Education Policy in Cologne: Focus on School Development, Inclusion, and Naming

School Development and Construction Planning: The New Montessori Gymnasium

The question of how the new model classroom program can be implemented in practice was a central topic of the March meeting of the Cologne Committee for Schools and Further Education. The urgency motion from the political groups particularly addressed the Montessori Gymnasium, which had expressed concerns regarding the didactic and pedagogical implementation of the new classroom concept. The administration was tasked with demonstrating, using the example of the new Montessori Gymnasium construction, how the model classroom program can meet pedagogical requirements without circumventing the prescribed timetable.

This decision marks a milestone for future construction planning in Cologne schools. It shows that the city is responding sensitively to the needs of schools and that pedagogical principles should remain at the center of planning.

Naming of the Ernst-Simons Comprehensive School: A Gesture of Remembrance

Another important topic was the renaming of the comprehensive school at Escher Straße to "Ernst-Simons-Gesamtschule". This step was unanimously approved and is not only a recognition of Ernst Simons' historical contributions, but also a symbol of the values the school wants to convey: inclusion, human rights, and democracy.

Ernst Simons, a Jewish native of Cologne who survived the Holocaust in the Netherlands and founded a children's home after returning, was an engaged educator and activist. The school plans to actively incorporate his biography into school life to bring it closer to students – particularly in the field of Holocaust education.

Inclusive Development and Political Education: Progress and Challenges

In March 2026, the current state of inclusive development in Cologne schools was also presented. The report shows that the city is making progress in the area of inclusion, but challenges remain – particularly in implementing measures for students with disabilities. The city is relying on a monitoring system that regularly analyzes progress and formulates recommendations for action.

Political education topics were also on the agenda: both the political internship for girls and women and the study "Queer through NRW" – a special evaluation for Cologne – were presented. These projects show how education policy in Cologne not only aims at academic education, but also promotes social participation and equality.

Outlook: What's next in Education Policy?

The March session of the Committee for Schools and Further Education has shown that Cologne is addressing a wide range of topics in education policy in parallel – from infrastructure development and inclusion to political education and remembrance culture. The decisions made this month could serve as a model for other cities, especially in terms of linking pedagogical practice with historical remembrance.

In the future, it will depend on how these measures are implemented in practice – and whether they actually lead to a sustainable improvement in the educational landscape in Cologne.