Secondary education
A high-quality secondary education, an international qualification and excellent German.
For international students, a boarding school is the most realistic option and a chance to graduate with an internationally recognised qualification while becoming fluent in German. Private boarding schools match or exceed state schools in quality and offer several languages, extra courses and sport — from golf and riding to football and swimming.
Schooling lasts 12–13 years, depending on the federal state. Children start primary school (Grundschule) at six or seven; after year 4 they move on to one of three types of school:
Gymnasium pupils study at least two foreign languages and, from years 10–11, choose subject combinations. To sit the final exams they take two subjects at advanced and two at basic level. The final grade combines coursework from the last two years and four exams — three written and one oral.
International schools offer the IB or A-levels; German schools offer the Abitur. The school year runs from August/September to June/July, with shorter summer holidays than in many countries — about six weeks.
Options in this selection: 2. We shortlist the ones that truly fit your child — and confirm current dates, fees and availability.
Tell us about your child and your plans. We will suggest the right country, school or programme and explain the next steps.
Information is for guidance only. Entry requirements, fees and dates change every year — we confirm the details for each family.
Tell us about your child and your goals — we will reply within 24 hours with our thoughts and possible next steps.
Kate will reply to you personally within 24 hours.
