Switzerland: At what age is a future decided? The delicate question of early selection in secondary education

For 11-year-old Arno, the upcoming school year marks a pivotal moment. As he prepares to enter the 8th grade, he will also face the cantonal reference exams (ECR). These exams, taken in the spring, play a crucial role in determining which academic path students will follow in secondary school.

The results of the ECR significantly influence whether students are placed in the pre-gymnasial track (VP), which leads to university, or the general track (VG). Arno, a student at the Béthusy school in Lausanne, is aware that his performance on these tests could shape his future educational trajectory.

Arno's family is navigating this high-stakes period with a focus on support rather than pressure. They have discussed the possibility of him aiming for the VP track but have also emphasized that not achieving this goal would not be a failure. This approach aims to encourage him to do his best while acknowledging the broader spectrum of future possibilities.

The delicate balance of pushing for academic excellence while fostering resilience is a challenge many parents face in Switzerland. The decision-making process for a child's future begins at a young age, with significant consequences for their subsequent education and career paths.

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We told ourselves that I would try to go to VP and do my best, but that if I didn't make it, it wasn't a big deal.