Published October 10, 2025
Public education across Europe is accessible and newcomer-friendly once you know the process. Here's the roadmap that works mid-year or at peak season.
Child's passport + birth certificate, proof of address, vaccination record, prior school certificate, parent ID and residence proof. Put them in one PDF.
Enroll as soon as you have a temporary address. Request provisional placement while verification is pending. If full, ask for overflow procedure + transport support.
Ask for integration classes, weekly language hours, and buddy systems. Add free extras: library conversation hour, community sports, and one language app goal/day.
FR: Town hall (primary) or Académie (secondary). DE: Schulamt + possible 'Willkommensklasse'. ES: regional portal; 'escolarización extraordinaria' mid-year. IT: Ministry portal or school direct; vaccines checked closely.
"Hello, we've just moved to [district]. Our child is [age/grade]. Attached are documents and proof of address. Could you confirm the enrollment office and earliest start date? We're available for testing this week."
No. Use the exceptional enrollment path. Bring previous school proof; placement happens continuously.
International is faster and in your language but costly. Public is inclusive, free, with growing language support.
For more practical insights on this topic, explore our related articles:
Conclusion: Enrollment feels complex until you try once. Start early, send a complete PDF, ask for provisional placement, and let your child start building friendships immediately.
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Jules Guerini is a European expat guide sharing practical, tested advice for navigating life abroad. From admin to housing to healthcare, he focuses on simple strategies that actually work. Contact: info@expatadminhub.com
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