The entire school system is under the supervision of the state.

• The state supervises schools: It ensures every school offers good quality and all children can learn well.
• Religious education: Parents may decide whether their children attend religious education. Religious education is a regular subject in public schools, but no one is forced to participate or teach it.
• Private schools are permitted: Private schools may be founded but must be as good as public schools and meet certain rules.

• In a primary school, the school authority regularly checks if the teachers work well and pupils learn sufficiently.
• A pupil doesn’t want to attend Catholic religious education. Her parents decide she takes ethics instead.
• A group of parents sets up a new private school. The school needs official approval and qualified teachers.