Number of school enrollments in Germany has decreased for the second year in a row - Germany Faces Sharp Decline in First-Grade School Enrollments Nationwide
Germany has witnessed a significant decline in first-grade enrollments, with a sharp drop of 8.5% recorded in Saarland. By the end of 2024, the number of German children of school-entry age had fallen by 1.1% compared to the previous year. Every federal state, except Bremen, saw a decrease in enrollments, with Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia, and Berlin also experiencing significant drops.
The trend of steadily rising school enrollments in Germany, which began in 2015, has reversed in the 2024/2025 academic year. The decline is attributed to a drop in birth rates in 2019 and a decrease in immigration, particularly from Ukraine. The number of foreign children of school-entry age fell by 0.8% by the end of 2024. Dr. Ruth Brand, President of the German Federal Statistical Office, which determines school enrollment numbers, noted these changes.
The decline in enrollments is a nationwide phenomenon, with only Bremen bucking the trend. Other states, such as Saarland, Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia, and Berlin, have seen significant drops in first-grade enrollments.
The decline in school enrollments in Germany is a concern, with the sharpest drop occurring in Saarland. The trend is attributed to a decrease in birth rates and immigration. As the number of children of school-entry age continues to fall, educators and policymakers must adapt to these changing demographics to ensure adequate resources and support for students.
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