Transition from lower to upper secondary level

This indicator measures the transition from compulsory education to a post-compulsory upper secondary level course of education leading to a qualification. From a systemic point of view, the ideal transition takes place directly in the form of upper secondary level education and training leading to a qualification. 

From an integration perspective, a decrease in the share of persons who do not start upper secondary level education straight away indicates an improved situation.

Key findings: A VET programme is the preferred pathway for the majority of population groups, although those born in Switzerland are more likely to pursue this type of training than those born abroad, whatever their nationality. Most people on general education programmes are Swiss nationals born in Switzerland or abroad. Regardless of their place of birth, young foreign nationals are proportionately around twice as likely as Swiss nationals to embark on transitional training not leading to a qualification (10th school year, preparatory school, a pre-apprenticeship or motivation semester). Swiss nationals born in Switzerland are less likely to find themselves outside the education system than other population groups.

Trends over time: Since 2012, the share of students pursuing a general education programme has increased in all population groups, particularly among Swiss nationals born abroad. The rate of students pursuing a VET programme has increased among foreign nationals and fallen among Swiss nationals. The percentage of people joining a transitional programme has decreased among all population groups. The share of persons not starting upper secondary education straight away has also decreased in all population groups since 2012, mainly among those born abroad.