Berlin's Gymnasium admission crisis leaves 28,800 students with dwindling opportunities
Over 28,800 sixth-grade students in Berlin's public schools are now preparing for the transition to upper-level education. The process has sparked debate, as parents and officials question the fairness of admission rules. A key concern is the low success rate of trial lessons for those without an initial Gymnasium recommendation.
This year, only 1.22% of students attempting trial lessons secured a Gymnasium place, down sharply from 2.6% in 2025. The drop contrasts with Brandenburg, where trial lesson success rates rose by 20.8% over the same period—from 1,200 to 1,450 students. Berlin, however, saw a slight decline, from 2,800 to 2,650.
Parents' groups have criticised the current system, arguing that Berlin's education authority lacks transparency. A promised evaluation of last summer's admission tests remains unpublished. They also demand trial runs for students who already hold a Gymnasium recommendation, a practice Brandenburg follows but Berlin does not.
More than half of the students—about 53%—already received a recommendation based on grades alone. Yet, very few without this initial backing manage to gain entry through trial lessons. The State Parents' Council has called for changes to the rules governing transitions after sixth grade.
The declining success rate of trial lessons has left many students with fewer options for academic progression. Parents continue to push for reforms, including clearer assessments and pre-testing for recommended pupils. Without adjustments, the current system may limit opportunities for those seeking Gymnasium places.
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