Overview

• More than 800,000 students in Hesse began their summer break on July 4 with a shortened final day at 1,800 schools focused on certificate issuance.
• The ADAC warns of significant congestion on Autobahns A3, A5 and A7 due to around 1,200 construction sites and recommends off-peak departure times.
• From August 18, private smartphones, tablets and smartwatches will be prohibited in schools, with stricter rules for primary levels and expanded media education across all grades.
• A uniform ban on weapons and dangerous items—including knives, steel rods, Totschläger, signal weapons and hazardous chemicals—will take effect next term.
• Seventy-five career changers entered the Hessian preparatory teacher service on May 1, more than doubling last year’s intake under streamlined entry regulations.