Education reforms announced in Bavaria and Austria

In Bavaria, Germany, Minister for Families Ulrike Scharf announced the progressive implementation of a legal entitlement to all-day education and care for primary school children. Starting with first grade in the 2026/2027 school year, the program will expand through 2029. To support this expansion, the state has allocated 461 million euros via a state funding program to assist municipalities with infrastructure and equipment.

In Austria, the Ministry of Education revealed that more than 40 schools have expressed interest in participating in a pilot project to extend primary school (Volksschule) from four to six years. The initiative aims to delay the transition to secondary education until age twelve, allowing students more time to develop strengths in a familiar environment. The ministry plans to select five primary schools across three federal states to begin the trial in the 2027/28 school year, pending approval from parents and teachers.