Münster's Education Policy in March 2026: Investments, Renovations, and Strategic Planning

Education Policy in a Crisis: Münster Invests in the Future

Münster's education policy is navigating a tightrope between rising demand, limited resources, and new legal requirements. In March 2026, the city set a clear focus on ensuring modern learning conditions and the long-term stability of its education system through a series of decisions and planning initiatives. Particularly noteworthy are the measures taken to consolidate the PRIMUS school pilot project, strategic school construction planning, and the expansion of the Matthias-Claudius School.

Consolidation of the PRIMUS School Pilot: A Model for Inclusive Education

The PRIMUS School Münster, a model project for inclusive education, was permanently anchored as a long-term offer of the city in March 2026. With locations in Berg Fidel and Geist, the project aims to teach students with special educational needs alongside those on the general educational track. The consolidation was adopted unanimously and is based on § 132b (2) of the North Rhine-Westphalia School Act, providing legal certainty and enabling long-term financial planning.

The PRIMUS School currently enrolls 186 students in primary education and 298 in secondary education. Admissions capacity is limited to two intake classes per educational level, with a maximum of 25 students per class for five students with special educational needs. Construction measures, such as the renovation in Berg Fidel and barrier-free modifications in Geist, are already in planning and will improve accessibility and usability.

Strategic School Construction Planning: Ensuring Future Viability

Münster has created a structured instrument with strategic school construction planning for the period up to 2030 to address the growing space requirements and demands for modern learning environments. The planning includes the prioritization of construction projects, assessed based on objective criteria such as space requirements, building condition, and time urgency. Priority levels A to D enable a transparent and comprehensible decision-making process.

The financial implications of the planning are substantial. The statutory entitlement to full-day care, in place for several years, has already significantly affected school development. The administration is tasked with developing a detailed funding concept to be included in the 2026/2027 budget plans. Risks such as planning delays, supply bottlenecks, and cost increases are considered and regularly monitored in the planning process.

Matthias-Claudius School: Expansion and New Construction for the Future

A central project of the month was the construction decision for the new building of the Matthias-Claudius School in Handorf. With an investment volume of 32.36 million euros, the primary school will be expanded from a two-track to a three-track school. The new building will be constructed in the Kirschgarten planning area, and the old location on Drostestraße will be abandoned. The planning places special emphasis on barrier-free accessibility, a cluster concept with differentiated learning areas, and age-appropriate design of the outdoor areas.

The schoolyard will not only serve as a learning environment but also for extracurricular activities, with access via Heriburgstraße and a bridge over the Juffernbach. In addition to infrastructure, staffing needs will also be adjusted, with additional hours for janitorial services and the secretariat. The completion of the new building is planned for the end of 2028.

Conclusion: Education as a Central Component of Urban Development

Münster's education policy in March 2026 shows a clear orientation toward investing in the future. The consolidation of inclusive models, strategic planning for school construction, and the concrete implementation of construction projects such as the Matthias-Claudius School underscore the city's commitment to creating a modern, inclusive, and high-performing educational landscape. The challenges remain significant, but with clear planning and financial security, the groundwork is being laid for a stable and growth-oriented education policy in Münster.