Giving knowledge & social values

The Saarland takes its federal educational mission very seriously, even for the youngest.

The importance of early support is demonstrated by the wide educational opportunities of pre-school education. For the teachers on the spot imparting social values is as important as having confidence in one's own abilities: even the Saarland virtues of community spirit and cohesion need to be taught and learned early on.

Kindergarten-primary school

Learn by looking further

In line with the Luxembourg and Lorraine model, the Saarland should be bilingual. Therefore, the French strategy of the regional government provides that even the smallest child should learn the language of the neighbouring country. This is already the case in 37 per cent of Saarland day care centres (185 facilities in absolute terms). Compared to other regions, the Saarland unquestionably assumes pole position in this respect. This was revealed in a 2014 survey by the Association for Early Multilingualism in Day Centres and Schools (FMKS e. V.).

Childcare database

Selected Franco-German day centres

Day centres

School education

Inclusion in all schools soon

The new Inclusion Act will be implemented first in primary schools, and then from 2016 in secondary schools. This means that parents of children with disabilities can decide themselves whether to send their child to a special or a normal school. Special schools with a different orientation complement the continued special education.

Action plan 'Saarland inclusive - a place for everyone'

Flyer 'Collaboration means better education'

Equivalent ways to A-levels

Inclusion - collaboration for better education

After four years of primary school, parents have to choose either the eight-year-long gymnasium (grammar school) or the high school, which in addition to the high school leaving certificate and GCSE equivalent examinations also offers A-level equivalent standard after 9 years.

The secondary schools in the region each have their own profile: from state and private institutions to denominational schools as well as alternative education, such as Montessori and Waldorf schools, all school types are represented.

Our guide will help you choose the right type of school and the choice of possible specialisations such as the arts or sports. Moreover, in the Saarland, there is the choice of bi-national school offers to choose from such as the Schengen Lyceum in Perl and the Franco-German Grammar School (DFG). Their goal is to promote the multilingualism of Saarland students.

Information about the choice of secondary school

Saar day schools 2014/2015

Expansion of day schools

Schools with full-day programmes in Saarland have a long tradition, The further expansion of day schools therefore represents a significant contribution to future-oriented development and equality of opportunity in education in the Saarland. Specifically day schools, which adhere to a school routine throughout the school day, permit the individual support of pupils.

Anyone who wants flexible afternoon care for their children, especially in the context of work-life balance, can find an appropriate place throughout the region. That’s because almost all general education schools, if not tied, are voluntary day schools with varied support in the afternoon.

For more information on tied day schools

For more information on voluntary day schools

Gifted students

IQ XXL? Advice centre for the gifted

To be gifted - that does not automatically mean being very good in school. As gifted children and adolescents can upset others with their talent or fall behind. Therefore, the promotion of high-performing and potentially capable students in Saarland needs our support.

Based in Dillingen and Rentrisch, the Saarland has created an exemplary support system at the 'Gifted Student Advisory Board' that offers support diagnostics, consultation and training of parents and teachers as well as systematic support. The goal is continual nurturing of talent during one's educational career from primary school to vocational training or university.

In 2015, for children and adolescents there are over 1,500 places available on the different support programmes (study days, lateral thinking days, support groups and summer schools).

Further support options open up, for example, from participation in competitions, the wide range of school labs, or the Saarbrücken Junior Studies programme, which allows the most talented and committed young people to bridge the gap between school and university.

Nurturing of gifted students