Compare European Baccalaureate International Schools in Germany

Instructs in English, German

Pupils 300

Type Co-educational

Europäische Schule Saarland in Saarbrücken (Paul‑Schmook‑Straße 68, 66115) is the first state-run European School in Germany. It opened on 2 September 2021 and follows the European Schools curriculum, culminating in the European Baccalaureate. The school operates in three cycles: Observation (S1–S3), Pre‑Orientation (S4–S5) and Orientation (S6–S7). From S4, students complete 27–29 hours of compulsory subjects and 4–8 hours of optional courses, totaling 31–35 lessons per week in S6–S7. Instruction uses Language 1 as the main language, Language 2 as the second, and Language 3 as the third; from S4, History, Geography and Economics are taught in Language 2. Language 4 can be added as a fourth language, with Latin available as an elective from S2. The school is open to all children and is free of charge for families. ESS emphasizes a Teach And Care approach with a focus on identity building, and after-school care, lunch and a range of clubs supplementing the day.

Location

The school is located at Paul-Schmook-Straße 68, 66115 Saarbrücken, Germany.

Stages

Primary and secondary education (divided into Primary and Secondary sections).

Additional learning support

Special support programmes; individual learning requirements identified; interventions inside and outside the classroom; inclusive education.

Country affiliation

Germany; first state-run European School in Germany.

School day structure

Ganztag (full-day program) with Hortbetreuung (after-school care) and Mittagessen (lunch), plus School Clubs.

Application fees
- No application or enrolment fee is charged for admission. Registration is completed by submitting the required registration form and documents to the school office.

Tuition / school fees (by year group)
- There is no tuition charged for any year group. The European School Saarland is a public school and attendance is free of charge.

Mandatory annual charges and consumable fees (per student)
- Schoolbook / media loan (Schulbuchausleihe): EUR 160.00 per pupil for the 2025/2026 school year (covers required textbooks, workbooks and related media; may include a loaned mobile device where applicable). Payment is made to the school's account. Deadlines for enrolment in the loan scheme and payment are published each year (for 2025/26 the payment deadline was 01 June). Details and bank transfer information are provided with the school's Schulbuchausleihe information.
- After‑school care / Hortbetreuung (16:00–18:00, including holiday care): participation is subject to a parental fee. The contract period runs for the full school year and costs are recalculated annually; the scheme has charged example contributions in prior years (for 2021/22 the contribution was EUR 50 per month). Holiday lunch during holiday care is charged separately.
- School lunch (canteen): meals are charged per meal. The published canteen price is EUR 4.35 per meal. Meal booking and payment operate on a cashless prepayment system (meal‑o) using a virtual account that is topped up by standard bank transfer. Registration for the meal system and the cashless payment process is handled through the provider.

Boarding / residential provision
- No boarding is offered. The school operates as an all‑day day school (regular hours and optional after‑school care), not as a residential or boarding school.

Other typical parental costs
- School supplies and personal materials: parents purchase required stationery and class‑specific materials per the published material lists for each year group.
- Optional extras: costs for extracurricular trips, special projects, voluntary activities or specific course materials may apply when these are organised; these are charged separately when applicable.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Schoolbook/media loan: annual payment (example deadline for 2025/26: payment visible on account by 01 June). Payment is via bank transfer to the school account using the provided IBAN/BIC and the required payment reference. The loan contract covers the full duration of the pupil's attendance at the school unless formally deregistered within the announced deadlines.
- After‑school care: contractual for the school year; fees are invoiced according to the school's or school‑träger's schedule and are reconfirmed annually. The after‑school care contract covers the whole school year.
- School lunch: prepayment via the meal‑o online system; meals are ordered online and debited against the virtual top‑up account. Top‑up is completed by standard bank transfer to the meal‑o account. Cash payment at the canteen is not used for meal billing.

Payment methods accepted (examples shown by service)
- Bank transfer (IBAN/BIC) for schoolbook/media loan payments. The loan information provides the school IBAN/BIC and required payment reference for each pupil.
- Cashless online top‑up by standard bank transfer for canteen payments (meal‑o virtual account).
- After‑school care invoicing and payment arrangements follow the school / school‑träger's billing procedures (contractual for the school year).

Refunds, cancellations and deregistration
- Schoolbook/media loan: a pupil who does not wish to participate must deregister by the school's published deadline for that school year (example: deregistration deadline for 2025/26 was 12 May). All loaned books and any loaned device must be returned at the end of the school year on the dates announced; the loan conditions set out return and liability rules. The loan documentation includes the process for deregistration and return obligations.
- After‑school care: the contract covers the full school year; any specific refund or early‑termination terms are governed by the care contract and the school's / provider's rules and are confirmed at the time of contract.

Summary (practical points for parents)
- There is no tuition or application fee; attendance is free.
- Expect annual mandatory charges in practice for: the schoolbook/media loan (example EUR 160 for 2025/26), canteen meals (EUR 4.35 per meal), and optional after‑school care (contracted, fee‑based).
- Typical payment methods are bank transfer for book loan and for topping up the meal‑o account; after‑school care uses contractual invoicing.

Curriculum

The European School Saarland follows the European Schools curriculum and is organized in three cycles: the Observation Cycle (S1–S3), the Pre-Orientation Cycle (S4–S5), and the Orientation Cycle (S6–S7). From S4 onward, students complete between 31 and 35 lessons per week, with 27–29 hours of compulsory subjects and 4–8 hours of optional courses. Language of instruction uses Language 1 as the main language, Language 2 as the second language, and Language 3 as the third language; from S4, History, Geography and Economics are taught in Language 2; Language 4 can be studied from S4 as a fourth language, with Latin available as an elective from S2; Arts, ICT and other subjects may be taught in mixed-language groups. CLIL is used to teach subjects through foreign languages, combining language development with subject content. The Orientation Cycle (S6–S7) leads to the European Baccalaureate, the school's graduation diploma. At the end of S5, pupils may receive the Junior Laureate Certificate or the Mittlerer Bildungsabschluss of Saarland where applicable.

Higher Education Progression

Graduation is the European Baccalaureate, the European Schools' diploma, recognised for university admission in all EU member states and in several other countries. When students complete the second cycle, those who have completed S5 may obtain the Junior Laureate Certificate or the Mittlerer Bildungsabschluss of Saarland.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

ESS uses a Teach And Care approach that centers the pupil's personal development within a holistic educational experience. The school emphasizes diversity as enrichment and treats difference as a strength within a strong community. A team of teachers, social pedagogues and educators supports pupils as individuals in this community. The approach integrates learning with care to support social and emotional development and well-being. The environment aims to foster belonging, cooperation and resilience as part of everyday schooling.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

ESS offers special support programmes that consider individual learning needs. Learning requirements and needs are identified by the pupil, parents or teachers, using testing and academic achievement. Interventions are tailored and can be general, intermediate or intensive, inside or outside the classroom, and can be short-, medium- or long-term. The school follows Saarland's Inklusionsverordnung and the European Schools' Provision of Educational Support and Inclusive Education; special educational support measures can be granted upon request by ESS or Brussels. In upper secondary (S6–S7), students may apply for accommodations, and for BACC exams an updated diagnosis must be provided for Brussels review by October 15 of the S5 school year.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

ESS offers a diverse language profile with both an English and a German language section. All pupils learn three languages in line with the Language Policy of the European Schools. L1 is the native language (GE or EN) for P1–S7; L2 is the first foreign language (EN, GE or FR); L3 is the second foreign language (FR, SN, IT or EN) from S1 to S5/S7. The choice of L2 determines the language of instruction for some subjects. L4 may be studied from S4 onwards, L5 from S6 onwards, and Latin may be chosen as an optional subject from S2. The proportion of teaching in a foreign language increases across cycles, and CLIL is used to teach several subjects in a foreign language.

Mental Wellbeing

Schulsozialarbeit is a collaboration between the Regionalverband Saarbrücken, the Saarland Ministry of Education and Culture, the City of Saarbrücken, the Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund and ESS. Schulsozialarbeit is an offering for all children, parents and staff. When concerns arise, it provides joint solutions and supports personal and social development as part of the after-school concept, contributing to a friendly and respectful school community. The service includes counseling, dispute resolution, crisis intervention, preventive offerings such as social skills training, open youth work and networking with other stakeholders in the school environment.

Safeguarding

ESS engages with safeguarding through activities on children's rights and child protection, including a project week dedicated to these topics. School social work supports safeguarding by offering counseling, conflict resolution, crisis intervention and preventive programs, as well as open youth work and networking to promote a friendly, respectful school community.

History

European School Saarland is a young school community and the first state-run European School in Germany. It is part of the European Schools system represented throughout Europe. The school opened its doors for the first time on 2 September 2021. The school system is divided into a five-year primary and seven-year secondary education. The school is open to all children and is free of charge for parents.

Community

ESS is a young, diverse school community with a Teach and Care approach. The two language sections, German and English, enable us to teach children with German or English as their dominant language. The school promotes intercultural competencies by living diversity in everyday school life. The school invites active participation through events and information sessions, including information nights and parent meetings. From the school playground to the timetable – a united Europe reflects the culture of the school.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

Our Friends and Supporters Association (Foerderverein ESS) invites parents and supporters to join and contribute to school projects. A registration form is downloadable to join, and the association provides funding for school projects. In the 2025–26 school year the association supported: Songwriting and Graffiti projects during Project Week and the eco-friendly ESS cups. The association is led by Rolf Senger and assisted by Andreas Solarick, with contact information available through the school.

Academic & Intellectual

The secondary program at the European School Saarland is organized in three cycles: the Observation Cycle (S1–S3), the Pre-Orientation Cycle (S4–S5), and the Orientation Cycle (S6–S7). The European Baccalaureate is the graduation certificate awarded at the end of S7 and is recognized for university admission in EU member states and many other countries. In S4–S5, students take 27–29 compulsory subjects and choose 4–8 hours of optional courses to tailor their study path. In S6–S7, schedules total 31–35 lessons per week with a defined core and elective course load, and teaching in foreign languages is increasingly integrated across cycles via CLIL.

Arts & Creative

A broad set of after‑school clubs is offered, including ESS Orchestra, Chor, Theater Club, Manga, Upcycling and Sewing, Chess Club, and more. Wednesday afternoons after lunch are dedicated to School Club Time with projects and activities, sometimes in collaboration with external partners. Older students can also participate in lunchtime clubs such as ESS Orchestra and other activity groups.

Cultural & Language

The ESS offers a diverse language profile with English and German language sections, and all pupils learn three languages: Language 1 is the native language (GE or EN) for P1–S7; Language 2 is the first foreign language (EN, GE or FR); Language 3 is the second foreign language (FR, SL, IT or EN) for S1–S5/S7. From S4 onwards, Language 4 and Language 5 can be added as optional or complementary courses. CLIL is used in many subjects, and the proportion of instruction delivered in a foreign language increases as pupils progress, with Latin and Ancient Greek available as electives in later years.

Social & Hobbies

A wide range of after‑school clubs supports social and hobby interests, including Boulder, Rowing, Canoeing and Horse/Outdoor activities, Upcycling, Manga, Chess Club, Chor and Theater Club. Wednesday afternoons feature a shared club period from 14:30–16:00, with projects and activities offered by staff and external partners. Lunchtime clubs are available for older students, including orchestral, debate and arts‑oriented activities.

Community & Service

In S5, students complete a Social Internship, actively contributing to social institutions while developing social responsibility, empathy, independence and civic engagement; internships are school‑organised and reflected on in class. School Social Work is a formal collaboration among the Regional Association of Saarbrücken, the Saarland Ministry of Education and Culture, the city of Saarbrücken and ASB, offering counseling, dispute resolution, crisis intervention, preventive programs, open youth work and networking.

Leadership & Professional

Career orientation is integrated into the ESS program, including compulsory internships in S4 where pupils search for suitable placements across a range of industries; internships are documented in a portfolio and accompanied by a certificate. Orientation for the later cycles covers study and career planning, with individual guidance and information on university and career pathways. The internship portfolio and presentation form part of the assessment and support students in transitioning toward further study or work.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

The Hort after‑school program, operated by ASB Saarland, accommodates up to 80 children from the end of the school day until 18:00, with holiday hours from 08:00 to 18:00; Welcome Weeks help new pupils settle in during holidays. The Hort emphasizes a relaxed, supportive environment and opportunities to develop new skills and friendships beyond the classroom. School social work and a holistic Teach and Care approach support students' personal and social development, counseling, conflict resolution and preventive programs, contributing to a friendly school climate.

Language Provision

The language profile includes English and German sections. L1 is the native language (GE or EN); L2 is the first foreign language (EN, GE or FR); L3 is the second foreign language (FR, SN, IT or EN) (S1–S5/S7). Pupils may study English, French, Spanish or Italian as an optional L4 from S4 onwards or as a complementary L5 from S6 onwards. Latin may also be chosen as an optional subject from S2 onwards.

Bilingual Teaching

The ESS has English-language and German-language sections. All pupils learn three languages: L1 is the native language (GE or EN) from P1 to S7; L2 is the first foreign language (EN, GE or FR) from P1 to S7; L3 is the second foreign language (FR, SN, IT or EN) from S1 to S5/S7. Latin may be chosen as an optional subject from S2 onwards. The L2 choice determines the language of instruction for a number of subjects.

Immersion Programs

ESS uses CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning) to teach subjects through a foreign language. The proportion of teaching in a foreign language increases across cycles: in Cycle 1 (S1–S3) some subjects are taught in L2; in Cycle 2 (S4–S5) History, Geography and Economics are taught in L2; in Cycle 3 (S6–S7) multilingual subject teaching continues and prepares pupils for the European Baccalaureate. CLIL integrates language learning with subject content.

Admissions

1) Eligibility: You are a resident of Saarland, or you are employed by a European or international institution or organization, or by a research and higher education institution, or by an internationally operating company. These conditions allow you to register your child at ESS. The admissions process follows the ESS registration guidelines. Language sections and placement are determined during registration. 2) Registration periods: Registration for P1 is in November. Registration for P5 is in February. If you are moving to Saarland from outside, you can request a place for your child at any time. 3) Enrollment timeline: There is no waiting list. Enrollment takes place during the specified enrollment periods in the year prior to entry. The school processes applications during these enrollment periods. 4) Siblings: Siblings are generally accepted after verification of prerequisites by the hardship regulation (§ 7 SchO of the ESS). 5) Fees: ESS is a public school and therefore free of charge. There are no tuition fees. After-school care is available for a fee. 6) Language sections and instruction: ESS has two language sections; guardians register their child in the section corresponding to the dominant language, and an entrance test is used if the dominant language cannot be clearly determined. The first foreign language (L2) starts in P1 and can be German, English or French, depending on section; the second foreign language starts in S1 and may include German, English, French, Italian or Spanish, depending on section. In the English section, most subjects are taught in English from the start, with music, physical education and art taught across sections in English and German. From S3 onward, some subjects are taught exclusively in the first foreign language. 7) All-day school and after-school care: ESS is an all-day school, with classes from 08:00 to 16:00. After-school care is available until 18:00. Registration for after-school care is possible from mid-May, with a contract running for the school year. After-school care is subject to a fee.

Waitlist

There is no waiting list. Enrollment takes place during the specified enrollment periods in the year prior to entry. If you are moving to Saarland from outside you can request a place at any time.

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Compare European Baccalaureate International Schools in Germany

Location

Stages

Additional learning support

Country affiliation

School day structure

Food Options

Governance and Ownership

Curriculum

Higher Education Progression

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

Mental Wellbeing

Safeguarding

History

Community

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)

Facilities Overview

Extra Curricular Facilities

Academic & Intellectual

Arts & Creative

Cultural & Language

Social & Hobbies

Community & Service

Leadership & Professional

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Language Provision

Bilingual Teaching

Immersion Programs

Admissions

Waitlist

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Annual fees

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Curriculum offered

Brand

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