Authority for Schools, Family and Vocational Training

School attendance, exemption from compulsory schooling

If you would like to apply for an exemption from compulsory schooling for your child, please contact the school your child attends.

Detailed description

Guardians can apply for an exemption from compulsory schooling according to Section 39 Paragraph 1 of the Hamburg School Act if


· the vocational school has been successfully completed or


· the child has received adequate education elsewhere within the meaning of the School Act.



According to Section 39 Paragraph 2, you can apply for exemption from compulsory school attendance:


· if an important reason justifies this and


· adequate instruction or equivalent support is otherwise guaranteed.



It is important that the application be submitted in writing to the school previously attended. The school previously attended is available for advice.



Please state in the application the reasons why exemption from compulsory school attendance is necessary.

 

Information

Prerequisites

  • Your child attends a school in Hamburg
  • One of the requirements of Section 39 of the Hamburg School Act is met

Documents required

  • Proof of custody
  • Written request with reasons
  • Indication of the duration of the desired exemption from compulsory schooling

Please note

There are the following notes:


Please submit your application in good time before the start of the school year or semester.

Deadlines

If possible, two months before the desired exemption from compulsory schooling

Procedure

You first request a consultation at the school you have previously attended.



If the requirements for exemption from compulsory school attendance are met, submit an informal written application to the school.



The school administration will review the application and initiate further steps.



You will receive a written notification.

Processing time

The processing time depends on the individual case.

Fees

no

Legal remedies

You can appeal against a decision within one month.




This does not have a suspensive effect. However, costs may arise if the objection procedure is completely or partially unsuccessful.

Legal basis

§§ 37 and 39 Hamburg School Act

Links on the Internet

Address and contact information

Authority for Schools, Family and Vocational Training

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Keywords: School attendance Exemption from compulsory schooling Exceptions to compulsory schooling

Last updated: 06.02.2026