Most First-Graders in Bavarian City From Migrant Families

The Bavarian city of Schweinfurt has disclosed new figures showing that only 28% of children starting first grade this year come from native German families. The numbers became public after an inquiry by AfD city councillor Richard Graupner.

According to the city hall, about 500 children have enrolled in first grade for the 2025/26 school year. Of these, 289—around 58%—were required to take a mandatory pre-course in German before entering school. Another 58 pupils, or about 12%, are repeating the course after their enrollment was postponed due to insufficient language skills.

The share of children without a migration background varies sharply between schools. At the Gartenstadt School, it is just 14%, at the Kerschensteiner School 17%, and at the Albert-Schweitzer School 18%. The Paul-Maar School and the Schillerschule each have 30%, the Körner School 26%, and the Dr.-Pfeiffer School 40%. In several schools, children with a migration background make up more than 80% of the student body. The only exception is the Friedrich-Rückert School, where a slim majority—52%—do not have a migration background.

Children identified with language deficits are required to attend a compulsory pre-course consisting of 240 lessons spread over roughly a year and a half. The program is run jointly by kindergarten specialists and primary school teachers. School entry can be deferred if the deficits persist.