Assessment of pupils at kindergarten or a first learning cycle is usually undertaken without using numeric grades. Structured observation sheets are often used as the means of assessment. They also serve as a basis for the parent-teacher interview. Assessment is supportive in orientation and takes account of the personal development of the child.

Where performance is graded, generally a scale of 1 to 6 is used (6 = best grade, 4 = sufficient, below 4 = insufficient). Assessment with grading does not set in at the same time in all cantons. If grade reports are not issued, school reports describing the child’s performance in words or other assessment procedures are used. In most cases, the pupils receive a grade report or a learning report twice a year, at the end of each semester. Academic performance assessment is used as a basis for promotion to the next grade and transition to the next level. Repetition of a grade is mostly provided for in the cantonal school laws, but its handling varies from canton to canton. Measures of special support can be arranged.

In various cantons, compulsory or optional year-end tests, orientation tests or comparative tests or standardised reference tests are conducted in certain grades and subjects. These instruments can be used to determine the current state of knowledge and skills or to assess the performance of the pupils and also allow the teachers to compare the learning success of their class with other classes.