Compulsory schooling
In North Rhine-Westphalia, compulsory education is enshrined in law. It applies to all children and young people who are resident or ordinarily resident in the federal state.
Start of compulsory schooling
Children who turn six by September 30 of a given year are required to attend school from August 1 of the same year.
Example:
Lina will be six years old on August 15. This year, she starts school after the summer vacation.
Duration and structure
Compulsory schooling consists of two phases:
Full-time compulsory education:
It lasts ten school years - from Grundschule to the end of lower secondary level. Repetitions are also included.
Example:
Tom attends a Realschule after Grundschule. His full-time compulsory education ends after year 10.
Compulsory vocational training:
It is valid until the age of 18 or until completion of vocational training.
Example:
Sarah starts an apprenticeship as a businesswoman at 16. At the same time, she attends vocational school and thus fulfills her compulsory vocational training.
Fulfillment of compulsory education
Compulsory schooling can be completed at public schools, recognized alternative schools or, in special cases, abroad.
Example:
Jonas attends a private Waldorf school that is recognized by the state. Compulsory education is also fulfilled there.
Special regulations
Children can spend up to three years in the school entry phase (years 1 and 2) without the third year counting towards compulsory schooling.
In the event of prolonged illness or a stay abroad, compulsory schooling can be suspended or adjusted.
Example:
Mila is living in Canada with her family for a year. In this case, the school inspectorate can grant an exemption from compulsory schooling in NRW.