For around 30,000 sixth-graders in Berlin, a very important phase is beginning: in the coming weeks, it will be decided which secondary school they will attend.

Are the grades sufficient for a grammar school (Gymnasium)? Or is an integrated secondary school (Integrierte Sekundarschule) the better choice? But which one? And how do you actually get a place at your preferred school? The Berliner Morgenpost answers all these key questions about the transition to secondary school.

When is the registration period for secondary schools?

Current sixth-graders must register for Year 7 between 5 and 12 March 2026 at grammar schools, integrated secondary schools and community schools. 

Which type of school is the right one?

The Förderprognose (educational recommendation) determines whether a child can be registered at a grammar school or an integrated secondary school. However, the rules for the transition to secondary schools were changed last year.

For the first time, the grade average required for grammar school is calculated differently than in previous years. Not all subjects are included anymore; instead, only grades in mathematics, German and the first foreign language are taken into account.

The grades from these three subjects from the second half of Year 5 and the first half of Year 6 are added together.

If the sum of these six grades is 14 or less, the child may apply to a grammar school.
Example: grades of 2 in German and the first foreign language, and 3 in mathematics.

Do grades in other subjects no longer matter at all?

Yes, they do matter. Grades in German, mathematics and the first foreign language initially only confirm a child’s general suitability for grammar school. However, anyone applying to an oversubscribed school must also demonstrate strong performance in other subjects.

For applications, all grades from the two relevant semesters are considered — but weighted differently. This means:
– Grades in German, mathematics, first foreign language, natural sciences and social sciences are counted twice,
– All other subjects are counted once.

Can a child be registered at a grammar school without a recommendation?

No — unless the child passes the trial lessons (Probeunterricht).

All pupils whose grade total exceeds 14 will receive a registration form for the trial lessons when report cards are issued on 30 January 2026. Those wishing to take part must submit the form on 9 or 10 February 2026.

The trial lessons will take place on 20 February 2026 at twelve Berlin schools. They last three hours, including breaks.

During this time, written tests in German and mathematics are conducted, as well as assessments of cross-curricular skills such as independent working, problem-solving and teamwork. The hurdle is high, however: last year, only 2.6 percent of participating pupils passed.

By contrast, enrolling a child with a grammar school recommendation at an integrated secondary school is straightforward and unproblematic.

More articles from Berliner Morgenpost in English:

Which school is the right fit for a child?

Education experts strongly recommend forming one’s own impression of the schools under consideration. Some open days already took place in November and December, while many others are held in January and February.

How can children secure a place at their preferred school as reliably as possible?

Places at popular schools are extremely limited. At some grammar schools, even a perfect average of 1.0 is no longer enough to guarantee a place. Oversubscribed integrated secondary schools now also have a numerus clausus.

Last year, nearly 3,000 children did not receive a place at any of their three preferred schools. Strategic choices — such as opting for less popular schools — can increase the chances of securing a place.

You can find out which secondary schools in the districts were particularly in demand this year here.

This article was originally written and published on the 15th of January in German. It was translated into English with the use of Artificial Intelligence.