Specialised middle schools, like the matura schools, are schools of general education on the upper secondary level. Due to reforms and developments in matura school education, as well as in vocational education and training, the specialised middle schools have developed from the diploma middle schools, which they have successively replaced since 2004.

 

Training
Specialised middle schools prepare students for vocational education and training at colleges of higher vocational education and training, and at universities of applied sciences, namely in the fields of health and social work, education and design / art. Enrolment at a specialised middle school occurs after compulsory education (at the age of 15). The training until the initial certificate (specialised middle school certificate) is obtained takes 3 years. After attainment of the specialised middle school certificate and after additional training, which lasts no more than 1 year, the specialised matura can be attained. Adults can complete a specialised middle school education or a specialised matura education at a recognised full-time or part-time school for adults.

Regulations
Specialised middle schools must be recognised by the Swiss Conference of Cantonal Ministers of Education (EDK). This is based on the Regulations on the Recognition of Certificates from Specialised Middle Schools and on various guidelines. The curricula are based on the framework curriculum for specialised middle schools.

The specialised middle schools have been introduced in 23 cantons: all cantons which previously operated diploma middle schools, as well as a few private providers, now run specialised middle schools. Specialised matura education cannot be completed in every canton. Various cantons have begun the approval procedures for specialised matura education.