zh-education-mcp
This server provides read-only access to education statistics (BISTA) for the Canton and City of Zurich. It offers 8 tools, all publicly available without authentication, with data updated annually.
List school communities (
zh_edu_list_schulgemeinden): Retrieve all Schulgemeinden and Schulkreise, with optional search.School district trends (
zh_edu_schulkreis_trend): Historical pupil numbers over N years for a Schulkreis, by requirement type.Canton-wide overview (
zh_edu_overview): Learner counts by school level, type, and gender for the whole canton, with optional filters.Secondary I profile (
zh_edu_sek1_profil): Breakdown of Sek I pupils by requirement type (A/B/C, Mittelschule, special classes) for a school community.Nationality structure (
zh_edu_staatsangehoerigkeiten): Top nationalities of pupils in a school community with ISO2 codes and shares.Gymnasium graduation rates (
zh_edu_maturitaetsquote): MaturitΓ€tsquote by municipality, district, or canton, with optional filters.Residence-based trends (
zh_edu_wohnort_trend): Learner trends by place of residence over N years, by school level.Mittelschulen statistics (
zh_edu_mittelschulen): Statistics for secondary schools (Gymnasium, FMS, HMS) by type, year, and other dimensions.
Click on "Deploy Server".
Wait a few minutes for the server to deploy. Once ready, it will show a "Started" state.
In the chat, type
@followed by the MCP server name and your instructions, e.g., "@zh-education-mcpHow has the number of pupils in Schulkreis Letzi developed over the last 5 years?"
That's it! The server will respond to your query, and you can continue using it as needed.
Here is a step-by-step guide with screenshots.
π¨π Part of the Swiss Public Data MCP Portfolio
π zh-education-mcp
MCP server for education statistics of the Canton and City of Zurich (BISTA)
Overview
zh-education-mcp connects AI assistants to the Bildungsstatistik Kanton ZΓΌrich (BISTA) β the official education statistics of the Canton of Zurich. It provides structured access to pupil numbers, school district trends, secondary school profiles, nationality breakdowns, and gymnasium graduation rates.
Source | Data | API |
BISTA Kanton ZΓΌrich | Learner statistics (Volksschule, Mittelschulen, MaturitΓ€t) | REST/CSV |
All data is fetched from the BISTA public API (bista.zh.ch/basicapi/ogd/) β no API key required. Data is updated annually on 15 September (reference date).
Anchor demo query: "How has the number of pupils in school district Letzi developed over the last 5 years?"
Related MCP server: swisstopo-mcp
Demo
Features
π 8 tools for education data across all school levels
π School district trends β pupil numbers for all Schulkreise (Letzi, Glattal, Schwamendingen, Oerlikon, Uto, Waidberg, ZΓΌrichberg) from 2000 to present
π« Secondary school profiles β breakdown by requirement type (Sek A/B/C, Mittelschule, special classes)
π Nationality structure β top nationalities of pupils per school community
π Gymnasium graduation rates β MaturitΓ€tsquote by municipality, district, and canton
π Canton-wide overview β all learners by school level, type, gender, and nationality
π Residence-based trends β pupil counts by place of residence (Bezirk / Gemeinde)
ποΈ Mittelschulen β Gymnasium, FMS, HMS statistics
π No API key required β all data under CC BY 4.0
βοΈ Dual transport β stdio (Claude Desktop) + Streamable HTTP (cloud)
Prerequisites
Python 3.11+
uv (recommended) or pip
Installation
# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/malkreide/zh-education-mcp.git
cd zh-education-mcp
# Install
pip install -e .
# or with uv:
uv pip install -e .Or with uvx (no permanent installation):
uvx zh-education-mcpQuickstart
# stdio (for Claude Desktop)
python -m zh_education_mcp.server
# Streamable HTTP (port 8000)
python -m zh_education_mcp.server --http --port 8000Try it immediately in Claude Desktop:
"Wie hat sich die Lernendenzahl im Schulkreis Letzi entwickelt?" "Zeige die MaturitΓ€tsquote der Stadt ZΓΌrich" "Welche NationalitΓ€ten sind in Adliswil am hΓ€ufigsten?"
β More use cases by audience β
Configuration
Claude Desktop
Edit ~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.json (macOS) or %APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json (Windows):
{
"mcpServers": {
"zh-education": {
"command": "python",
"args": ["-m", "zh_education_mcp.server"]
}
}
}Or with uvx:
{
"mcpServers": {
"zh-education": {
"command": "uvx",
"args": ["zh-education-mcp"]
}
}
}Config file locations:
macOS:
~/Library/Application Support/Claude/claude_desktop_config.jsonWindows:
%APPDATA%\Claude\claude_desktop_config.json
Cloud Deployment (Streamable HTTP for browser access)
For use via claude.ai in the browser (e.g. on managed workstations without local software):
Render.com (recommended):
Push/fork the repository to GitHub
On render.com: New Web Service β runtime Docker (uses the provided
Dockerfile)Set env vars:
MCP_TRANSPORT=streamable-http,MCP_HOST=0.0.0.0,MCP_PORT=8000, andMCP_CORS_ORIGINS=https://claude.aiIn claude.ai under Settings β MCP Servers, add:
https://your-app.onrender.com/mcp
π‘ "stdio for the developer laptop, Streamable HTTP for the browser."
Health probe: GET /health. Full deployment guide (container, load balancing, CORS,
resource limits): docs/deployment.md.
Available Tools
Tool | Description |
| List all school communities / Schulkreise in Canton Zurich |
| Pupil trend by Schulkreis (2000βpresent) |
| Canton-wide learner overview by school level |
| Secondary I profile (Sek A/B/C breakdown) |
| Nationality structure of pupils per school community |
| Gymnasium graduation rates by municipality / district |
| Residence-based learner trend (Bezirk / Gemeinde) |
| Secondary school statistics (Gymnasium, FMS, HMS) |
Example Use Cases
Query | Tool |
"List all Schulkreise in Zurich" |
|
"Pupil trend in Letzi over 5 years" |
|
"How many Sek A vs Sek B in Winterthur?" |
|
"Top nationalities in ZΓΌrich-Letzi" |
|
"MaturitΓ€tsquote of Stadt ZΓΌrich" |
|
Architecture
βββββββββββββββββββ ββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ ββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
β Claude / AI ββββββΆβ zh-education-mcp ββββββΆβ BISTA Kanton ZΓΌrich β
β (MCP Host) βββββββ (MCP Server) βββββββ REST/CSV (Public API) β
βββββββββββββββββββ β β ββββββββββββββββββββββββββββ
β 8 Tools β
β Stdio | Streamable HTTP β
β 24h Cache β
β No authentication required β
ββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββββData Source Characteristics
Source | Protocol | Coverage | Auth | Update |
BISTA Kanton ZH | REST/CSV | Learner statistics 2000βpresent | None | Annual (15 Sep) |
Project Structure
zh-education-mcp/
βββ src/zh_education_mcp/
β βββ __init__.py # Package
β βββ config.py # ENV settings (MCP_*)
β βββ constants.py # API base, endpoints, timeouts
β βββ logging_setup.py # structured stderr logging
β βββ provenance.py # response envelope, license attribution
β βββ http_client.py # egress guard, connection pool, lifespan
β βββ data.py # cache, CSV fetch, filters, error handling
β βββ models.py # Pydantic input models
β βββ tools.py # FastMCP instance, 8 tools, 2 resources
β βββ server.py # thin composition layer + entrypoint
βββ tests/
β βββ test_server.py # Unit tests (mocked HTTP with respx)
βββ docs/ # deployment, security, egress, roadmap, β¦
βββ Dockerfile # multi-stage, non-root, healthcheck
βββ docker-compose.yml # resource limits, read-only rootfs
βββ .github/workflows/ci.yml # GitHub Actions (Python 3.11/3.12/3.13)
βββ .github/dependabot.yml # monthly dependency updates
βββ pyproject.toml
βββ CHANGELOG.md
βββ CONTRIBUTING.md # + CONTRIBUTING.de.md
βββ SECURITY.md # + SECURITY.de.md
βββ LICENSE
βββ README.md # This file (English)
βββ README.de.md # German versionKnown Limitations
Annual updates only: BISTA data is updated once per year (reference date: 15 September). The 24h in-memory cache matches this cycle.
CSV-based API: The BISTA API returns CSV data; large datasets may take a moment to parse.
School community names: Names must match exactly (use
zh_edu_list_schulgemeindento find valid names).
Safety & Limits
Topic | Details |
No personal data | BISTA statistics are aggregated β no individual pupil data is exposed or accessible. All figures are anonymized at the school community level. |
Read-only | All tools are read-only ( |
No authentication | The BISTA API is fully public. No API keys, tokens, or credentials are stored or transmitted. |
Rate limits | The BISTA API has no documented rate limit, but the server uses a 24h in-memory cache to minimize requests. Please use responsibly. |
Data license | All data is published under CC BY 4.0 by the Canton of Zurich. Attribution: Bildungsstatistik Kanton ZΓΌrich (BISTA). |
Terms of Service | Usage is subject to the BISTA terms of use. The MCP server is an independent open-source project and is not affiliated with the Canton of Zurich. |
AI output disclaimer | Statistics are passed through as-is from the BISTA API. AI-generated interpretations or summaries should be verified against the official BISTA portal. |
Testing
# Unit tests (no API calls)
PYTHONPATH=src pytest tests/ -m "not live"
# Integration tests (live API calls)
pytest tests/ -m "live"The live suite also runs on a schedule: every Monday 05:23 UTC, plus on
demand (live-tests.yml). A red run opens
an upstream-labelled issue; a green one closes it. -m "not live" is not a
place where tests run, and these three are the only tests here that can
contradict a wrong assumption about BISTA β see
CONTRIBUTING.
MCP Protocol Version
This server speaks two protocol eras over the same endpoint. The client's first request on a connection decides which one applies; a later claim from the other era is refused.
Era | Revision | Who reaches it |
|
| What today's clients speak. The server answers with the revision asked for, or with the |
Per-request envelope |
| A request carrying the |
Both revisions are pinned in
tests/test_protocol_version.py and asserted
against the installed SDK, so a Dependabot bump of mcp cannot move either one
silently. The handshake ceiling is measured against a live initialize through
the assembled ASGI stack, not read off a constant name.
Note that the SDK's LATEST_PROTOCOL_VERSION is an alias for the modern
era, not for the handshake era β pinning against it alone would leave the era
that current clients actually negotiate free to drift.
Update policy. When the gate fails, do not edit the constant blindly: read
the spec changelog between the two revisions, verify the server still behaves,
then move the constant, this section, README.de.md and
CHANGELOG.md together.
Project phase: Phase 1 β read-only (all tools readOnlyHint: true). See
docs/roadmap.md.
Release
Publishing is driven by a GitHub release (release: published β
publish.yml): build β gate β PyPI β MCP Registry.
The gate (check_release_artifacts.py) runs
before the upload and inspects the built wheel, not the sources:
exactly one
mcp-name:marker (an HTML comment, see the bottom of this file) in the wheel METADATA β the MCP Registry proves PyPI ownership with it β and it must matchserver.jsonnameserver.jsondescriptionat most 100 characters; the Registry answers422, and only after the PyPI upload has already succeededserver.jsonversion equal topyproject.tomlversion, and the git tag equal to the version actually built
It sits ahead of the upload because nothing is correctable behind it: a PyPI version is immutable, so a fix costs a version bump.
If you edit this README: the marker at the very bottom is shipped as part of
the package description (readme = "README.md" in pyproject.toml), and removing
it fails the gate. README.de.md carries no marker and is not published. The
version badge above is checked on every pull request by
check_version_sync.py against pyproject.toml
and server.json.
Changelog
See CHANGELOG.md
Contributing
See CONTRIBUTING.md Β· π©πͺ Beitragen
Security
See SECURITY.md Β· π©πͺ Sicherheit
License
MIT License β see LICENSE
Author
Hayal Oezkan Β· malkreide
Credits & Related Projects
BISTA: pub.bista.zh.ch β Bildungsstatistik Kanton ZΓΌrich (CC BY 4.0)
Protocol: Model Context Protocol β Anthropic / Linux Foundation
Related: zurich-opendata-mcp β Zurich city open data (parking, weather, parliament)
Related: swiss-cultural-heritage-mcp β Swiss cultural heritage data
Related: fedlex-mcp β Swiss federal law
Portfolio: Swiss Public Data MCP Portfolio
Installation
Run via uv's uvx β no clone or manual install needed. Add to your MCP client config (mcpServers for Claude Desktop, Cursor and Windsurf; use a top-level servers key for VS Code in .vscode/mcp.json):
{
"mcpServers": {
"zh-education-mcp": {
"command": "uvx",
"args": [
"zh-education-mcp"
]
}
}
}Available Tools
8 toolszh_edu_list_schulgemeindenARead-onlyIdempotent
Listet alle Schulgemeinden und Schulkreise im Kanton ZΓΌrich auf.
Extrahiert die eindeutigen Schulgemeinden aus den Sekundarstufe-I-Daten. NΓΌtzlich als Einstieg, um gΓΌltige Namen fΓΌr andere Tools zu finden.
Args: params (ListSchulgemeindensInput): - suchbegriff (str | None): Filter nach Teilstring (z. B. 'ZΓΌrich') - response_format: 'markdown' oder 'json'
Returns: str: Alphabetische Liste aller Schulgemeinden.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| params | Yes |
Output Schema
| Name | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| result | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint, idempotentHint, and non-destructive behavior. The description adds useful context about the data source and alphabetical ordering of results, which goes beyond the annotations. No contradiction exists.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is front-loaded with the core purpose and uses a compact Args/Returns structure. Every sentence provides value without unnecessary fluff or repetition.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a simple read-only list tool, the description fully covers the operation, parameters, output format, and use case. The annotations and parameter details are sufficient; no additional behavioral notes are required.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Although the schema has descriptions, the tool description explicitly lists both parameters (suchbegriff and response_format) with examples, ensuring clarity. Since the computed schema coverage is 0%, the description fully compensates for the lack of top-level parameter explanation.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool lists all Schulgemeinden and Schulkreise in the Canton of Zurich, using a specific verb and resource. It also mentions the data source (Sekundarstufe-I data), which distinguishes it from sibling tools like trend or overview.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description explicitly notes the tool is useful as an entry point to find valid names for other tools, providing clear usage context. However, it does not mention when to avoid this tool or name alternatives, so it earns a 4 rather than a 5.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
zh_edu_maturitaetsquoteARead-onlyIdempotent
Zeigt die gymnasiale MaturitΓ€tsquote nach Gemeinde, Bezirk und Kanton.
Die MaturitΓ€tsquote berechnet sich als Anteil der gymnasialen AbschlΓΌsse an der 19-jΓ€hrigen WohnbevΓΆlkerung einer Gemeinde.
Args: params (MaturitaetsquoteInput): - gemeinde (str | None): Gemeindename filtern - bezirk (str | None): Bezirk filtern - response_format: 'markdown' oder 'json'
Returns: str: MaturitΓ€tsquoten-Tabelle mit AbschlΓΌssen und Quote pro Gemeinde.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| params | Yes |
Output Schema
| Name | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| result | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
The description adds meaningful context beyond the annotations by explaining the calculation formula (Anteil der gymnasialen AbschlΓΌsse an der 19-jΓ€hrigen WohnbevΓΆlkerung) and the return format. Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true and idempotentHint=true, so the description doesn't need to restate those. The additional methodology details are valuable.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is concise and well-structured: a clear opening statement, a brief formula explanation, and a compact Args/Returns section. Every sentence adds value and the most important information is front-loaded.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The description covers the core functionality, metric definition, parameters, and return type. An output schema handles the detailed response structure, and annotations cover the safety profile. It is complete for a read-only tool, though it could mention the canton scope (ZH) explicitly or behavior for empty results, but these are minor gaps.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The description's Args section restates the parameters (gemeinde, bezirk, response_format) in a way that closely mirrors the input schema, which already includes descriptions and examples. No new semantic information is added beyond what the schema provides, so the baseline of 3 applies.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's purpose: 'Zeigt die gymnasiale MaturitΓ€tsquote nach Gemeinde, Bezirk und Kanton.' The verb 'Zeigt' is specific and the resource (MaturitΓ€tsquote) is distinct from sibling tools which focus on other education metrics like school communities, trends, or profiles.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The usage is implied by the description's focus on MaturitΓ€tsquote and the filtering parameters, but there is no explicit guidance on when to use this tool versus alternatives, nor any exclusions or mention of sibling tools. It provides clear context but no alternatives.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
zh_edu_mittelschulenARead-onlyIdempotent
Zeigt Statistiken zu Mittelschulen (Gymnasium, FMS, HMS) im Kanton ZΓΌrich.
Umfasst Lernendenzahlen nach Mittelschultyp, Bildungsart, Geschlecht und StaatsangehΓΆrigkeit.
Args: params (MittelschulenInput): - mittelschultyp (str | None): Schultyp filtern (z. B. 'Gymnasium') - jahr (int | None): Bestimmtes Jahr (leer = aktuellstes) - response_format: 'markdown' oder 'json'
Returns: str: Mittelschulstatistiken nach Typ und Bildungsart.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| params | Yes |
Output Schema
| Name | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| result | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnly, idempotent, and non-destructive hints. The description adds useful behavioral details: default jahr is the current year if empty, response_format can be markdown or json, and the output includes specific breakdowns. This goes beyond the annotation minimum without contradicting it.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is well-organized: a concise summary of purpose and data scope, followed by a structured Args list and a Returns note. Every sentence adds value, and it is front-loaded with the most important information. No redundant or filler content.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
The description covers the tool's purpose, parameters, output type, and included data dimensions. This is sufficient for an agent to select and invoke the tool correctly. Minor omission is the lack of explicit mention of return format structure, but the presence of output schema and clear Returns description mitigates this.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The Args section restates the parameter descriptions already present in the schema (mittelschultyp, jahr, response_format) but adds no new meaning. The schema provides clear descriptions, so the baseline of 3 applies; the description does not compensate beyond this.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool's purpose: showing statistics for Mittelschulen (Gymnasium, FMS, HMS) in Kanton ZΓΌrich. It specifies the exact data dimensions (Lernendenzahlen nach Mittelschultyp, Bildungsart, Geschlecht, StaatsangehΓΆrigkeit), which distinguishes it from sibling tools covering other school types or metrics.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies use for Mittelschul statistics with clear scope (Kanton ZΓΌrich) but does not explicitly mention when to use this tool over alternatives or provide exclusion criteria. Sibling tool names give context, but the description itself lacks explicit guidance on selection.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
zh_edu_overviewARead-onlyIdempotent
Gibt eine kantonsweite Γbersicht aller Lernenden nach Stufe, Typ und Geschlecht.
Datenquelle: BISTA-Γbersicht aller Lernenden im Kanton ZΓΌrich. Umfasst Primarstufe, Sekundarstufe I, Sekundarstufe II und TertiΓ€rstufe.
Args: params (UebersichtInput): - jahr (int | None): Bestimmtes Jahr (leer = aktuellstes) - stufe (str | None): Filter nach Schulstufe - response_format: 'markdown' oder 'json'
Returns: str: Γbersichtstabelle mit Lernenden nach Stufe und Schultyp.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| params | Yes |
Output Schema
| Name | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| result | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnly, openWorld, and idempotent hints, covering the safety profile. The description adds useful context: the output can be markdown or json, the year filter defaults to the latest available year, and the data comes from BISTA. No contradictions detected; it provides enough additional behavioral detail for a simple overview tool.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is well-structured with clear sections for purpose, data source, args, and returns. It is front-loaded with the core action and remains concise. Slight redundancy exists (e.g., 'Γbersicht' repeated), but every sentence adds useful information and the overall length is appropriate.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a read-only overview tool with nested parameters and an output schema, the description covers all essential aspects: purpose, data source, scope, parameters, and return format. It does not discuss error handling or edge cases, but given the tool's simplicity and the presence of annotations, this is adequate. The description is complete enough for an agent to use correctly.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The description lists all three parameters with types and explanations in the Args section, which is helpful. However, this largely mirrors the schema's own descriptions (e.g., 'jahr' meaning specific year or latest, 'stufe' as a filter). The context signal indicates 0% schema description coverage, but the schema already provides detailed descriptions, so the description adds limited new meaning beyond what an agent would find in the schema.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool provides a canton-wide overview of all learners by level, type, and gender ('Gibt eine kantonsweite Γbersicht aller Lernenden nach Stufe, Typ und Geschlecht'). It also specifies the data source and covered levels, distinguishing it from sibling tools that focus on specific aspects like school communities or trends.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description gives clear context for when to use the tool: when a broad, canton-wide overview is needed. It does not explicitly name alternatives or state exclusions, but the scope is well-defined through the data source and levels. The sibling tool names suggest distinct purposes, but no direct comparison is made.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
zh_edu_schulkreis_trendARead-onlyIdempotent
Zeigt den Lernenden-Trend fΓΌr eine Schulgemeinde / einen Schulkreis.
Liefert die Entwicklung der Lernendenzahlen (Sek I) ΓΌber die letzten N Jahre, aufgeschlΓΌsselt nach Anforderungstyp (Sek A, Sek B, Sek C etc.).
Args: params (SchulkreisTrendInput): - schulgemeinde (str): Name der Schulgemeinde (z. B. 'ZΓΌrich-Letzi') - letzte_n_jahre (int): Anzahl Jahre rΓΌckwΓ€rts (Standard: 5) - response_format: 'markdown' oder 'json'
Returns: str: Trend-Γbersicht mit Jahresvergleich und Gesamtentwicklung.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| params | Yes |
Output Schema
| Name | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| result | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true, idempotentHint=true, and destructiveHint=false, covering safety. The description adds behavioral detail beyond these, such as the scope (Sek I), breakdown by Anforderungstyp, and the return format (trend overview with year comparison and overall development). No contradiction with annotations.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is well-structured: a clear opening sentence, a detailed explanation, and a straightforward Args/Returns section. It is slightly longer than necessary due to duplicating schema information, but every sentence earns its place and the formatting is clean.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a simple read-only trend tool with one parameter object and a string return, the description is sufficiently complete. It covers the time range, the breakdown, and the response format. It does not address error cases or data availability, but given the annotations and simplicity, this is acceptable.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The input schema fully documents all three properties (schulgemeinde, letzte_n_jahre, response_format) with descriptions, constraints, and defaults. The description's Args section mirrors the schema without adding new meaning. Since schema coverage is high, a baseline of 3 is appropriate.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description clearly states the tool shows learner trends for a school district/municipality, with specific detail on Sek I and breakdown by requirement type (Sek A, B, C). This differentiates it from sibling tools like residential trends or matriculation rates, satisfying the verb+resource+scope criterion.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description clearly indicates the usage context: trend over the last N years for a specific school district. It does not explicitly name alternative tools or exclusions, but the context is strong enough for an agent to infer when to use it. Lacks explicit when-not-to-use guidance.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
zh_edu_sek1_profilARead-onlyIdempotent
Zeigt das Sek-I-Profil einer Schulgemeinde (Anforderungstypen A/B/C).
SchlΓΌsselt die Lernenden der Sekundarstufe I nach Anforderungstyp auf: Sek A (hΓΆchste Anforderungen), Sek B, Sek C, Mittelschule, Sonderklassen.
Args: params (Sek1ProfilInput): - schulgemeinde (str): Schulgemeinde (z. B. 'ZΓΌrich-Letzi') - jahr (int | None): Bestimmtes Jahr (leer = aktuellstes) - response_format: 'markdown' oder 'json'
Returns: str: Profil mit Anzahl und Anteil pro Anforderungstyp.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| params | Yes |
Output Schema
| Name | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| result | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already mark the tool as readOnlyHint, idempotentHint, and destructiveHint=false, so the description adds value by describing the output as 'Profil mit Anzahl und Anteil pro Anforderungstyp' and stating the default year behavior ('leer = aktuellstes'). It also clarifies the response_format options, exceeding the annotation baseline.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is tightly structured with a one-sentence purpose, a category list, Args, and Returns sections. There is no filler or redundant explanation; every line contributes.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a read-only profile tool with one nested input object, the description covers purpose, categories, parameters, default behavior, response_format, and return value. It does not discuss edge cases like unknown Schulgemeinden, but the annotated read-only nature and simple output make this sufficient.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The Args section restates and clarifies all parameters, adding concrete examples ('ZΓΌrich-Letzi') and the default-year semantics ('leer = aktuellstes') beyond what the schema's property names alone provide. Given the low schema coverage signal, the description compensates effectively for each parameter including response_format.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description opens with 'Zeigt das Sek-I-Profil einer Schulgemeinde (Anforderungstypen A/B/C)', giving a specific verb, resource, and scope. It also enumerates the exact breakdown categories, clearly distinguishing this read-only profile tool from trend, overview, and MaturitΓ€tsquote siblings.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description implies use when you need a Sek-I profile broken down by Anforderungstyp for a Schulgemeinde, but it never explicitly states when not to use it or mentions alternatives among the sibling tools. The purpose is clear, yet selection guidance is only implicit.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
zh_edu_staatsangehoerigkeitenARead-onlyIdempotent
Zeigt die StaatsangehΓΆrigkeitsstruktur der Lernenden einer Schulgemeinde.
Liefert die hΓ€ufigsten NationalitΓ€ten der SchΓΌlerΒ·innen in einer Schulgemeinde, inkl. ISO2-LΓ€ndercode und Anteil.
Args: params (StaatsangehoerigkeitInput): - schulgemeinde (str): Schulgemeinde (z. B. 'ZΓΌrich-Letzi') - top_n (int): Anzahl Top-NationalitΓ€ten (Standard: 10) - jahr (int | None): Bestimmtes Jahr (leer = aktuellstes) - response_format: 'markdown' oder 'json'
Returns: str: Rangliste der hΓ€ufigsten NationalitΓ€ten mit Anteil.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| params | Yes |
Output Schema
| Name | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| result | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already declare readOnlyHint=true, idempotentHint=true, and destructiveHint=false, covering the safety profile. The description adds that it returns a ranking string with ISO2 codes and proportions and notes the default top_n of 10 and null jahr meaning 'latest'. This is useful but does not disclose edge cases such as invalid schulgemeinde names or empty results. Given the annotations, a 3 is appropriate.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is concise and well-structured: a single lead sentence stating the tool's purpose, followed by compact Args and Returns sections. Every sentence is informative, with no redundant or filler text. The formatting makes it easy to scan quickly.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
Given the rich annotations (read-only, idempotent) and the presence of an output schema, the description provides adequate coverage of behavior and parameters. It does not mention how to obtain valid schulgemeinde names or handle potential errors, but for a read-only lookup tool, this is a minor gap. Overall, it is sufficiently complete for an agent to correctly invoke the tool.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
The description explicitly lists and explains all four parameters (schulgemeinde, top_n, jahr, response_format) in an Args section, including defaults and examples. Since the top-level schema only exposes an unannotated 'params' object (coverage 0%), the description fully compensates by detailing every nested parameter, making the semantics crystal clear.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description uses the specific verb 'Zeigt' (shows) and clearly identifies the resource: 'StaatsangehΓΆrigkeitsstruktur der Lernenden einer Schulgemeinde'. It further specifies that it delivers the most frequent nationalities with ISO2 code and share, distinguishing it from sibling trend-focused tools like zh_edu_schulkreis_trend. This makes the purpose unmistakable and unique.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description does not provide any guidance on when to use this tool over alternatives, nor does it mention exclusions or prerequisites. It does not reference sibling tools such as zh_edu_list_schulgemeinden for valid community names or zh_edu_schulkreis_trend for trends, leaving the agent to infer the appropriate context solely from the basic function.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
zh_edu_wohnort_trendARead-onlyIdempotent
Zeigt die Entwicklung der Lernendenzahlen nach Wohnort (Bezirk/Gemeinde).
Basiert auf dem Wohnort der Lernenden, nicht dem Schulort. AufschlΓΌsselung nach Gebietstyp (Kanton, Bezirk, Gemeinde) und Schulstufe.
Args: params (WohnortTrendInput): - gebiet (str | None): Gebietsbezeichnung filtern - stufe (str | None): Schulstufe filtern - letzte_n_jahre (int): Anzahl Jahre (Standard: 5) - response_format: 'markdown' oder 'json'
Returns: str: Trend-Tabelle der Lernenden nach Wohnort und Stufe.
| Name | Required | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|---|
| params | Yes |
Output Schema
| Name | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|
| result | Yes |
TDQS
Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?
Annotations already cover the safety profile with readOnlyHint=true, idempotentHint=true, and destructiveHint=false. The description adds useful behavioral context by clarifying the data source (Wohnort, not Schulort) and the output type (Trend-Tabelle), which goes beyond the annotation fields without contradicting them.
Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.
Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?
The description is appropriately sized: a one-sentence summary, a short clarifying statement, a structured Args block, and a Returns line. Every element earns its place, and the most important information is front-loaded.
Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.
Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?
For a read-only trend tool with robust annotations and an output schema, the description covers the input parameters, the filtering dimensions, the data basis, and the return format. There are no significant missing details that would prevent correct invocation.
Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.
Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?
Although the context signal reports 0% schema description coverage, the description's Args section enumerates all parameters with clear meanings, defaults, and response_format options. This compensates for the perceived coverage gap, even though the underlying JSON schema itself also contains detailed parameter descriptions.
Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.
Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?
The description opens with a specific verb and resource: 'Zeigt die Entwicklung der Lernendenzahlen nach Wohnort' (shows the development of learner numbers by place of residence). It also explicitly distinguishes the tool from school-location-based alternatives by stating 'Basiert auf dem Wohnort der Lernenden, nicht dem Schulort', which differentiates it from sibling tools like zh_edu_schulkreis_trend.
Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.
Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?
The description clearly conveys when this tool is applicable: it reports trends by learner residence rather than school location, and it supports filtering by area type and school level. It does not explicitly name alternative tools or say 'use this instead of X', but the Wohnort vs. Schulort clarification provides strong contextual guidance.
Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.
Tool Schema Changelog
Recent tool additions, removals, and schema changes observed during successful MCP inspections.
8 tool updates
v0.2.6- First observed
zh_edu_list_schulgemeinden - First observed
zh_edu_maturitaetsquote - First observed
zh_edu_mittelschulen - First observed
zh_edu_overview - First observed
zh_edu_schulkreis_trend - First observed
zh_edu_sek1_profil - First observed
zh_edu_staatsangehoerigkeiten - First observed
zh_edu_wohnort_trend
TDQS
Scored across 8 tools
Each tool targets a unique aspect of Zurich education data: listing districts, trends per district, canton-wide overview, Sek1 profiles, nationalities, maturity rates, residence trends, and secondary school statistics. The two trend tools are clearly differentiated by school location vs. residence.
All tools consistently use the zh_edu_ prefix and snake_case, with descriptive names that reflect their purpose (e.g., list_schulgemeinden, maturitaetsquote). The mix of German and English terms is predictable and does not hinder usability.
Eight tools is well within the ideal range for an education statistics server. Each tool covers a distinct facet without redundancy, making the set feel appropriately scoped.
The set covers listing, trends, profiles, demographics, and specific school types comprehensively. Minor gaps exist, such as a lack of tools for raw data export or per-school detailed statistics, but the core analytics needs are well met.
Maintenance
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