British schools in Germany: Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich and more
How British and international schools work within Germany's strict compulsory schooling rules, where to find them, and what families moving to Germany need to know.
Germany has a large international community spread across several economic centres, and correspondingly a wide choice of international schools. Many offer the IB. A good number follow the English curriculum or combine both.
Where the schools are
- Frankfurt / Rhine-Main: the financial centre, with many international schools around the city and the Taunus area.
- Munich: strong demand from tech, automotive and corporate families.
- Berlin: a growing range of international and bilingual schools, including British-curriculum options.
- Düsseldorf and Cologne: serving a large business community in North Rhine-Westphalia.
- Hamburg and Stuttgart: established international schools linked to industry and logistics.
Compulsory schooling (Schulpflicht)
Germany takes school attendance seriously. Children must attend a school that fulfils compulsory schooling requirements. Before choosing an international school, especially for a long stay, confirm with the school and the state authority that attendance counts. Each of the 16 states (Länder) regulates education, so the rules differ between Bavaria, Hesse, Berlin and the rest.
British, IB or German?
- British schools suit families who may return to the UK or move to another British school.
- IB schools are the most common international option in Germany and suit very mobile families.
- German state schools are free and high quality, but teach in German and split children into different secondary tracks (Gymnasium, Realschule and others) at around 10–12. This can be a challenge for older arrivals.
- Bilingual state schools in some cities combine German and English.
Our curriculum comparison explains the main differences.
Practical points
- School holidays are set per state and staggered, so they may not align with schools elsewhere.
- Many German primary schools finish around midday. International schools usually run a full day.
- German language learning helps the whole family enormously, even if the school teaches in English.
Moving soon? Use our relocation checklist.
Directory: British schools in Germany
| School | City | Ages | Curricula |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berlin British School | Berlin | — | British curriculum, IGCSE, IB Diploma, German MSA |
| Independent Bonn International School | Bonn | 3–11 | — |
Frequently asked questions
Is home schooling allowed in Germany?
No. Germany has compulsory school attendance (Schulpflicht), so children must attend a recognised school. Home education is generally not permitted, which makes securing a school place before arrival important.
Are international schools recognised in Germany?
International schools need approval from the relevant federal state (Land). Depending on their status they may be recognised as fulfilling compulsory schooling, which is essential for families who will stay long term. Ask each school about its status in that state.
Can children at British schools in Germany go to a German university?
Yes, with suitable qualifications. A-Levels and the IB Diploma can give access to German universities, subject to the subject combinations and grades set by the German recognition rules.