School Act for the State of NRW

The NRW Education Act - simply explained

The NRW School Act regulates how schools function in North Rhine-Westphalia. It defines the rights and obligations of pupils, parents and teachers - and how education is organized.

What does the Education Act actually regulate?

The NRW School Act includes, among other things:

  • Structure and organization of the schools: From Grundschulen to Berufskollegs - each type of school has its own requirements.

  • Educational mission: Schools should impart knowledge, promote social skills and contribute to personal development.

  • Participation and transparency: Parents, pupils and teachers have a say - for example in school conferences or in school development.

  • Performance assessment and degrees: The law regulates how performance is assessed and which qualifications are awarded.

Current developments and reforms

In recent years, the Education Act has been amended several times in order to meet the requirements of a modern educational landscape:

  • More personal responsibility for schools

  • Digitization as an educational mission

  • Strengthening participation

  • Individual support

  • Actively tackling the shortage of teachers

  • Reducing bureaucracy

Why is the Education Act important?

It provides reliability and orientation - and at the same time more flexibility. It creates the framework for schools to react to social developments and shape education in a contemporary way.

Where can I find the exact legal text?

The legal text is available here.