Prep for the Gym in Bern

Course Types

Course Options & Info: High School Prep in Bern

Choose the learning style that's right for you!

Private Lessons

Our gym prep courses are available as private, semi-private, or trio private lessons.

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Long-Term Group Course

Our most comprehensive preparation—week by week in small groups.

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Intensive Course During the Holidays

Maximum progress in a short time—intensive, targeted, and exam-oriented instruction in small groups.

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ABOUT THE EXAM

More information: Preparatory courses for the Langgymnasium in Bern

Things to Know About High Schools in the Canton of Bern

High school in the Canton of Bern (often referred to as “Gymi”) begins either after the 8th grade (entry into the Quarta) or after the 9th grade (secondary level). It leads to the Swiss Matura in four years.

Goal: To prepare students for academic studies at a university, ETH, or a college of education.
Focus: A broad, well-rounded general education with elective major and supplementary courses.
Degree: Swiss Maturity Certificate.

The Bern Gymnasium (Quarta) and the Admissions Process

Transfer to a public high school in Bern is regulated by the canton. Direct admission after the 8th grade is the most common route and can be achieved through two possible channels:

The Recommendation Process: Students who achieve the required grades in the core subjects (German, mathematics, French) during the first semester of 8th grade and receive a recommendation from their teacher will advance to the next grade without having to take an exam.
The Entrance Exam (Gymnasium Exam): Students who do not meet the requirements for exemption from the exam or who come from a private school must take the cantonal Gymnasium exam.

Bern Cantonal High School Entrance Exam 2026/27

For students who plan to enroll in high school in the summer of 2027, specific requirements apply to the high school entrance exam for the 2026–27 school year.

Exam Subjects: Unlike other cantons, the Canton of Bern administers written exams in three subjects: German, mathematics, and French.
Exam Content: The test is based entirely on the material covered in Curriculum 21 up to the middle of the 8th school year (or the 9th school year for students transferring later).
Weighting: All three subject grades count equally toward the overall entrance exam score.

Application Deadlines for the Bern High School

The deadlines for high school enrollment and the cantonal entrance exam must be strictly adhered to.

Registration Period: Online registration for the 2027–28 school year opens in December 2026 and closes on February 15, 2027.
Platform: Registration is done digitally through the official education portal of the Canton of Bern.
Important: Even students who qualify for admission without an exam (through the recommendation process) must officially register by this deadline.

Exam Dates in Bern for 2027

The central high school entrance exam takes place in the canton of Bern for all public high schools at the same time in the spring.

Exam Date: The written exams are usually held in mid-March 2027 (typically spread over two consecutive days due to the three exam subjects).
Results: Parents will be notified in writing in April 2027 of the cantonal decision regarding whether their child has passed or failed.
Start of the School Year: The first semester at Bern High School begins in August 2027, after the summer break.

Why Choose ILS Tutoring?

ILS Tutoring is your reliable and experienced partner when it comes to academic success and a smooth transition to secondary school.

Experienced Teachers: Our coaches are thoroughly familiar with the Bern Curriculum 21 and the specific requirements of the Gymnasium entrance exam.
High Success Rate: Through a systematic approach and targeted practice cycles, we successfully guide the majority of our students toward their goals.
Personalized Instruction: We work in small groups or offer private lessons to best address each student's individual strengths and weaknesses.

When are the kindergarten preparation classes held?

Our prep courses at ILS are scheduled with enough flexibility to fit perfectly into the regular school day.

Semester Courses: Continuous, weekly training alongside school, starting in the fall of 2026 and continuing until just before the exam in March 2027.
Intensive Courses During School Breaks: Compact and focused learning during the fall break in 2026 and the winter break in 2027.
Last-Minute Simulations: Special weekend courses held shortly before the exam date to put the finishing touches on your preparation.

Where are the kindergarten preparation classes held in Bern?

The ILS location in Bern offers maximum accessibility and a professional learning environment.

Central Location: Our training rooms in Bern are well-connected to public transportation and easily accessible to students from throughout the Bern region.
Modern infrastructure: Quiet, well-lit, and modernly equipped classrooms promote concentration.
Online Option: For maximum flexibility, we also offer all preparatory courses as interactive live online classes.

Why should you take a kindergarten prep course at ILS Tutoring?

The cantonal high school entrance exam in Bern demands top performance under time pressure—French, in particular, presents an additional challenge for many. Our course gives you the edge you need:

Real Exam Simulation: You'll take original Bern high school entrance exams from recent years under real exam conditions.
Targeted French Coaching: We’ll help you strengthen your grammar and listening/reading skills specifically for the Bern exam format.
Confidence & Composure: Thanks to this intensive routine, you’ll overcome your test anxiety and walk into the exam rooms in March 2027 feeling confident and perfectly prepared.

INSIGHT