Gesammtschulen

Gesamtschulen are a form of secondary school in Germany that combines the three traditional tracks of the tripartite system—Hauptschule, Realschule, and Gymnasium—into a single school setting. The aim is to provide a comprehensive education and to allow students to pursue different leaving certificates, including the university-entrance qualification (Abitur), without leaving the school.

The concept emerged in the 1960s and 1970s as part of education reforms to reduce early tracking and social segregation. Its adoption varies by federal state: some states expanded Gesamtschulen or integrated them into existing school structures, while others retained separate Gymnasien, Realschulen, and Hauptschulen or introduced hybrid forms. After German reunification, approaches differed between the former East and West, leading to varying configurations across the country.

Most Gesamtschulen serve grades roughly from five or seven through the end of secondary education (grades 12 or 13, depending on the state). They typically offer multiple qualification paths, such as Hauptschulabschluss, Realschulabschluss, Fachoberschulreife, and, in many cases, the Allgemeine Hochschulreife (Abitur). Movement between tracks during lower secondary years is possible in many schools, subject to school guidance and performance.

There are several forms of Gesamtschulen, notably the Integrierte Gesamtschule (IGS), where students from all tracks are taught together with differentiated pathways, and other models that maintain some level of track separation within a single institution. The exact structure and offerings reflect state policies and local school decisions, resulting in a range of practice across Germany.

Note: The standard spelling is Gesamtschulen; Gesammtschulen is a common misspelling.