Educational Policy in Düsseldorf: Safety, Capacity, and Innovation in Focus

Safety Issues in Schools and After-School Care

In April 2026, the AfD parliamentary group submitted a proposal addressing safety standards at Düsseldorf schools and in the Open After-School Care (OGS). This followed incidents that caused concern, including one involving a helper who behaved in an exhibitionistic manner and another involving a suspicion of a teacher possessing child pornography.

The proposal called for a report on procedures for the selection and assessment of staff, requirements for enhanced criminal record checks, supervision concepts, training offers in child protection, and the city’s responsibilities toward OGS providers. The goal is to analyze existing structures and identify necessary adjustments. The School Committee is likely to decide on the report in the coming weeks.

Special Needs Schools in Transition – Capacity and Location Planning

The increasing demand for special needs schools for intellectual development in Düsseldorf has triggered urgent action. The number of students at the three municipal special needs schools rose by 32% to 651 within seven years. Against this backdrop, the School Committee decided to commission the administration to temporarily expand capacity by two classes to meet the demand until the school year 2027/28.

Long-term planning for replacement construction at the Franz-Marc-School (2030/31) and the Theodor-Andresen-School (2033/34) is necessary. Additionally, a review of an alternative location for the Theodor-Andresen-School in district 1, 2, or 7 is planned to reduce organizational and financial challenges.

The Secondary Modern School in Düsseldorf – Stability Amid Change

The secondary modern school in Düsseldorf faces a fundamental challenge: enrollment numbers have dropped by 40% within seven years. In the school year 2025/26, only 182 students were enrolled at the seven municipal secondary modern schools. Projections for 2027/28 indicate that not all secondary modern schools will be able to meet new minimum requirements.

The Joseph-Beuys Comprehensive School will increase its track size from 4 to 6 tracks, further increasing pressure on the secondary modern schools. Nevertheless, the School Committee emphasizes the systemic relevance of the secondary modern school for the diversity of the school system and its importance for individual support. A decision on which secondary modern school will no longer admit new students starting in 2027/28 will be made by summer 2026.

Innovation in School Development: Preventing School Avoidance

A pilot study on preventing school avoidance ("school attendance teams") was conducted at four primary schools in Düsseldorf. The goal was to establish multidisciplinary teams to support students exhibiting school-avoiding behavior. Collaboration with the LVR Clinic Düsseldorf and international partners from the USA, Norway, and the Netherlands provided valuable input.

The evaluation showed success: the proportion of students with severe absenteeism decreased from 19% to 13%. At the same time, it became clear that digital absenteeism tracking and structured interventions represent an effective strategy. The study recommends expanding the program to other schools, with costs per school estimated at approximately 2,800 euros.

Outlook: Educational Policy as a Key to the Future

Düsseldorf is actively and forward-looking in its educational policy. The topics of safety, capacity, secondary modern school policy, and innovative approaches to preventing school avoidance reflect the broad range of challenges facing educational institutions. The decisions and projects from April 2026 lay the groundwork for a future-oriented educational development that combines safety with diversity and innovation.