To switch to a private school, you usually need current report cards, a certificate of attendance from the previous school, a copy of the birth certificate, and the new school’s completed application forms. Depending on the institution and your individual background, additional documents may be required, such as a letter of recommendation or certified translations of foreign report cards. Ideally, submit the documents six to twelve months before the desired start date.
The following sections answer the most common questions about the application process.
Which Documents Are Generally Required When Applying to a Private School?
When applying to a private school, almost the same core documents are always required: current report cards (usually from the last one to two school years), a certificate of school attendance, a copy of the birth certificate, the school’s completed application form, and a photo of the child. Some schools also require proof of residence.
A practical checklist of standard documents often looks like this:
- Report cards from the last one to two school years
- Current certificate of school attendance
- Copy of the birth certificate
- The private school’s completed application form
- Current passport photo
- Proof of residence (e.g., registration certificate)
- If applicable, proof of vaccination or health certificate
It is advisable to ask the school of your choice directly and early on which documents are specifically required, as requirements can vary from institution to institution.
Do International Schools Require Additional Documents?
Depending on the private school and the desired school program, additional documents may be required. International schools that offer, for example, the International Baccalaureate (IB) or Cambridge exams pay particular attention to language skills and academic performance. In such cases, a language assessment or an admissions interview may be part of the process.
Do I Need a Letter of Recommendation From the Previous School?
A letter of recommendation from the previous school is not always mandatory at private schools, but many institutions welcome it or explicitly request it. It gives the receiving school a more personal insight into the child’s learning development, social behavior, and strengths that goes beyond numerical grades.
Whether such a letter is required depends heavily on the individual private school and the grade level applied for. For younger children, for example in kindergarten or elementary school, a formal letter of recommendation is required less often. In higher grades, especially if a child wants to enter a demanding program such as the IB Diploma, an assessment from previous teachers can be very helpful.
If your previous school does not issue an official letter of recommendation, informal reports or developmental records can in some cases serve as a supplement. If in doubt, talk openly with the private school about the options.
Which Documents Are Needed When Switching From a School Abroad?
Anyone switching from a school abroad to a private school in Germany needs, in addition to the standard documents, a certified translation of all foreign-language report cards and school reports into German or English. Depending on the country of origin, recognition or equivalence of previous school achievements may also be necessary.
The following documents are particularly relevant when changing schools internationally:
- Certified translations of all report cards and school reports
- Proof of school years and grade levels attended
- Copy of the child’s passport or ID card
- If applicable, the family’s residence permit or visa
- Proof of completed language courses or language certificates
- If applicable, school diplomas or exam results (e.g., Cambridge certificates)
International schools are usually very familiar with this process and can advise families specifically on which documents are needed in their particular case. Especially for families who have just moved to Germany, this direct contact with the school is an important first step.
When Should You Submit the Documents?
The documents for switching to a private school should be submitted as early as possible, ideally six to twelve months before the desired start date. Many private schools have limited places and allocate them in the order in which complete application documents are received.
For the 2026/2027 school year, this means: Anyone who wants to switch at the start of the new school year in summer 2026 should have begun the application process by fall or winter 2025 at the latest. Anyone who is only taking action now should contact the school of their choice immediately and ask about available places.
Can You Switch to a Private School During the School Year?
Some private schools also admit students during the year, for example at the start of the second semester or after the summer break. Shorter lead times apply in such cases, but here too: The sooner the documents are complete, the better the chances of getting a place.
What Happens After the Documents Are Submitted?
After the complete documents have been submitted, the private school reviews the application and usually gets in touch within a few weeks. This is often followed by an admissions interview or a trial day, during which the child and the family can get to know the school.
The typical process after submission looks like this:
- Review of documents: The school checks all submitted documents for completeness and suitability.
- Invitation to an interview or test: Many schools conduct a personal admissions interview with the child and parents, sometimes supplemented by a placement test.
- Admission decision: The school informs you whether a place can be offered.
- Signing the contract: After acceptance, the school contract and other administrative documents are completed.
- Enrollment: The child starts on the agreed date.
In some cases there are waiting lists, especially at popular schools with limited capacity. Even then, it is worth staying on the list and following up regularly.
How Does ISR International School on the Rhine Support You When Changing Schools?
We know that changing schools involves many questions and a lot of organizational effort for families. That is why we accompany you personally and transparently through the ISR admissions and application process from the very beginning. ISR International School on the Rhine in Neuss, near Düsseldorf, Germany, makes getting started as straightforward as possible, whether you come to us from Germany or from abroad.
Here is what you can expect from us during the application process:
- Clear document requirements: We inform you early and transparently about which documents you need to submit, including any special requirements for international families.
- Personal advice: Our admissions team is available to answer all your questions about changing schools, in German and in English.
- Admissions interview and trial day: We invite you and your child to get to know ISR in person before a decision is made.
- Support for relocating families: We specifically help families who have recently moved to the Neuss/Düsseldorf region make the switch as smoothly as possible.
- Quick response: We make every effort to get back to you promptly once we have received your complete documents.
If you would like to learn more about our school and get a personal impression, we warmly invite you to attend one of the ISR Info Days. There we will answer all your questions and show you what ISR can do for your child.
