New school year in Bavaria: 1.77 million students start
The new school year has begun for 1.77 million students in Bavaria, including 132,000 ABC students. High student numbers are met with strained teacher supply and security appeals.
Quick Look
- The new school year has begun for 1.77 million students in Bavaria, including 132,000 first graders.
- In view of the high number of students, the strained supply of teachers and traffic risks, politicians and associations are calling for more safety on the way to school.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
At the start of the new school year in Bavaria, student numbers are rising to their highest level in 15 years, while security authorities and associations warn of risks on the way to school.
The carefree holidays are over: the new school year has begun for 1.77 million students in the Free State. Around 132,000 children made their way into a classroom for the first time - mostly with school bags in their arms.
The number of students this year is higher than it has been in 15 years. At the same time, even according to Education Minister Anna Stolz (Free Voters), the supply of teachers is “very strained”.
Many of those responsible for safety on the way to school are also tense. “Many routes to school are not yet safe enough for children,” emphasizes the ADFC Bayern cycling club. In 2024, 27,260 children under the age of 15 would have accidents in traffic across Germany, more than a third of them on bicycles. “This happens particularly often on weekdays between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. and between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. – exactly at the typical school journey times.”
Prime Minister Markus Söder (CSU) and Minister of Education Stolz called on drivers to be particularly careful. “Please everyone drive carefully so that the way to school is as safe as possible,” said Söder. Both thanked all the helpers on the way to school and the state traffic police. «With their tireless efforts as school helpers and student guides, they make a significant contribution to protecting our school starters every day. If we all pay attention to each other in traffic, we will make the journey to school safe for our children,” said Stolz.
Practice going to school together
The ADFC therefore advises that parents should determine the route to school together with their children and practice it at the times when the children will be on the road during school hours. The fastest route should not be chosen, but rather the safest route.
If the children cycle to school, they should initially cycle together, advises the ADFC. In the second step, the children should drive ahead at a distance and only when everyone has a good feeling should they go off alone. Children up to eight years of age have to ride on the sidewalk, children up to ten years of age are allowed to do so.
Fasten your seatbelt - checks announced
Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann (CSU) is now focusing on another source of danger: the proportion of car occupants who were not wearing seatbelts among fatal accidents in Bavaria rose significantly last year to around a fifth. “A seat belt can save lives at the crucial moment,” emphasizes Herrmann and announces a nationwide inspection campaign around schools and kindergartens as well as on school routes at the start of the school year.
The Federal Police Inspectorate in Munich now advises that anyone who takes the train to school should never step on the tracks. And gives two clear recommendations: “Give away your smartphone and clear your ears!” and “No selfies or videos in the track area!” Children and young people should also not push or push on the platform. And if your cell phone or satchel has fallen on the track, you should definitely leave the item behind and inform the staff.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Police carry out nationwide checks around schools.
Very likely · Within days
Open Questions
- How will the strained supply of teachers develop over the course of the school year?
- How successful are the announced police checks?
