Education The AL calls for the abolition of the long-term grammar school in the canton of Zurich

The Alternative List (AL) wants to abolish the long-term grammar school. In the canton of Zurich, the long-term grammar school is becoming increasingly disconnected from elementary school and "even more elitist", it argues in a motion submitted on Monday.

With new examination regulations, which have been in force since 2023, the canton of Zurich has responded to the increasing number of pupils who want to transfer to long-term grammar school. The motion states that this has made it even more difficult to transfer from the sixth primary class to long-term grammar school.

According to the new regulations, pupils must achieve an average of at least 4.75 in their preliminary grade (German and mathematics) and examination grade (also German and mathematics). Previously, an average grade of 4.5 was required.

"Selection pressure increases further"

"This further increases the selection pressure after the 6th grade," write the authors of the motion. In addition, various research studies have pointed out that this selection leads to discrimination against socio-economically disadvantaged or foreign-language children.

The fact that long-term gymnasium is no longer free, unlike elementary school, also has a discriminatory effect. For example, parents have to pay for school materials, school books, class camps and school trips themselves.

For these reasons, the AL is calling for all children and young people to attend the same school during their compulsory schooling. This would be "a first step towards a comprehensive school with more equal opportunities", the authors of the motion state.

The motion now goes to the cantonal government. It has three months to comment on this matter. The cantonal council will then decide.