Hauptschule

Hauptschule is a type of secondary school in Germany that forms part of the traditional three-tier system of secondary education, alongside Realschule and Gymnasium. It follows Grundschule (primary school) and is designed to provide pupils with a practical, foundational general education and preparation for the labor market. In most federal states, Hauptschule covers grades 5 through 9, with some states extending to grade 10.

Curriculum and goals focus on practical and vocationally oriented learning. Core subjects such as German and mathematics are complemented by courses in areas like social studies, foreign languages, and work-oriented subjects. The aim is to equip students with basic qualifications and skills that facilitate entry into vocational training or early workforce participation.

Certification and pathways. At the end of the Hauptschule, students who meet the requirements receive the Hauptschulabschluss. This certificate enables entry into many apprenticeship and entry-level employment opportunities within various trades and industries. For students seeking further qualifications, options include entering a Berufsfachschule (vocational school), pursuing additional schooling to obtain higher qualifications, or combining training with the dual system of apprenticeship and part-time schooling.

Regional variation and reform. In recent decades, several German states have reformed or renamed Hauptschule, integrating it into broader secondary pathways such as Sekundarschule or Gemeinschaftsschule. While the term Hauptschule is still used in some regions, others have expanded combined secondary schools aimed at offering more flexible tracks and reducing early vocational segmentation.