NEPS is a longitudinal, multi-cohort study investigating the development of competencies and educational trajectories of individuals in Germany. NEPS SC4 Grade 9 aims to capture the transitions and development of ninth graders as they progress to upper secondary school and vocational training. The study recruited two populations of ninth-grade students attending German schools in 2010/2011: students at regular schools and students with special educational needs in the area of learning at special needs schools. In wave 1, between 2010 and 2011, data were collected from approximately 15,600 students, 9,000 parents, 2,000 teachers, and 500 school principals. Participants were followed up annually until 2023. NEPS will continue under the new title NEPS next, with data collection planned approximately every five years.