Conduct school entry examination

When you register your child at the primary school in your school district, the school entry phase begins. In the year before starting school, prospective first-graders and their guardians are invited to a school entry medical examination.

Detailed description

The school entry examination is a legally mandated examination for all children before they start school. In the year before starting school, children and their legal guardians are invited to the school entry examination.



A doctor from the local public health department assesses the child's health and development in preparation for starting school, in order to promote a good start. The aim is to advise parents or guardians and, if necessary, recommend any required treatments or support measures.



School medical examinations usually take place at the office of the school medical service. At least one parent or guardian should be present to be informed and advised, and to provide the necessary information.



The school entry examination is mandatory for all children – regardless of whether and when the last age-appropriate pediatric check-up (usually the U9) took place. It does not replace the pediatric check-up and vice versa. This also applies to children who are to be enrolled early or deferred from starting school.



The school health service is responsible for promoting the health of children and young people. The team of doctors, medical professionals, and medical assistants is available to children, parents/guardians, and teachers as a contact point for all health-related questions concerning the school.

 

Information

Prerequisites

  • The minimum age for school enrollment is 5 years.
  • Intended enrollment in a primary school
  • Registration address in Hamburg

Documents required

  • Child health record booklet (yellow booklet)
  • Vaccination certificate
  • If available: specialist medical reports, expert opinions, therapy and development reports

Please note

The responsibility depends on the child's place of residence. The examination usually takes place in the school medical service.

Deadlines

There is no need to pay attention to the deadlines.


If you are unable to attend the examination, the responsible body must be notified immediately.

Procedure

  • The school entry examination is carried out after prior invitation.
  • The school entry medical examination takes place in the year before the start of school.

Processing time

The examination takes about one hour.

Fees

There are no fees.

Legal remedies

No legal remedy is provided for.

Legal basis

Section 34 Paragraph 5 - Hamburg School Law (HmbSG)


Section 34 of the Hamburg School Act (HmbSG)

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Keywords: Adolescent medical service Pediatric and adolescent medical service Pediatrician Service School doctor School medical service School entry examination Child and Youth Health Service School examination School medical examination

Last updated: 17.05.2026