Education in Germany
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Loading... - Khalish Jasmay
- 08 May 2023
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Germany has an established and free public education system which is the choice of the majority of families. The system is well-established and free for all students including expats. Only less than nine percent of locals attend a private secondary school, but this is slowly increasing. International families, on the other hand, face the challenge of language as the primary medium of instruction is German. Children attend the public system between the ages of six and 16. Private or state-funded "kita" programs are available to children from the age of three, however, this is not academic, focusing instead on socialisation and play-based activities. Primary school or "grundschale" ranges from grades 1 to 6 depending on the state and caters to children between the ages of 6 to 10 or 12.
According to ISC Research, there are 165 international schools in Germany that offer alternative options for expat families, which teach country-specific curriculums such as the British, American, French, Swiss, and Japanese systems. The majority of these international schools follow the internationally recognised IB curriculum, or work towards UK IGCSE exams or the American High School Diploma. The international schools tend to be more down to earth and relaxed than those in other parts of the world and are often housed in historic buildings.
The German public system is regarded as strong academically, however, some expats find it utilitarian. There are limited extra-curricular activities, especially in sports, and the school day often finishes at lunchtime. Students are streamed in level 4 (level 6 in Berlin) based on their predicted academic ability, with the "gymnasium" stream being earmarked for university after the final Abitur exam, while the rest attend "realschule" or "hauptshcule" until they are 15/16 years old, which provide a more general education.
For expat families, the cost of the senior years starts at approximately Euro 20,000 in international schools, where lessons are conducted in English. The curriculum tends to be more progressive, facilities are better, and class sizes are smaller than in public schools. These schools offer more support for pupils with additional needs and many have high quality teachers, with most accredited to European Council of International Schools which maintains high standards.
ISC Research Head of Global Research, Nalini Cook notes that international schools in Europe are now being sought out by locals, including in Germany, to develop English language skills or for the international-mindedness, special educational needs provision, and pastoral care that may not be available in the state school. Christina Limbird, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Berlin-based Linden Global Learning Support, says that for many expat families, Germany's international schools are a good alternative to the public school system.
