To date, the 1970 concordat on school coordination (School Concordat) passed by the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education (EDK) stipulates essential general conditions for the primary level and defines the school enrolment age as 6. Toward the end of pre-school, the children's readiness for school is assessed and a decision is made as to whether each child is admitted to primary school, or kept back for 1 year. The teachers, the parents or guardians, and possibly school psychological services or school medical services are involved in this decision-making process. In most cases, the school supervisory authorities (local school authority, school inspectorate) make the final decision.

Children with special education needs
The obligation to attend school also applies to children with special education needs. Depending on their developmental status, these children can be integrated into ordinary schools, or can attend special institutions (see special needs education).

More flexible transition
In several cantons, pilot projects regarding a more flexible transition from pre-school to primary school (Grundstufe and Basisstufe) are underway.
The inter-cantonal agreement on the harmonisation of compulsory education (HarmoS Concordat) constitutes an extension of the School Concordat.