Many families come to Cologne every year from other countries. Their children often do not yet speak German. These children and young people are called lateral entrants.

 

So that they can get off to a good start at school, they receive help from the Municipal Integration Center. They are advised there and registered for a school.

 

What happens during the consultation?

Families receive a lot of information during the consultation:

 

• how the school system in North Rhine-Westphalia works
• what types of school there are
• how the children are supported in learning German
• how children and parents can participate well in school life

 

Sometimes the families are also given tips on further help and other advice centers.

 

Primary and secondary schools

In Cologne, children go to elementary school from year one to four. They then move on to a secondary school (e.g. comprehensive school, Hauptschule, Realschule or Gymnasium).

 

After the consultation, the school authority decides which school the child will attend. There it receives German language support. This help with learning German usually lasts two years.

 

Young people aged 16 and over - Vocational college

Young people between the ages of 16 and 18 who do not yet speak German well attend a vocational college. There they attend the International Support Class (IFK) for one year.

In the IFK:

 

• learn German
• they can obtain their first school-leaving certificate
• they receive help with career guidance
• if necessary, they can also learn to read and write (literacy)

 

 

If the young people successfully complete the IFK, they can continue their schooling, for example in a different course at a vocational college.

Sometimes they first attend a preliminary class for IFK. This is called „Fit for more“ and prepares them for the IFK class.

 

We will be happy to help you!

If you have any questions, please contact us.

We will be happy to advise you personally.