The school system of Bremen

The primary school takes four years to accomplish in Bremen.

After elementary school, parents decide which school their child is attending next. The current school your child goes to will also have a recommendation in this regard. There are three options:

• Oberschule
• Gymnasium
• Werkschule

The Oberschule starts with the 5th grade, and students can graduate from it after the 10th or the 13th class. In these schools, all students attend same classes, no matter what type of school-leaving certificate they want to obtain at the end. In some subjects, however, there are two courses with different requirements. After successful completion of the 10th class, your child can graduate with the Erweiterte Berufsbildungsreife or the Mittleren Schulabschluss. If he/she finishes the 13th class, then he/she will obtain an Abitur. In some schools, students can graduate with an Abitur after the 12th class. Your child can start vocational training ("Ausbildung") with any of these three certificates, but with an Abitur, enrolling in a university would also be among the options.

The Werkschule begins in the 9th grade and ends with the 11th grade. These schools offer plenty of practical training and are designed to prepare the students for their professional future. Your child can obtain a Berufsbildungsreife after the 10th grade or Erweiterte Berufsbildungsreife after the 11th grade. Comparing to the Oberschule, here the students have one more year to acquire the Erweiterte Berufsbildungsreife. Your child would be able to start vocational training ("Ausbildung") with any of these certificates.

In a Gymnasium, children can do their Abitur in 12th grade. In these schools, students have to study intensively and be very diligent. They should learn at least two foreign languages in the Gymnasium years. Many Gymnasium have particular focus areas such as science, music & arts, languages ​​or sports. Each Gymnasium also has its specific criteria for the admission. Those leaving the Gymnasium after the 9th or 10th grade often automatically obtain Erweiterte Berufsbildungsreife or the Mittleren Schulabschluss. With an Abitur, your child can start vocational training or enter university.

Once you leave the initial reception facility, your child must go to school.

You will receive a letter from the school responsible for your child, containing all the useful information and an appointment for registration. Children who do not speak German are initially tutored in special German courses.

The staff at your accommodation centre can provide you information about the registration process.

You must register your child at the designated elementary school in January. In due time you will receive a letter, in which you will find the school's address and further information. During the registration process, your child will be examined by a doctor, and his German language skills will be checked.

The staff in your child's kindergarten can help you in the registration process.