In North Rhine-Westphalia, the first two years of primary school are not simply first and second grade. The school law says: Die Klassen 1 und 2 werden als Schuleingangsphase geführt. Die Schuleingangsphase dauert in der Regel zwei Jahre. Sie kann auch in einem Jahr oder in drei Jahren durchlaufen werden. (Grades 1 and 2 are run as the school entry phase. The school entry phase normally lasts two years. It can also be completed in one year or in three.) In July 2026, the state amended the law. The principal can now decide as early as enrollment that a child will stay in the entry phase for three years.