The need to make the education system more centralised has become more evident as Switzerland faces up to changes in society and the world.

These changes are occurring on several levels.

Families in today's world are more mobile than ever before. There is generally a much greater mixture of backgrounds and nationalities in any one class than there used to be. If families move to a new canton, it is important that the children can fit straight in to the syllabus at their new school. Schools have an important role to play in integrating children of immigrant parents.

More women are working, so mothers cannot always be there to look after their children in the day time. Currently most schools have long lunch breaks and pupils are expected to eat at home. Furthermore, the lesson times often vary from one class to another, which means that children from the same family attending the same school are likely to begin and end class at different times. In some areas, mainly in towns, it is possible to arrange for children to be looked after during the lunch break and after lessons, but this is a paying service. Many cantons and communes are now discussing the introduction of a set school day.

Globalisation has thrown up further challenges. Educational standards and qualifications have to be comparable not only within Switzerland, but at a European level.

Globalisation has also changed the need for linguistic competence. Where once it was important for Swiss citizens to know at least one of the other languages of Switzerland, today English is coming to dominate.

The rapid spread of new technologies has opened up new possibilities for learning. At the same time, teachers are having to learn new skills in order to keep abreast with new developments.