Education in Mönchengladbach: Renovation, Expansion and Full-Day Schools in Focus

Education in Mönchengladbach: Renovation, Expansion and Full-Day Schools in Focus

The educational policy of Mönchengladbach proved dynamic and forward-looking in February 2026. Numerous decisions and plans were made to strengthen the school infrastructure, expand swimming lessons and ensure the right to full-day support. In the following, we analyze the most important developments and their significance for the city.

School Construction and Renovation: Investments in the Future

A central topic was the renovation and expansion of municipal schools. The Gesamtschule Volksgarten will be equipped with a three-field sports hall in the coming years to meet the growing demands on school sports. At the same time, fire protection and energy renovation measures will be carried out at the Förder-Schule Herrmann van Veen to improve safety and sustainability.

Other schools, such as the GGS Mülfort-Dohr and the Catholic Primary School Venn, are also facing structural expansions. The administration has been tasked with conducting feasibility studies, determining costs and supplying political bodies with concrete proposals. Overall, a clear trend is evident: Mönchengladbach is investing strategically in the future of its schools.

Swimming Lessons and Physical Activity: Progress and Challenges

Swimming lessons have gained in importance in recent years. In July 2025, the percentage of non-swimmers in 4th grade was 17.94%, and in 5th grade 14.43%. The city is implementing measures such as the project "Swimming Assistance in Primary School Swimming Lessons," which has been carried out in 25 primary schools since 2023 and is funded until the end of the 2025/26 school year. The administration has been tasked with funding the project in the 2026/27 school year with 25,000 € to ensure its continuation.

Another project is the "Week of School Swimming," in which 22 schools and 961 children participated. The results show that the swimming ability of primary school students has increased. However, the percentage of non-swimmers remains particularly high in some primary schools, which is attributed to staff shortages or insufficient teaching time.

Full-Day Schools: Securing the Right to Support

The right to full-day support for children in primary school (grades 2 to 4) was implemented from the 2026/27 school year. All children with this right receive a place in the Open Full-Day School (OGS). The city has set up additional childcare places and secured funding through state subsidies and municipal funds.

The implementation brings challenges, particularly in the field of personnel. The administration is therefore reviewing the adjustment of staffing ratios and qualification requirements. At the same time, existing, compliant free childcare offers will be maintained, while paid offers will be abolished.

Name Changes and Identity

Another focus was the identity of schools. The Hermann-Gmeiner-Schule changed its name to "Clara-Grunwald-Schule" in response to serious allegations of abuse against the former namesake. Clara Grunwald, a Jewish educator murdered in the Holocaust, symbolizes values such as tolerance and culture of remembrance.

The vocational college Rheydt-Mülfort for Economics and Administration is also changing its name to "Berufskolleg am Tiergarten Berufskolleg für Wirtschaft und Verwaltung der Stadt Mönchengladbach Sekundarstufe II" to reflect the new location and a new identification.

Conclusion: Education Policy with a Forward Look

Mönchengladbach has shown itself to be a city that shapes its educational policy in a forward-looking manner in February 2026. From the renovation of schools, the expansion of swimming lessons to the securing of the right to full-day schools – the measures show a clear signature. Challenges in the areas of infrastructure and personnel remain, but the political work is actively pursuing solutions.

In the coming months, it will be particularly interesting to observe how the feasibility studies for new sports halls and the expansion of special needs schools progress. Education is the foundation for the future of the city – and Mönchengladbach is investing in it.