Migrant students face unfair school tracking despite high family expectations
A new study reveals stark differences in educational expectations and experiences between students with and without migrant backgrounds. While many immigrant families hold high aspirations for their children’s schooling, a significant number of young people feel unfairly placed in lower academic tracks. Researchers are now calling for sweeping reforms to make the system fairer and more supportive.
The research highlights a clear gap in parental expectations. Only 28% of non-gymnasium parents of German descent believe their child will earn a university-preparatory diploma. In contrast, 54% of parents with migrant backgrounds expect the same for their children. These high expectations often shape how students view their own school placement.
Nearly a quarter of students with migrant backgrounds feel they belong in a higher school track, compared to just 10% of their peers without migration experience. Many in the lowest academic tier report feeling excluded from educational success, particularly when they believe they’ve been treated unfairly. Such perceptions can weaken motivation and trust in school decisions.
To address these issues, researchers propose several key measures. Schools should provide multilingual informational materials, clear explanations of academic pathways, and mandatory counselling sessions. They also recommend expanding German language instruction, offering bilingual resources, and training teachers in intercultural competence. Targeted tutoring and mentoring programmes for disadvantaged students could further level the playing field.
Additional suggestions include smaller class sizes, extra support staff, and stronger partnerships between schools, families, and communities. The study emphasises the need for data-driven resource allocation and consistent education policies to ensure long-term funding and evaluation of these changes.
The findings underscore the need for a more inclusive and transparent education system. By implementing structured support and clearer communication, schools could help students and parents navigate academic pathways more effectively. The proposed reforms aim to reduce inequality and ensure fairer opportunities for all pupils.
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