Educational Policy in Mönchengladbach: Structural Realignment and Investments

Education in Motion: How Mönchengladbach Shapes April 2026

Educational policy in Mönchengladbach has changed significantly in April 2026. With a wide range of decisions, investments, and new structures, the city is focusing on a sustainable and inclusive educational landscape. Particularly in the areas of full-day schools, school construction, equal opportunities, and vocational training, fundamental decisions were made that could be significant for the future.

Full-Day Schools: Structure, Funding, and Staffing

Open full-day schools (OGS) are a central element of Mönchengladbach's educational policy. In April 2026, a new fee regulation was passed, which will come into effect in August 2026. The amount of the fees now directly depends on the parents' income, with certain groups such as recipients of SGB II or asylum seekers being exempt from fees. Additionally, the obligation to pay fees remains in effect during vacation periods or in the case of absences.

In terms of staffing, a minimum staffing ratio was established: for every 50 children, one social educational specialist and two support staff must be employed. Leadership teams are required for 126 children, and all staff groups must meet a language requirement (B2 level as of 2026). Furthermore, all employees must participate in training courses covering topics such as inclusion and child protection.

School Construction and Infrastructure: Investment in the Future

Another focus was the structural development of schools. The GGS Hardt will receive a new dining room with a recovery kitchen to meet the growing demand for lunch spots. The project costs are around 500,000 euros, funded from the 2026 budget. Planning was initiated in the first quarter of 2026, and completion is planned for the 2026/27 school year. In addition to the structural extension, ventilation, electrical installations, and grease separators were also modernized.

This investment is a symbol of the long-term perspective Mönchengladbach is placing on school infrastructure – not only to accommodate the increasing number of students but also to create a healthy and learning-friendly environment.

Equal Opportunities and Startchancen

Mönchengladbach is part of the federal funding program "Startchancen," which has been supporting 25 schools in the city since 2024. The goal is to create equal opportunities in socially challenging schools. Schools are selected based on the school social index, with particular attention given to schools with a high proportion of migrants, poverty, or special educational needs.

The support consists of three pillars: investments, a "Chancenbudget" (opportunity budget), and staffing measures. A total of over 29 million euros has been allocated for Mönchengladbach, with a funding share of up to 70%. The Chancenbudget is funded with 323,922 euros for the years 2024/25 and 620,390 euros for 2025/26. Implemented measures include curriculum development, cooperation with external partners, and the promotion of social skills.

New Vocational Program: Engineering at the Vocational College

In August 2026, a new educational program in engineering will start at the Vocational College Rheydt-Mülfort. Three full-time classes will be established, offering qualifications such as the First Extended School Leaving Certificate and the Intermediate School Certificate. The focus is on the occupational fields of construction and wood technology, electrical engineering, and metal technology.

The city, with the approval of the school conference, has decided to introduce the program – provided that four certified teachers and sufficient classroom space are available. The new department is part of the statewide adaptation to declining student numbers and the strengthening of the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) field.

Outlook: Education as a Key to the Future

The April 2026 decisions in Mönchengladbach show that education is not only understood as a category for upbringing but also as a central key to economic development, social integration, and equal opportunities. By investing in full-day schools, school construction, equal opportunities, and new vocational programs, the city is pursuing an educational policy that is both practical and inclusive.

The challenge for the future will be to maintain the new structures, ensure long-term staffing planning, and guarantee financial sustainability – especially in a time when resources are limited and societal demands are increasing.