Overview

• Private tutoring among Bavarian fourth graders has surged to 10%, driven by rigid grade requirements for Realschule and Gymnasium placement.
• The Übertrittszeugnis system mandates grade averages of 2.66 for Realschule and 2.33 for Gymnasium, determining school placement at age nine or ten.
• Teachers report significant psychological stress on children, with some breaking into tears over exam results due to the high stakes of grade performance.
• Critics argue tutoring exacerbates educational inequality, as wealthier families can afford extensive support, leaving low-income students at a disadvantage.
• Government social benefit programs exclude funding for tutoring aimed at improving transfer report grades, limiting access for underprivileged families.