Record Low School Starts in Saxony-Anhalt - Saxony-Anhalt Sees Drop in School Starters as Birth Rates Decline
In Saxony-Anhalt, fewer children began school in August 2025 than the previous year, with 18,315 new pupils. This marks a decrease from the peak of 19,809 children in the 2023/2024 school year. The drop is attributed to persistently low birth rates, with 2024 seeing only 12,400 births, below the previous post-reunification low.
The decline in student numbers is not unique to Saxony-Anhalt. A drop of 5.6 percent was observed in the 2024/2025 school year compared to the previous year. This resulted in 1,000 fewer first-graders in classrooms across the region. The downward trend has been ongoing for several years, with previous years also witnessing a decrease in student numbers.
The decrease in student numbers in Saxony-Anhalt reflects a broader trend of persistently low birth rates and a resulting decline in the number of children starting school. Despite the decrease, educators and local authorities remain committed to providing quality education for all students.
