Best schools in Berlin
Education in Berlin
Without the increased interest by local German families willing to pay for an IB Diploma (so that their offspring can attend foreign universities and escape the long German degree courses), the private international schools would be on shakier foundations. Some expat parents believe that the resulting large numbers of local pupils dilute the ‘international school’ experience, but others argue it makes it far easier to integrate and get to know local families.
The private international sector is not the only option for expats. One of the best-kept secrets in Berlin is the quality of state-run bilingual schools, which are free. The existence of these schools is often cited as a reason why it has been hard for international schools to thrive in Berlin. Some say they have a different clientele, less diverse than their independent counterparts - usually half the pupils are local, the rest international.
There are also bilingual ‘Europe Schools’. These are state schools set up by the Berlin authorities (they all have a Europe School logo, whatever the language combination). They are not to be confused with European (none in Berlin) schools run by the EU commission and which offer European Bac as a qualification.
Overall, Berlin’s schools are down-to-earth. Neither students from private international schools nor these state schools wear school uniform and it can be hard to distinguish between the pupils. And unlike in many other cities, even very affluent families use the state-run schools, with students happily mixing across a wide social range.
Choosing a school in Berlin
Expats have mixed views on the international schools in Berlin. Some (particularly those posted to Berlin after a stint in Asia or London) say they lack the buzz and the intellectual excitement of counterparts elsewhere. However, others (particularly academics, including visiting professors to Germany’s Max Planck institutes and universities) praise the standard of teaching as ‘solid’.
State-run bilingual schools employ German teachers alongside international staff (usually half the pupils are local), and they run varied, hybrid (well-considered against good international schools) curricula, at least until pupils begin to prepare for specific school-leaving examinations.
Originally the bilingual Europe Schools were based at former military schools for British, American, French and Russian personnel and converted to state bilingual schools. But the German-English, German-French and German-Russian primaries have been so successful that the model has expanded to include Italian, Greek, Turkish, Polish, Spanish and Portuguese. All are bilingual primaries with classes of 50 per cent German and 50 per cent of the other nationalities.
While Europe primaries take pupils aged 5-12, Europe secondaries are for pupils age 12-19. However, it is the German-English primaries that are the most sought after by international families - they’re a good option for those hoping for their children to become bilingual (easier than many expect, particularly since several subjects are taught in English).
There are long waiting lists, particularly for the youngest age groups, as places are allocated by lottery for German pupils. British and American families have priority for admission, then other English speakers (Canadian, Australian etc), followed by English speakers from the Indian sub-continent and Africa (a bonus being if one parent is German). Siblings of existing pupils also get priority and at the youngest grade levels are tending to take up large numbers of places.
The Berlin government has been expanding the two German-English Europe primaries and is trying to accommodate as many English speakers as possible, so if waiting lists build up, new classes open up at pre-school level (5 year-olds). Departures among international families open up places in the higher grades, particularly in year 4 and above.
You can only apply to a Europe school once you are officially resident in Berlin. Unlike the private international schools they will not promise a place before you relocate.
