[Dreami]

As a Swiss citizen, I really, really like our model. The only problem I see, is that foreign people from all kind of countries don't know this system and think that their kids have to go to a "Gymnasium" to reach a university-level education later. That's probably something we should emphasize more!

[zhdc1]

The Swiss/German/Central European model is extremely confusing for expats, like myself, who grew up outside of the country.

Here's a (simplified) diagram of how it works, for anyone who's interested: https://www.edudoc.ch/static/web/bildungssystem/grafik_bildu...

[zorked]

I'm a foreig parent in Switzerland and have been put through several hours of being told that Gymnasium is not the only way.

I think foreign parents in particular are concerned that their kids are being trapped by a complicated system out of their future chance at a higher education.

[m_mueller]

That‘s the poinz though, there is no trap. You have bridges from vocational education to academic at multiple points - 3rd year gymnasium, vocational maturity, university entrance exam for both bachelor and master. Or you go through one of the very high quality vocational bachelor (and now also master) programs.

[Dreami]

One point I see, if your kid would go for an apprenticeship with the attention of going to a uni of applied sciences later, but then you decide to move to another country. But that's kind of something I can imagine, since your kid could also simply stay there and live as an adult.