Education and Infrastructure in Cologne: Focus on Renovations, School Development, and Mobility

Education and Infrastructure in Cologne: How the City is Preparing for the Future

Cologne's educational policy is in motion. In January 2026, decisive steps were taken in school development, energy-efficient renovations, and mobility planning. With these measures, the city of Cologne is responding to changing demographic conditions, increasing sustainability requirements, and the need to create a modern, inclusive, and future-ready educational landscape.

Energy-Efficient Renovations at Schools: An Investment in the Future

Cologne has repeatedly focused on the energy-efficient renovation of public buildings in recent years – and this also applies to schools. In January 2026, five schools were included in the renovation planning: Paul-Maar-Schule, Kopernikus-Schule, Gemeinschaftsgrundschule Konrad-Adenauer-Straße, Eduard-Mörike-Schule, and Heideschule.

The measures include roof and façade renovations as well as the evaluation of photovoltaic systems. The goal is to reduce heating energy demand and stabilize the building stock in the long term. The Cologne School Construction Company mbH has been tasked with conducting feasibility studies and planning up to Performance Phase 1 (LPh1). Each project has a maximum budget of 50,000 euros.

These renovations are not only important from an ecological perspective but also from a legal standpoint. They fulfill the municipal obligation under § 79 of the North Rhine-Westphalia School Act to ensure the quality of school infrastructure. In addition, funding is covered by the economic plan of the city of Cologne's building economy – an example of how climate and educational policy are closely interlinked.

School Development Planning: Closures, Restructuring, and New Locations

School development planning is a central component of Cologne's educational policy. In January 2026, it was decided to close the Katholische Hauptschule am Rhein (Niederichstraße) in the school year 2026/27. The reason: a decline in demand for primary school places. The evening secondary school program will be relocated to the Judenkirchhofsweg site, and the Gymnasium Neustadt-Nord will be established at two locations.

Another project concerns the Richard-Riemerschmid-Berufskolleg. Due to the general renovation of the Berufskolleg Ulrepforte, a branch location will be set up in the container facility at Bonner Wall 21. The move is planned for the school year 2026/27. A permit under § 81 (3) of the North Rhine-Westphalia School Act is required for this.

The city also plans to maintain the number of primary school places at 11,266 for the school year 2026/27, distributed across 579 entry classes. In some districts, the school place situation will remain tense. To ensure proximity to home, multi-grade classes will be established – for example, at the GGS Kapitelstraße or the GGS Zehnthofstraße.

Mobility: New Ticket Model for Municipal Schools

Another focus of educational policy is mobility. Cologne has decided to change the ticket model for municipal schools as of August 1, 2026. The new subsidy models of the transport associations VRS and AVV reduce the monthly cost from 43 euros to 30 euros. This saves the city approximately 390,000 euros in the budget for the school year 2026/27.

Students entitled to free travel receive the personal contribution reimbursed by the city. Implementation includes new contract design, chip cards, and information campaigns in cooperation with the Cologne Transport Company (KVB). The change is not only a financial optimization but also a step toward a sustainable mobility strategy in education.

Outlook: Education in Cologne – A Continuous Challenge

The decisions made in January 2026 show that education in Cologne is constantly evolving. Energy-efficient renovations, school development planning, and mobility measures are central topics that aim at the future challenges of the city. In a period in which climate change, demographic change, and digital transformation shape educational policy, it is essential to act flexibly and proactively.

The city of Cologne has demonstrated with these measures that it is ready to face these challenges – not only with short-term solutions, but with long-term planning and a clear focus on sustainability and inclusion.