North Rhine‑Westphalia to launch ABC pre‑school language classes in 2028, rejects mandatory kindergarten

Education Minister Dorothee Feller (CDU) announced that North Rhine‑Westphalia will introduce "ABC" classes for four‑year‑olds in the 2028/29 school year. The aim is to bring children with insufficient language skills to a comparable level before primary school. All children will be tested in spring 2028; those identified with a need for support will attend the ABC class for up to two sessions per week over a year.

The programme targets roughly one‑third of each cohort, which school entrance exams show lack adequate language competence. Feller said a compulsory kindergarten would conflict with constitutional parental rights and will not be introduced. School registration will shift from autumn to spring to allow earlier testing.

The initiative does not alter the existing compulsory school age of six, and the support will continue until the child turns eight in August 2029.