escalator system; automatic advancement system
Refers to an educational system where students automatically progress from one level to the next (e.g., from affiliated elementary to junior high, or junior high to high school, and sometimes to university) without taking entrance exams. Often used in the context of private schools with integrated programs.
See also: エスカレーター学校 (エスカレーターがっこう)
This school has an escalator system, allowing students to advance from high school to university.
Attending a school with an escalator system reduces the stress of entrance exams.
Compound of エスカレーター (escalator) and 式 (style/system), metaphorically likening automatic educational advancement to riding an escalator.