The new regulations governing recognition of the baccalaureate and the new framework curriculum for upper secondary baccalaureate schools came into force on 1 August 2024. This marks the successful conclusion of the project to further develop the baccalaureate schools, which has been carried out by the federal government and the EDK since 2018.

The new Maturitätsanerkennungsvereinbarung [Ordinance on the recognition on Baccalaureates] (Federal Government) and the corresponding EDK regulations include various quality-enhancing elements. The previously compulsory subjects of computer science and economics and law are now classified as basic subjects. The cantons have been given more freedom in choosing compulsory elective subjects. At least three per cent of teaching time must now be devoted to interdisciplinary work. In addition, equal opportunities, exchange and mobility, as well as commitment to the common good, are to be promoted, and a binding minimum duration of four years for all baccalaureate school courses is to be established. The rules for passing the final exams (maturity) remain unchanged.

Compared to the 1994 framework curriculum, the new Rahmenlehrplan [framework curriculum] is based on a uniform understanding of the educational goals of baccalaureate schools and the competency model. New additions include a stronger focus on cross-curricular subjects such as interdisciplinarity, education for sustainable development, political education and digital literacy.