Certificate telephones of the district governments

Before the 2024 summer vacations begin, report cards are issued - in North Rhine-Westphalia on July 5. This is not always a cause for celebration, especially as the grades form the basis for some pupils to move on to secondary school. Poor grades can cause anxiety among pupils. Some parents also worry about their child's school career if they bring home poor grades. Above all, it is important not to grumble about bad grades, as your child is probably suffering enough already. The best advice is to remain calm and look for the causes together. From this, strategies can be developed to improve learning after the vacations. However, it is important to take a break from the stressful school day to recharge your batteries.

Legal advice on questions about grades and school careers

Parents and students who are angry about poor or unfair grades and are worried about their future at school can contact the school report hotline. The specialists answer legal questions about grading and school law. They can also advise you on how to proceed with your school career in the future. The advice is confidential and free of charge.

The district government answers questions from the following school types: Realschule, Gymnasium, Gesamtschule, Sekundarschule, Gemeinschaftsschule and Berufskolleg. For questions relating to primary, lower secondary and special schools, the certificate hotline at the respective school authorities of the independent cities and districts is responsible.

Eltern sowie Schülerinnen und Schüler, die sich über schlechte oder ungerechte Noten ärgern und sich Sorgen um die schulische Zukunft machen, können sich an das Zeugnistelefon wenden. Die Fachkräfte beantworten rechtliche Fragen zur Benotung und zum Schulrecht. Sie beraten auch, wie es zukünftig mit der Schullaufbahn weitergehen kann. Die Beratung ist vertraulich und kostenlos. 

Die Bezirksregierung beantwortet Fragen aus den Schulformen Realschule, Gymnasium, Gesamtschule, Sekundarschule, Gemeinschaftsschule und Berufskolleg. Zu Fragen, die Grund-, Haupt- und Förderschulen betreffen, ist das Zeugnistelefon bei den jeweiligen Schulämtern der kreisfreien Städte und Kreise zuständig.