School type recommendation

Guide to the transition after Grundschule

At the end of the fourth grade in North Rhine-Westphalia, a school type recommendation is issued for the respective child. This recommendation is part of the report card and is based on the child's academic performance, learning and working behavior and general development.

What is the goal?

The recommendation serves as an orientation: Which type of secondary school Hauptschule, Realschule, Gesamtschule, Sekundarschule or Gymnasium - is best suited to the child's abilities and needs?

Who decides?

The recommendation is made by the class conference. Not only grades are taken into account, but also the child's learning behavior, resilience and independence. The decision on the choice of school lies with the parents/guardians. The recommendation is not binding.

What happens next?

Following the recommendation, counseling sessions take place - either with the Grundschulen or with the desired secondary school. These meetings serve as a time for reflection and to clarify any unanswered questions.

What happens if I make a different choice?

If a type of school is chosen that does not meet the recommendation, we ask you to arrange a consultation with the desired school. We will then decide together whether the chosen type of school can be retained.