Inclusion and New Educational Infrastructure in Wilhelmshaven: An Analysis of the Educational Focus in February 2026

Inclusion and STEM: How Wilhelmshaven is Reshaping its Educational Landscape in February 2026

Educational policy in Wilhelmshaven has gained significant momentum in February 2026. Against the backdrop of rising student numbers, urban development, and the need to strengthen inclusive structures, several key measures have been initiated. Central topics included the founding of a new primary school, the planning of inclusive schooling, and the implementation of innovative educational concepts.

The Founding of a New STEM Primary School in Heppens

The city of Wilhelmshaven plans to establish a new three-track primary school at the former BBS site at Heppenser Str. 1. The decision is based on the forecast of a strong increase in primary school students, particularly in the catchment areas of school districts 22/23. Rising birth rates, new residential developments, and family relocations make the expansion of the educational infrastructure necessary.

Particularly notable is the application for a school experiment for a so-called "STEM primary school." The concept aims to strengthen the teaching of natural sciences, technology, and digitalization in grades 1 to 4. The Wilhelmshaven Parents' Council explicitly supports this initiative and emphasizes that school experiments can test innovative educational approaches and thus contribute to the further development of the school system.

The founding of the school is part of a broader process that relies on constructive dialogue with parents, students, and teachers. A planning group will develop the educational orientation of the new school to ensure broad acceptance and transparent implementation. The financial implications are also significant: 1.3 million euros are budgeted for the current fiscal year, and an additional position for the school secretariat will be created.

Inclusion in School: A Structured Planning Group

Another central topic was the strengthening of inclusive schooling. In Wilhelmshaven, a planning group "Inclusion in School" already exists, which meets quarterly and also convenes out of turn for special topics. The group includes representatives from secondary schools, church schools, the support center, the school committee, and the city administration.

The goal is to develop a concept for the inclusive schooling of students with the need for support "School Integration Assistance" (ES). A parallel working group "ES Schooling in Wilhelmshaven" is responsible for developing concrete measures. This structure is part of the overarching initiative "We for Children – Wilhelmshaven" and is linked to the steering group, which makes strategic decisions.

The planning group has already dealt intensively with topics such as language support and handover conferences. In February 2026, these topics were once again on the agenda, including in the working group "BBS student body," led by Mr. Nöhre.

Projections and Structures: A Changed School Development

The city of Wilhelmshaven has also published a current forecast for the enrollment in the school year 2026/2027. According to this, 5.5% of primary school students will be enrolled in the Catholic Primary School, 5% in the full-day school Rüstersiel, and 3% in the full-day school Altengroden. In addition, a considerable proportion (4%) will be taught in language therapy classes in the support sector.

This distribution underscores the need to create flexible and inclusive structures that can respond to the diverse needs of students. The forecast is based on the EMA list from January 1, 2026, and is subject to further adjustments depending on the city's development.

Outlook: An Educational Policy in Transition

Wilhelmshaven shows in February 2026 that educational development does not only rely on construction projects, but above all on participatory processes, inclusive structures, and innovative concepts. The founding of a new primary school, the strengthening of STEM education, and the systematic planning for inclusive schooling mark steps toward a future-oriented educational policy.

The next few months will be decisive in how the applications and planning processes transition into concrete implementation. Particularly important is the involvement of parents, students, and teachers to sustainably anchor the new structures and meet the needs of the city's population.