Grammar school entrance exam in the canton of Bern: Everything you need to know
The Gymnasium entrance examination in the Canton of Bern is a crucial step for students who wish to enter the first year of the Gymnasium (GYM1). This Gymnasium exam takes place annually in March, and Registration must be completed online by February 15.
Registration and requirements for the Gymnasium exam
Pupils in the 8th and 9th school year who have not received a recommendation can register for the grammar school entrance examination Register. This applies to both public and private schools. It is important that pupils have not yet reached the age of 17 on May 1 before entering the Gymnasium.
Exam subjects and assessment of the grammar school entrance exam
The Gymnasium examination comprises written examinations in German (120 minutes), French (written 60 minutes, oral 5 minutes) and Mathematics 1 and 2 (60 minutes each). These examinations result in four grades. To pass the exam, a minimum of 16 points must be achieved, with no more than two grades below 4.
Examination papers and dates for the Gymnasium examination
The grammar school entrance examination is based on the primary and lower secondary school curriculum. The next examinations are scheduled for March 3 and 4, 2025 (written) and March 14, 2025 (oral). After the registration deadline (February 15), parents of registered students will receive an invitation to the exam with the exam schedule.
Special regulations for the grammar school entrance examination
There are special examination series for pupils with different educational backgrounds. These take into account the respective educational background and offer a fair assessment.
Options for the grammar school entrance exam
At Registration for the Gymnasium examination, students choose their preferred Gymnasium, specialization, third language and art subject. They can also register for special educational offers such as talent development or bilingual Matura Register.
How much does tutoring for grammar school exams cost?
The costs for the gymi preparation in Bern vary depending on the provider and type of course. Prices range from CHF 30 to CHF 59 per lesson for private lessons, depending on whether they are one-to-one, semi-private or trio private lessons. For group lessons, the prices are CHF 33 per lesson for one subject and CHF 29 per lesson for two subjects.
For further information and specific questions about the Gymnasium entrance examination, please contact the Department of Education and Culture of the Canton of Bern.
