Significant decrease expected in school closures across Saxony region - Decreased school absenteeism expected in Saxony
Saxony, Germany, is set to kick off a new school year with a renewed focus on reducing school absences and improving education for its students. According to Conrad Clemens, the Minister of Education, around 37,000 first-graders will begin their educational journey in the new school year, which will be held in Dresden as previously announced.
The drive to reduce school absences is multifaceted, encompassing legal, administrative, and alternative educational strategies. Strict follow-up on compulsory school attendance will be implemented, with schools requesting medical certificates for longer absences and involving public health officers if absences exceed five unauthorized days. Cases of extreme or repeated absences may lead to disciplinary measures or fines enforced by local authorities.
In addition to this, supportive alternative pathways such as special education and project-based learning environments will be offered to cater to students less motivated by traditional schooling and stimulate intrinsic motivation through hands-on approaches. Recognising the potential for external organisations to support these initiatives, efforts will be made to provide more consistent points of contact.
The expected impact of these strategies is to enforce attendance through administrative means while also addressing underlying motivational and educational needs. This dual approach aims to balance discipline with personalised support, promoting better attendance and inclusion.
To further enhance education, a pilot project for interdisciplinary teaching will be implemented in the new school year. Nationwide binding educational standards in teaching plans will also be introduced, with updates to teaching plans for German and mathematics focusing on strengthening basic skills in reading, writing, and arithmetic.
Addressing staffing challenges, particularly in rural areas, will be a key focus. Despite the addition of 438 more people to the teaching service compared to the previous school year, at least 1,400 full-time teachers were still missing to meet the demand in the 2024/2025 school year. Deployments from primary and secondary schools to comprehensive schools are particularly necessary.
Clemens expressed gratitude towards school leaders and teaching staff in Saxony for their willingness to contribute to good education for all students. He also emphasised the importance of showing solidarity, especially for comprehensive schools and schools in rural areas.
The new school year promises to be a significant one for Saxony, with its focus on reducing absences and enhancing education. As Clemens put it, "We are committed to ensuring that every student in Saxony receives a quality education, regardless of their circumstances."
[1] Source: Saxony's Ministry of Education press release, dated 1st July 2025.
EC countries might take inspiration from Saxony's premiering tactics during their new school year, as Saxony focuses on decreasing school absences and improving education. Stemming from politics and education-and-self-development sectors, these strategies include general news about interdisciplinary teaching, binding educational standards, and addressing staffing issues, particularly in rural areas. Vocational training could be involved in this process, as efforts will be made to provide more consistent points of contact for external organisations to support these enhancements.
