Gymnasium vs. SEK (Sekundarschule): What it Means When You Move to Bulgaria

Fast definitions (so we speak the same language)

• SEK / Sekundarschule / Sekundarstufe
  A German-language term.
  • Sekundarstufe I (Sek I) = lower secondary (roughly ages 11/12–15/16).
  • Sekundarstufe II (Sek II) = upper secondary (roughly ages 16–18/19; Gymnasium upper cycle, vocational, etc.).
• Gymnasium
  In Germany/Switzerland/Austria, Gymnasium is the academic track leading to Abitur/Matura.
  In Bulgaria, “гимназия (gymnaziya)” means upper-secondary school (Grades 8–12), either profiled/academic (e.g., language, math) or vocational.
• Bulgaria’s structure (short):
  • Primary: Grades 1–4
  • Lower secondary: Grades 5–7 (part of “basic education”)
  • Upper secondary (“secondary education”): Grades 8–12 (called gymnasium; two stages: 8–10 and 11–12).
    Entry to selective language/math schools is after Grade 7 via national exams.

Is “SEK” the same as “secondary education” in Bulgaria?

No. In Bulgaria, “secondary education” refers to Grades 8–12 (upper secondary). The term SEK is not used. “SEK” belongs to the German-speaking world’s taxonomy (Sek I and Sek II). In the Bulgarian educational system, it is referred to as lower secondary (grades 5–7) and upper secondary (grades 8–12).

Which countries actually use the term “SEK / Sekundarstufe”?

Primarily German-speaking systems – Austria, Germany, and Switzerland:

Sekundarstufe (Sek) = lower secondary (roughly ages 12–15, Years 7–9), delivered in various school forms/ability streams depending on the country and canton (CH).

(Other countries use different terms: e.g., Spain = ESO/Bachillerato, UK = Key Stages/GCSE/A-levels. “SEK” in those places would not be understood as a system term.)

Does Bulgaria have “SEK schools”? Which ones?

Bulgaria does not classify schools as “SEK”. In Bulgarian law, “secondary education” means Grades 8–12 (two stages: 8–10 and 11–12). Grades 5–7 belong to “basic education”. Instead, schools are classified as:

• Lower secondary (Grades 5–7) is delivered in basic/primary schools; in smaller localities, unified schools run Grades 1–10 (covering the first stage of secondary).
• Upper secondary (Grades 8–12) is delivered by:
  • Profiled gymnasiums (e.g., Language High Schools) — Grade 8 is an intensive foreign-language year; subjects may later be taught through the profile language.
  • Vocational (professional) high schools (Професионални гимназии) — the modern, official successor to the old “technikum.”
  • Secondary schools (Средни училища, 1–12) that include upper-secondary classes, plus specialized schools (arts, sports).

My child is in the Swiss/German SEK I. Where do they go in Bulgaria?

Use age + last completed grade to map:

• Arriving during Sek I (roughly Swiss 7–9 / German 7–10):
  • If pre-Grade 8 BG (i.e., ≤ Grade 7 age): Enrol in lower secondary (5–7) at a local public school to build Bulgarian.
  • If Grade 8+ age in BG (≈ 13+/14+): You’re entering a Bulgarian gymnasium (8–12).
    • Strong Bulgarian + academic ambition: consider public profiled gymnasiums (language/math). Usually, entry is after Grade-7 exams; mid-cycle transfers are possible, but selective slots are limited.
    • Limited Bulgarian / short-term stay: choose an international or national-system school (IB/Cambridge, German School Sofia, Lycée français), preserving curriculum continuity. Find more information about the country-based curriculum and international schools in Bulgaria.

My child is in Swiss Kurzzeit- or Langzeit-Gymnasium or German Gymnasiale Oberstufe (Sek II). Bulgarian equivalent?

You’re in upper secondary already. In Bulgaria, that aligns with Grades 9–12. Choices:

• Bulgarian profiled gymnasium (9–12)—best if you aim to graduate with the Bulgarian Diploma and sit state matriculation exams.
• International/National pathway in Sofia (and Varna)—best if you must finish IB, Cambridge (IGCSE/A-Level), Abitur, or Baccalauréat.

How does tracking/selection differ between SEK countries and Bulgaria?

• Switzerland/Germany/Austria: early tracking into levels/school types (Sek A/B/C; Gymnasium vs Mittelschule/Realschule, etc.), then Sek II options.
• Bulgaria: comprehensive through Grade 7, then selection at Grade 8 into gymnasiums (language/math/profiled) or vocational tracks, primarily based on national exams.

What’s the practical placement process when moving from SEK to Bulgaria?

1. Choose pathway: Bulgarian public vs. international/national-system (German/French/IB/Cambridge).
2. Recognition: Bring report cards and (for Grades 7–12) a subject/hour breakdown; obtain sworn Bulgarian translations. Recognition is handled by the school (Grades 1–6) or the Regional Department of Education (Grades 7–12).
3. Language plan: If joining a Bulgarian-medium school, secure Bulgarian-as-a-foreign-language support (often up to 12 months).
4. Timing: The Bulgarian year starts mid-September; selective Grade-8 admissions are tied to Grade-7 national exams (June). International schools typically admit students year-round but fill up early.

If my child is SEK A or on a Gymnasium track, will Bulgarian gymnasiums be a good fit?

Likely yes, if:

• The child can cope with Bulgarian-medium instruction, or you can choose a bilingual/international option.
• You target profiled gymnasiums (language/math/science) that mirror an academic track’s intensity.
  For late arrivals (after the Grade-7 entry point), consider international programmes to avoid misalignment.

What if my child is in SEK B/C or a non-Gymnasium track?

Two sensible routes:

• Bulgarian general/professional gymnasiums with strong language support and guidance on subject sequencing.
• Vocational gymnasiums, if your child prefers applied pathways, with options to sit state matriculations and receive the Diploma for Secondary Education.
• Private school options in Bulgaria.

Quick mapping guide (indicative)

Notes:

• In some Swiss cantons, Langzeit-Gymnasium begins at lower-secondary age but culminates in a Sek II qualification; the table reflects the culminating level.
• Delivery in Bulgaria’s upper secondary includes profiled gymnasiums, professional (vocational) high schools, and secondary schools (1–12) that include upper-secondary grades.
• Ages and cut-offs vary by canton/Land; Bulgarian placement is ultimately age plus recognized grade.

Recommendations by scenario

• Short posting; limited Bulgarian: International/national-system school (IB/Cambridge/German/French) to preserve the home-system trajectory.
• Long-term relocation; child ≤12: Public Bulgarian school (then language/gymnasium after Grade 7) for full integration.
• Teen arriving mid-cycle (14–17): If Bulgarian is not yet strong, choose international or bilingual schools; if Bulgarian is strong, target profiled gymnasiums that match the child’s strengths.

Related Resources:

• Education in Bulgaria for Foreign Families (K-12)
• Universities in Bulgaria: FAQ for foreigners

Disclaimer: This guide is for general information only and does not constitute legal, admissions, or educational counselling. Always confirm details with the Ministry of Education, your municipality, and the school.