After elementary school, Germany has several types of secondary school: the Gymnasium, the Realschule, the Gesamtschule, and the Hauptschule, which differ in their qualifications and focus. In addition, international schools offer an internationally recognized curriculum, usually in English, with qualifications such as the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. In most federal states, the recommendation for a secondary school is made at the end of grade 4.
The German school system is considered one of the most differentiated in the world, and for many parents it is not easy to understand at first. In this article, we answer the most common questions about the types of schools in Germany and show what options families in the Neuss and Düsseldorf region have.
How Do the Gymnasium, Realschule, and Gesamtschule Differ?
In Germany, there are several types of secondary school after elementary school, which differ in their qualifications and focus:
- Gymnasium: After eight or nine years, the Gymnasium leads to the Abitur, which provides access to German universities. Teaching is academically demanding and lays the foundation for university study.
- Realschule: The Realschule ends after six years with the intermediate school-leaving certificate (Mittlere Reife). It prepares students for vocational training or further schooling.
- Gesamtschule: The Gesamtschule brings different educational paths together under one roof. Depending on their performance, students can earn different qualifications, from the Mittlere Reife to the Abitur.
- Hauptschule: The Hauptschule provides a basic general education and primarily prepares students for vocational training.
Which type of school is right depends on the child’s strengths, interests, and goals. Parents should find out about the options early and stay in touch with teachers.
When Is It Decided Which School a Child Will Attend?
In most German federal states, the recommendation for a secondary school is made at the end of the fourth grade of elementary school, when children are about nine or ten years old. In North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW), where ISR International School on the Rhine in Neuss, near Düsseldorf, Germany, is located, parents have the right to choose the type of school freely, even if the elementary school’s recommendation is different.
This early decision is a challenge for many families. That is why it is worth paying close attention during the elementary school years to how the child learns, where their strengths lie, and which long-term goals they should pursue. Regular conversations with teachers help develop a realistic picture.
What Is the Difference Between a Public School and an International School?
Public schools follow the German curriculum and teach in German. They are free of charge and open to all children. An international school, on the other hand, usually offers an internationally recognized curriculum, often teaches in English, and specifically prepares students for access to universities worldwide.
Other important differences:
- Language of instruction: At international schools, English is often the main language of instruction, while German is taught as a subject.
- Qualifications: International schools offer qualifications such as the Cambridge IGCSE or the IB Diploma, which are recognized by universities worldwide.
- School community: International schools bring together children from many different nations, creating a culturally diverse learning environment.
- Costs: International schools are usually privately funded and charge tuition.
For families who are internationally mobile or who want to give their children a global perspective, an international school can be the right choice.
Which Type of School Best Prepares Students for University?
The Abitur at a German Gymnasium is the traditional route to studying at German universities. But there are other routes: the IB Diploma, which can be earned at international schools, is recognized as equivalent by the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education (KMK) and opens doors to universities in Germany and worldwide.
The depth of preparation is particularly relevant here. Students pursuing the IB Diploma must:
- Take exams in six subject areas
- Write an Extended Essay (EE)
- Complete the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) program
These requirements foster not only subject knowledge, but also independence, critical thinking, and academic work, all skills that are needed every day at university.
How Is the Cambridge IGCSE Regarded by Universities?
The Cambridge IGCSE, which is taken in grades 9 and 10, also enjoys a high international reputation. British universities take these results into account in admissions, and American and other international universities also consider IGCSE results.
Are There International Schools in Neuss and Düsseldorf?
Yes, the Neuss and Düsseldorf region offers good options for families with an international background or global educational aspirations. As one of the best-known international schools in the region, ISR has been operating in Neuss since 2003 and today serves more than 1,200 students from around 60 nations.
In addition to our school campus in Neuss, we run kindergartens in Neuss, Düsseldorf-Niederkassel, and Meerbusch. In August 2027, we will also open a new elementary school in Düsseldorf-Oberkassel in order to offer even more families in the region a high-quality international education from grades 1 to 6.
So if you are looking for an international school in the region, you will find a well-established, accredited offering with proven results here.
How Does ISR International School on the Rhine Help Families Choose the Right Type of School?
Choosing the right type of school is one of the most important decisions parents make for their children. At ISR International School on the Rhine, we support families along this path with a clear, internationally oriented educational offering that combines academic excellence with individual support.
What we specifically offer:
- A continuous educational pathway from kindergarten through grade 12, with a structured transition between the stages
- Cambridge IGCSE in grades 9 and 10 and the IB Diploma in grades 11 and 12, both internationally recognized and relevant for universities worldwide
- 100% of students who pursued the IB Diploma in the past three years obtained the German general university entrance qualification (Allgemeine Hochschulreife) with it
- Three full-time University and Career Counselors who support families individually with university and career choices from grade 8 onward
- Multilingual education with English as the language of instruction, German as a required subject, and a third language from grade 6
- Weekly progress checks that identify learning gaps early and enable targeted support
- State-of-the-art facilities on a spacious campus with science labs, IT rooms, 3D printers, and VR headsets
If you would like to learn more about how we prepare your child for the university of their choice, we warmly invite you to attend one of the ISR Info Days and see our school for yourself.
