Education and Public Facilities in Hagen: An In-Depth Analysis of the April 2026 Decisions

Education in Hagen in Focus: New Construction, Inclusion, and Digitalization

Education policy in Hagen has proven to be a central component for a forward-looking urban development in recent years. The April 2026 decisions not only have a lasting impact on school construction but also on the educational orientation and infrastructure of the city. In the School Committee, the new construction of the vocational colleges Cuno I and II, the expansion of Open Full-Day Schools (OGS), and investments in digital infrastructure and inclusion were decided. These measures are part of a long-term planning strategy aimed at addressing rising student numbers, increasing pedagogical demands, and ensuring educational equity.

1. New Construction of Vocational Colleges Cuno I and II: Fire Safety, Costs, and Site Selection

The decision to construct new buildings for the vocational colleges Cuno I and II was urgently necessary. The existing buildings, constructed in 1956 and 1975, had serious fire safety deficiencies. Although renovation was an option, the high costs (66 million EUR) and outdated technology favored the new construction, with an investment volume of 69 million EUR.

The city evaluated 12 potential sites and analyzed five in detail. The sports field at Höing was selected as the most cost-effective and sensible option. The site offers sufficient space (26,474 m²) and synergies through the consolidation of both vocational colleges at one location. In addition, the good public transport connections improve accessibility for students.

This decision marks a milestone in Hagen's educational policy. It shows that the city is willing to make investments with long-term benefits—despite the fact that they are not yet fully funded in 2026.

2. Open Full-Day Schools: Expansion and Funding

The Open Full-Day School (OGS) is a crucial element for educational equity in Hagen. Approximately 7,200 primary school students use OGS services, with an occupancy rate of 56%. To meet the growing demand, numerous renovation measures and investments have been carried out in recent years.

A central project is the new construction of the Kita Jungfernbruch II, which is scheduled to be completed by 2028. The kindergarten will house four groups with a total of 80 care places and is part of a funding program by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. At the same time, the Startchancenprogramm (Opportunity Program) was decided as a tool to support schools with a high proportion of socially disadvantaged students. The goal is to promote equal opportunities and improve educational quality in disadvantaged districts.

Funding for the OGS comes from state grants, parental contributions, and the city's own funds. Parental contributions are income-dependent and can increase by up to 3% annually. In addition, there is a per-place lump sum that must be paid to the school operators.

3. Digital Infrastructure: The Digital Pact School in Hagen

The digital transformation of schools is a central focus of educational policy in Hagen. Within the framework of the Digital Pact School, measures to expand the WLAN infrastructure and digital connectivity have been implemented at 29 of 68 municipal school locations. The goal is to create the foundations for digital learning and to enable individualized learning formats.

A particular focus is on newly arrived students, for whom digital learning formats play an important role in integration. In addition, the home language context is taken into account in digital lessons, which strengthens the linguistic and cultural diversity of the city of Hagen.

4. Inclusion and Structural Adaptations

Inclusion is another focus of educational policy in Hagen. The assignment of special educational needs at primary schools and the structural adaptation of buildings are central elements of inclusion policy. For example, barrier-free restrooms, expanded special needs rooms (NW rooms), and adaptations to the needs of students with physical or intellectual developmental needs have been made.

Another project is the new construction of the Friedrich-Harkort-School, which was decided in 2026. The new school will be built on a sealed schoolyard and will provide space for approximately 380–450 students. The cost of the new construction amounts to 26 million EUR, with a depreciation period of 70 years.

Conclusion: An Educational Policy with Forward-Looking Impulses

The decisions of April 2026 show that Hagen is ready to invest in education and public facilities—not only financially, but also conceptually. The new construction of vocational colleges, the expansion of Open Full-Day Schools, the digitalization of schools, and the strengthening of inclusion are building blocks of an educational policy aimed at long-term planning and equal opportunities.

However, the challenges remain significant: the financing of the projects must be secured, and it must be ensured that the pedagogical quality of the new facilities is guaranteed. Yet with the measures decided, Hagen has set a clear course—away from outdated structures, toward a modern, inclusive, and digital educational system.