Mecklenburg-Vorpommern schools reopen, introduce full-day care

Students in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern are heading back to school as the summer holidays conclude. A total of 163,600 children and adolescents will resume classes across the state's 561 general education schools.

This year marks a slight decrease in the overall student population compared to last year, which saw 164,900 students. The decline is primarily attributed to a drop in first-grade enrollment, with 13,300 new students starting this year, down from 14,600 in 2025.

A significant educational reform is set to be implemented starting with the 2026/27 school year: the introduction of full-day schooling at primary schools. Initially, this right to extended care will apply to first-grade students and will gradually expand to include higher grades each year, reaching fourth grade by 2029.

The new full-day program will offer up to 40 hours of care per week. Notably, this care will also be available during school holidays and will not require a separate application from parents, aiming to provide consistent support for students and families.