Request exemption/exceptions from compulsory education

In Bremen, pupils are obliged to go to school for 12 years.

However, compulsory schooling can also end early if a vocational course of at least one year has been successfully completed. Compulsory schooling ends at the latest at the end of the school year in which the pupil reaches the age of 18. This means that if a pupil turns 18 in the current school year, they are required to attend school until the end of the current school year.

When can I apply for suspension of compulsory schooling (§ 56 BremSchulG)?

1. When attending a recognized supplementary school
2. When participating in the Federal Voluntary Service
3. When participating in a voluntary social or ecological year
4. If attending school endangers the care of the child of the person subject to compulsory schooling.

Note: A suspension of compulsory school attendance due to a ban on employment under the Maternity Protection Act does not have to be applied for, but simply reported to the school with a doctor's certificate and birth certificate.

In special exceptional cases, an exemption from compulsory schooling (§ 57 BremSchulG) can be applied for.

Who submits the application and where must it be submitted?

For pupils who are not of legal age, the application must be submitted by the legal guardians/guardians to the responsible office. Pupils of legal age can submit the application themselves.

What proof is required?

For points 1-3, only a certificate from the "sponsor" is required.

For point 4, it must be proven that care for the child is not guaranteed if the school-age child were to attend school. It must be proven that even external care, e.g. by family members, a crèche or a childminder, is not possible or that this would endanger the child's development. In the case of applications for suspension of compulsory schooling in special exceptional cases, appropriate proof must be submitted.

Does the time count towards the duration of compulsory schooling?

The time during which compulsory schooling is suspended is counted towards the duration of compulsory schooling. The voluntary social/ecological year and the Federal Voluntary Service are not counted if the pupil so requests.

Important note:

If the reason for exemption from compulsory schooling ceases to apply, compulsory schooling is immediately reinstated, provided it has not already been completed at this point. The pupil must immediately register for a course of education at a school. Relevant information and advice can be obtained from the Central Vocational Training Advisory Service (ZBB) at the Youth Employment Agency.

Requirements

• When attending a recognized supplementary school.
• When participating in the Federal Voluntary Service.
• When participating in a voluntary social or ecological year.
• If the care of the child of the person subject to compulsory schooling is at risk.
  A suspension of compulsory school attendance due to the prohibition of employment under the Maternity Protection Act does not have to be applied for, but simply reported to the school with a doctor's certificate and birth certificate. In special exceptional cases, an exemption from compulsory school attendance (§ 57 BremSchulG) can be applied for.