Jena Education Fair
The Jena School Fair takes place every two years, in odd-numbered calendar years. The next fair will be held on Saturday 23 January 2027 from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm at the Volkshaus Jena, Carl-Zeiß-Platz 15.
The educational landscape in Jena is constantly changing. In recent years, new schools have been established, school types have changed and new school profiles have been developed. At the Jena School Fair, visitors can find out about the various types of school and the different educational approaches adopted by Jena’s schools, and talk to teachers and headteachers.
Exhibitors
All of Jena’s primary schools, grammar schools, mixed-stream schools and comprehensive schools – whether state-run or independent – regularly take part in the fair. Also present are all three of the city’s state-run vocational schools, one independent vocational school, and – from the Jena area – the Thuringia International School Weimar.
Staff from the Jena State Regional Support Centre and the East Thuringia State Education Authority, together with the city’s admissions adviser, are on hand at a stand to provide advice on the education of pupils with special educational needs. Other staff from the Education Authority, such as the officers responsible for the various school types and the after-school care co-ordinator, will also be present.
The Jena School Administration will be on hand to answer any school-related questions for which the local authority is responsible, such as school enrolment or school transport. The Family Service of the Citizens’ Service will provide information on after-school care fees and the BAföG student grant. The Jena Adult Education Centre (Volkshochschule Jena) offers advice on obtaining school qualifications through external examinations, whilst the Youth Career Agency (JUBA) provides guidance on the transition from school to work. The City of Jena’s Paediatric and Youth Health Service will answer questions regarding the school entry medical examination and routine school health checks.
An overview of the schools and advice stands taking part in 2027 will be available under ‘Downloads’ at the end of 2026. The detailed layout of the stands in the Volkshaus will also be published under ‘Downloads’ shortly before the fair. An overview of Jena’s school landscape, including brief profiles of each school, is availableon the school portal and in the Jena School Guide.
Organisational matters
Admission to the fair is free.
Childcare is also available free of charge on site, provided by childminders from Jena. Please note that you will need to provide your mobile number if you wish to make use of this service.
You are welcome to bring a pram or pushchair to the fair. Storage facilities will be available on the ground floor in the childcare area.
Access to the Volkshaus is barrier-free – all entrance doors are threshold-free and wide enough for wheelchair users. Wheelchair-accessible lifts ensure easy movement between the exhibition levels. Accessible toilets and accessible lockers for the cloakroom are available on the ground floor.
The Volkshaus also has a cloakroom area with lockers in the basement. This level can only be reached via a flight of stairs.
Hot and cold drinks as well as snacks are available for purchase.