Esslingen's Educational Policy in March 2026: From School Catering to School Development

Educational Policy in Motion: Esslingen's Priorities for March 2026

Educational policy in Esslingen is a dynamic field that draws on both short-term measures and long-term planning. In March 2026, the Committee for Education, Childcare and Youth made important decisions in its meeting that will shape the future of Esslingen's educational landscape.

Redesign of School Canteens: EU-wide Tender

One of the central topics of the March session was the tendering of food services at municipal schools. The city has decided to reassign the catering at Esslingen's school canteens – for a period starting from 01.09.2026 for two years, with an optional extension until 31.08.2030.

The threshold of 221,000 euros net requires an EU-wide tender. With an expected annual contract volume of approximately 1.96 million euros (gross) and a possible total duration of four years, this is a significant project. The city plans to publish the tender in March 2026, collect bids until May 2026, and assign a caterer by June 2026. The services are to begin in September 2026.

The climate protection impact is assessed positively, especially with regard to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and energy efficiency. In addition, the funding is secured through operating funds, which relieves the budget planning.

School Development Statistics: Numbers, Trends and Challenges

The 2025/2026 school statistics and school development report provided a comprehensive overview of the development of schools in Esslingen. The city recorded a linear increase in the number of students at primary schools, particularly due to a strong increase in the school year 2022/23 due to refugee movements.

Recommendations for secondary education (Gymnasium) rose to 51%, while recommendations for secondary modern schools (Realschule) dropped to 17%. The comprehensive school (GMS) is gaining further relevance, with an increasing number of students with a migration background. In addition, the nine-year secondary education (G9) has been introduced comprehensively, which requires organizational adjustments and investments in resources.

School development planning remains a central challenge, as the city faces changing social structures, increasing demands for digital equipment and investments in school buildings. Expansion requirements have been identified at some primary school locations.

Expansion of Childcare Offers: Towards a Right to Care

Another central topic was the expansion of childcare offers. Esslingen has set itself the goal of enabling a legal right to full-day childcare for primary school children from the school year 2026/2027. The current share of school children in full-day childcare offers is 59.83%, just below the target of 60%.

The city has also put two new childcare offers into operation: the company daycare at the district office with 30 places and the sixth group at the Dibber Kindergarten in Berkheim with a total of 90 places. The new canteen at St. Bernhardt Primary School was ceremonially inaugurated on 05.03.2026 and is another milestone on the way to a comprehensive childcare network.

Looking into the Future: Cooperation and Innovation

The "Market of Possibilities" on 19.03.2026 is an example of Esslingen's commitment to promoting cooperation between schools and non-school educational partners. Previous successes such as reading clubs and school newspaper projects show that interdisciplinary cooperation finds fertile ground. These formats are to be expanded in the future as well.

In addition, the city is relying on strategic indicators to measure the sustainability and effectiveness of its educational policy. The aim is to enable equal educational opportunities for all – regardless of origin, social background or abilities. The city is pursuing a clear vision: Esslingen as an attractive educational region with a high quality of life.

Conclusion: Education as an Investment in the Future

The March meeting of Esslingen's Committee for Education, Childcare and Youth shows how diverse and future-oriented the city's educational policy is. From the catering of school canteens to school development planning – Esslingen is preparing for the challenges of the coming years. With investments in childcare offers, climate protection measures and strategic indicators, the city is pursuing a sustainable and inclusive educational policy that should be accessible to all citizens of Esslingen.