Course Types
Course Options & Info: SEK 1 Preparatory Course in Basel
Choose the learning style that's right for you!
Private Lessons
SEK 1 Preparation Course as a private, semi-private, or trio private course.
Long-Term Group Course
Our most comprehensive preparation—week by week in small groups.
Intensive Course During the Holidays
Maximum progress in a short time—intensive, targeted, and exam-oriented instruction in small groups.
8-Week Crash Course
Targeted preparation for the final phase—concise, efficient, and directly geared toward the exam.
Start with a no-obligation trial lesson
Experience our tutoring for free and see for yourself – no risk, no commitment.
ABOUT THE EXAM
More information: SEK 1 entrance exam in Basel
The SEK 1 entrance exam is a standardized cantonal assessment administered at the end of the 6th grade of elementary school. It serves as a legally binding assessment when parents wish to place their child in a higher-level track at the secondary school (usually the challenging P track—pro-gymnasium level), but the primary school teacher’s recommendation is not sufficient on its own. It is the official safety net for a fair assessment of academic performance.
The exams take place in a controlled and quiet environment at selected secondary schools in Basel. Since this is often the first time 6th-grade students have experienced such a situation, the process focuses on two core subjects and does not include oral exams:
-
Mathematics: A written exam (60 to 90 minutes) that assesses logical thinking, arithmetic, basic geometry, and applied math as outlined in the Basel Curriculum 21.
-
German: A written exam (60 to 90 minutes), divided into reading comprehension, grammar/language analysis, and writing a short essay (text production).
-
The calculation: Passing the entrance exam depends 100% on the results achieved on the day of the exam. Previous elementary school grades generally cannot compensate for an insufficient performance on the exam.
-
Passing Threshold: The exam for the desired track is considered passed if the unrounded average of the two subject grades (German and mathematics) is at least 4.0. For the pre-high school track P, students are expected to apply primary school material flawlessly under time pressure.
-
January 2027: Parents receive the primary school teacher’s official recommendation regarding their child’s educational path during the transition meeting.
-
February 2027: Final deadline for registration to take the cantonal entrance exam, if no agreement has been reached regarding the academic track.
-
March 2027: Centralized written entrance exams will be held in Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft.
-
August 2027: Regular start in the newly assigned honors track at Basel Secondary School after the summer break.
The transition to secondary school lays the foundation for a student’s future academic career. Since placement depends entirely on just two written exams, our preparation course takes the pressure off the children:
-
Systematically Filling in Gaps: We review the entire curriculum for 5th and 6th grade in German and math according to Curriculum 21 and reinforce topics where students are struggling (e.g., fractions, word problems, or spelling).
-
Getting Used to the Test Environment: We simulate the test using original, Basel-specific test sets from previous years. The child learns proper time management and overcomes their fear of the unfamiliar situation.
-
Building self-confidence: By gradually working through real exam questions, the child realizes that the challenge can be overcome and will go into the exam in March 2027 with a positive attitude.
INSIGHT
A Glimpse into Our Tutoring Sessions
Why ILS Tutoring?
Your Benefits at a Glance
Qualified Tutors
Experienced experts with teaching know-how.
Free Trial Lesson
Try 2 lessons for free and without obligation.
Also Available Online
Conveniently from home – effective no matter where you are.
Free Consultation
We'll help you find the perfect fit – no obligation.
