium Rämibühl) were previously exclusively long-term secondary schools. Secondary school students were not able to apply there at all.
That is now changing. From 2029, all secondary schools in Zurich will also offer a short-term Gymnasium program, so that all young people will have the same choice of schools, regardless of whether they come directly from primary school or from secondary school (click here for the official announcement from the Canton of Zurich).
Why is the system being changed?
There are two main reasons for introducing the short high school program at all schools:
- Uneven utilization: In the cities of Zurich and Winterthur, some short-term high schools are bursting at the seams, while some long-term high schools still have places available.
More fairness: Until now, the chance of getting a place at a high school often depended on where you lived. Those who lived near a long-term high school had to travel long distances after secondary school to find a suitable school.
The new regulations are intended to eliminate these differences. In future, students should have the same opportunities everywhere.
Differences in the curriculum and how they should be balanced
An important aspect of the reform concerns the level of performance. As reported by the Tages-Anzeiger newspaper, there are differences in the curriculum between long and short high schools, particularly in German, mathematics, and French.
To ensure a smooth transition for secondary school students, the canton is planning support courses in these subjects. These courses are designed to help fill gaps in knowledge and ensure that all young people with similar backgrounds can start high school on an equal footing.
These measures are also intended to break down prejudices, such as the idea that secondary school students are fundamentally weaker. In fact, many studies show that many young people only realize their potential in secondary school, when they develop more independence and motivation to learn.
Criticism: "Zurich is dismantling its elite high schools"?
Despite the positive goals, there are also critical voices. In the NZZ and on Inside Paradeplatz, some teachers and parents describe the reform as "the abolition of elite high schools." They fear that standards could fall if more students with different levels of prior knowledge are placed in the same classes in the future.
Others, however, expressly welcome the change. They see it as an important step toward greater permeability in the school system. After all, there are many young people who were not yet ready for the long-term secondary school program in primary school but who develop very positively in secondary school.
Studies show that children from educated families are more likely to transfer to the long-term high school. The short-term high school is therefore often seen as a second chance, which should now finally be open to everyone equally.
What does this mean for students?
For secondary school students, the reform primarily means more freedom. Starting in 2029, they will be able to apply to any secondary school regardless of the type of school, including those that were previously only long-term grammar schools.
This takes some pressure off the system because applications are spread out more evenly. At the same time, the challenge of preparing well for the transition remains. The requirements for high school entrance exams and starting in the short high school program remain high.
This makes targeted preparation all the more important, especially in the core subjects of German, mathematics, and French. Those who start preparing for the high school entrance exam early on can go into the admission process with confidence. At studypeak, you will find learning materials, exercises, and preparation courses specifically designed for both variants.
Implications for parents: What to consider
For parents, the reform initially means more options, but also new decisions. If all middle schools offer both types of high school, location becomes less important. Instead, other questions come to the fore:
- Which profile (language, math, music) best suits the child?
- Should the transition take place immediately after primary school or only after secondary school?
- How can I support my child in a targeted manner without overwhelming them?
The canton of Zurich emphasizes that both paths to the Maturity Certificate will remain equivalent in the future. The aim is not to standardize students, but to ensure fair access opportunities for all.
What is changing for schools
For the schools themselves, the reform is a major organizational step. Existing long-term high schools must introduce new classes, timetables, and admission processes for secondary school students. The canton is planning a transition phase lasting several years in order to implement the change carefully.
Many teachers also see this as an opportunity: mixing primary and secondary school students could give rise to new forms of learning and teaching models, for example through more targeted support and more team teaching.
Conclusion: A reform with great potential
The Zurich high school reform is a milestone for the education system and is also sparking debate. It aims to make access to high school more equitable, reduce pressure to perform, and give young people more paths to a high school diploma.
Whether it achieves this goal depends on how well schools, teachers, and parents support the transition.
However, with good preparation, motivation, and support, there is a good chance that the reform will be a real win for everyone involved.
If you want to prepare yourself optimally for high school, whether long-term or short-term, studypeak is the right place for you. Prepare yourself optimally and try out the training area for the high school entrance exam completely free of charge.
Sources
- https://www.tagesanzeiger.ch/zuerich-langgymnasien-muessen-ab-2029-sekundarschueler-aufnehmen-228401688319
- https://www.zh.ch/de/news-uebersicht/medienmitteilungen/2025/10/kanton-zuerich-fuehrt-an-allen-mittelschulen-das-kurzgymnasium-ein.html
- https://www.nzz.ch/zuerich/kurzgymnasien-ueberall-der-entscheid-in-zuerich-wird-bereits-heftig-kritisiert-ld.1908395
- https://insideparadeplatz.ch/2025/10/23/zuerich-schleift-seine-elite-gymis/
