School Information The German school system is quite unique and stands apart from the South African model in several key ways. With its early career streaming, a strong emphasis on vocational training, and a federal structure where each state sets its own education policies, navigating the system can feel like stepping into a whole new world. SA vs German School System The German School system is unique and distinguishes itself from the South African models in several ways Category South Africa Germany School Term Starts in January Starts in September School Uniform Compulsory Public schools do not require school uniforms Home Schooling Allowed Not allowed, school attendance is compulsory School Fees Fees payable depending on income and school Public schools are free of charge. Private schools charge fees Primary School Grade 1 to Grade 7Compulsory from age 6 Grade 1 to Grade 4Compulsory from age 6 Secondary School Grade 8 to Grade 12.Compulsory up to Grade 10 From Grade 5. See more info in the Secondary School section.Compulsory until the age of 15 for a Gymnasium, else 16 years Schulpflicht In Germany, Schulpflicht (compulsory schooling) requires children to attend school, ensuring they receive a structured education. In Germany, there is no unified national school law, and the Grundgesetz (Basic Law) does not explicitly regulate Schulpflicht (compulsory schooling). Instead, each Bundesland (federal state) determines its own rules regarding the duration and starting age of compulsory education. Generally, children must start school at the age of six, but the exact cutoff date varies, meaning some children may begin between the ages of five and seven.Compulsory schooling is typically divided into two phases: full-time compulsory education and part-time (vocational) education. The full-time phase includes Grundschule (primary school) and secondary education (Hauptschule, Realschule, Gesamtschule, or Gymnasium) and lasts between nine and ten years, depending on the state. After this period, students who do not continue in school but start vocational training are required to attend a Berufsschule (vocational school). This part-time schooling obligation usually lasts three years, aligning with the duration of an apprenticeship. As a result, in most federal states, compulsory education extends beyond a student’s 18th birthday, lasting until the end of the school year or the completion of vocational training. Homeschooling is not permitted in Germany, as education laws mandate attendance at an officially recognized school. The legal foundation for Schulpflicht is found in Article 7 of the Basic Law (Grundgesetz) and detailed further in each state’s Schulgesetz (School Law). Parents who fail to comply may face fines or legal consequences. For specific regulations, refer to the Schulgesetze of the respective Bundesland or the German Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK):  Types of schools Germany offers a variety of schooling options, though the foundation of the system is its strong public school network. The German public education system is renowned for its well-structured, inclusive approach, ensuring that children from all backgrounds have access to free, high-quality education. Beyond public schools, families can also explore a range of alternative education models and independent institutions: Montessori schools — following a child-centered approach that encourages independence and hands-on learning. Waldorf schools — based on Rudolf Steiner’s anthroposophical principles. These are state-approved or state-recognised independent schools with a holistic educational philosophy. Jenaplan schools — emphasizing community, creativity, and cooperation over rigid structures. The Catholic Church also runs a large network of faith-based schools across the country. International schools — found in most major cities, offering bilingual or foreign-language curricula for globally minded families. Finding a school Your local Bürgeramt (citizens’ office) can provide up-to-date information about schools in your area, including enrollment procedures and regional education options. If you’re looking for international schools, the following directories are a good place to start: AGIS – Association of German International Schools Welcome Center Germany – International Schools in Germany Germany’s education system Article 7 of the Grundgesetz (Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany) states the following: The entire school system shall be under the supervision of the state. Parents and guardians shall have the right to decide whether children shall receive religious instruction. Religious instruction shall form part of the regular curriculum in state schools, with the exception of non-denominational schools. Without prejudice to the state’s right of supervision, religious instruction shall be given in accordance with the tenets of the religious community concerned. Teachers may not be obliged against their will to give religious instruction. The right to establish private schools shall be guaranteed. Private schools that serve as alternatives to state schools shall require the approval of the state and shall be subject to the laws of the Länder. Such approval shall be given when private schools are not inferior to the state schools in terms of their educational aims, their facilities or the professional training of their teaching staff and when segregation of pupils according to the means of their parents will not be encouraged thereby. Approval shall be withheld if the economic and legal position of the teaching staff is not adequately assured. A private elementary school shall be approved only if the education authority finds that it serves a special educational interest or if, on the application of parents or guardians, it is to be established as a denominational or interdenominational school or as a school based on a particular philosophy and no state elementary school of that type exists in the municipality. Preparatory schools shall remain abolished. Education is primarily the responsibility of the individual Federal States (Bundesländer). Each state has its own Ministry of Education which are responsible for the education policies and legislation. This includes the curriculum and teacher qualification requirements. The School Stages  The German education system has 5 Stages. The Secondary School Stage In Germany, children are placed into different educational paths at a relatively early age, meaning important academic decisions come sooner than many parents might expect. One of the most significant milestones is choosing the right secondary school. This choice can shape not only a student’s academic and career prospects but also their personal and social