In Lower Saxony, elementary school comprises school years 1 to 4. In elementary school with an entry level, children in years 1 and 2 are taught in inter-year learning groups, which they attend for one to three years.
School attendance is compulsory for your child. In Lower Saxony, children generally start school when they have reached the age of six by September 30th of a given year. This also includes children who have their 6th birthday on October 1.
Children born after October 1 (so-called "optional children") can also be enrolled; there is no special deadline for this. The head teacher decides on admission.
About 15 months before your child starts school, you will be asked to register
to the elementary school responsible for your child. The school authority - i.e. the town or municipality - or the elementary school will inform you of the exact registration date well in advance. Your place of residence determines which school(s) is/are responsible for you. You can obtain information on this from the school authority or an elementary school in your area.
In Lower Saxony, all children are examined by a doctor before they start school as part of the school entrance examination to check their development and state of health. This will identify your child's strengths and weaknesses relevant to school, advise you and, if necessary, recommend support measures for your child. Participation in the school entrance examination is compulsory for your child. You will receive an invitation.
Your school-age child can be deferred for one year if it is to be expected that he or she will not be able to successfully complete the first year of primary school or a special school.school or a special school. The child may be required to attend a school kindergarten if this facility is available in the area of the school authority. The decision to enrol or defer your child is made by the school management after consultation with you as a parent or guardian. In elementary school with an entry level, there should be no deferral.
If your child has its sixth birthday in the period from July 2 to October 1, you can postpone school attendance by one year by submitting a written declaration. This does not have to be justified (Flexibilization of the school enrolment date).
