A big step is coming — first-grade enrolment. We know how many questions are running through your head right now: when exactly enrolment takes place, what to bring, how a deferral works and what it all means for your child. We're parents too and have been through the same thing. That's why we've gathered everything important in one place — and below the text you'll find BECKMANN school bags and backpacks your first-grader can start school with, back straight.

Note: enrolment now takes place in January and February

Until recently, enrolment was in April. However, an amendment to the Education Act (the so-called deferral amendment) moved the date from 1 September 2025. Enrolment for first grade now takes place from 15 January to 15 February.

For enrolment in 2027 this means:

The school must publish the exact date and organisation of enrolment in advance, typically on its website. We recommend keeping an eye on it from December — January comes sooner than you think.

How enrolment works

Formal part (compulsory) — you submit an application for admission. You can submit it:

• in person at the school,
• by post (we recommend a registered letter),
• via a data box,
• by e-mail with an electronic signature.

In the application you now also state where the child attends compulsory preschool education (e.g. kindergarten).

Motivational part (optional) — if the school holds it, it's a short conversation with the teacher (up to 20 minutes) and possibly playful activities (up to 60 minutes). It's not a test but a first introduction to the school. You have the right to be present with your child throughout.

Good news: neither the child nor the parent has to attend enrolment in person. Private and church schools may be an exception if they announce it in advance.

Catchment school or another school?

• You can choose a catchment or a non-catchment school and your child can enrol at several schools.
• The catchment school is the one where your child is entitled to priority admission based on their permanent address. You can find out which school is your catchment school at the municipal or district office.
• The school must publish its admission criteria in advance. It may not decide, for example, by the order in which applications are submitted or by the result of a school readiness test.
• The school usually publishes the results as a list of registration numbers of admitted children. You can appeal against non-admission — instructions are given in the decision.
• If your catchment school does not admit your child, contact the municipality of your permanent address. It is obliged to secure a school place.

School deferral: the rules are getting stricter

The amendment significantly restricts deferrals. They can now be granted mainly when the child's health does not allow them to attend lessons in the long term. A deferral just because of immaturity, incomplete speech development or attention disorders will generally no longer be possible.

For enrolment in 2027 a transitional period applies according to date of birth:

From enrolment in 2028 the new rules apply to all children.

How to apply for a deferral:

• You submit the application during enrolment (i.e. 15 January – 15 February 2027) to the head teacher.
• You attach two recommending assessments: from a pedagogical-psychological counselling centre or a special education centre, and from a medical specialist or clinical psychologist. Under the new rules, this assessment cannot be issued by a general practitioner for children and adolescents.
• Book the counselling centre assessment well in advance, ideally in the autumn.
• If the child is granted a deferral under the new rules, they continue preschool education according to an individual education plan.

If you're not sure, talk to the kindergarten teacher. The kindergarten assesses the child on an ongoing basis and now also passes the results on to the primary school.

What awaits first-graders from September 2027

• Verbal assessment only — from the 2027/2028 school year, children in first grade receive verbal assessment instead of marks.
• A teaching assistant in every first-grade class with at least 15 pupils (from September 2026).
• Repeating first grade is only possible if the child's health prevents school attendance.

Calendar for parents of future first-graders

• September 2026: find out your catchment school, browse school websites, visit open days. Considering a deferral? Book the counselling centre
• October 2026: watch for when your chosen schools publish the enrolment date and organisation. Prepare your child's birth certificate and your ID
• November 2026: choosing and buying a school backpack or school bag – a bonus: children go to enrolment already equipped for school
• 15 January – 15 February 2027: enrolment and, if applicable, a deferral application
• Spring and summer 2027: school adaptation programmes, practising the way to school, a regular sleep routine
• 1 September 2027: the first day of school.