The “Kompass 4” test for fourth-graders will be held again this year. It will help determine whether a child can transfer from primary school to secondary school. The German test will be held on Wednesday, 19 November, and the mathematics test on Thursday, 20 November. Anyone who is ill can take the test a week later.
Around 100,000 fourth graders in Baden-Württemberg took part in the first “Kompass 4” test in November 2024. This year, there will be no exceptions. Fourth graders at state-approved private schools must also take part. In 2024, there were massive protests by teachers’ and parents’ representatives, as well as lawsuits in court. Both sides continue to view “Kompass 4” critically.
Parents’ wishes are only one criterion
The Ministry of Education rejects the criticism of “Kompass 4”. Its argument is that this assessment of competence is only a guide alongside the parents’ wishes. Those who do not achieve “level E” for grammar school in the test can still transfer to this type of school—if the class conference recommends it or if those affected pass a “potential test”. This is to be written in February 2026. The parents’ wishes are therefore only one of three decisive factors for the transition to grammar school.
See Ministry of Education—Admission procedures for secondary schools:
https://km.baden-wuerttemberg.de/de/schule/schulartuebergreifend/faq-bildungsreform#c196090
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