For the 2025/26 school year, we have 17,371 pupils at general education schools in Wolfsburg - that is 228 more than in the previous year. This growth is particularly evident at our secondary schools and high schools.

While the number of pupils at elementary school has remained largely stable at 5,968, the number of children and young people at lower secondary level has risen by 230 - an increase of 2.6 %. This is due to the high birth cohorts who are now moving on to secondary schools.

We are responding to this trend with foresight: temporary classes, use of vacant rooms and targeted expansions - always with the aim of remaining flexible without creating too many places in the long term. Because we know that: In a few years, the numbers are likely to fall again.

"Wolfsburg's schools are in high demand - a clear sign of the attractiveness of our educational location. It is important to us to create not just sufficient, but very good learning conditions. That is why - despite the challenging budget situation - we are making targeted investments in high-quality and future-proof classrooms," says Lord Mayor Dennis Weilmann. "We are monitoring developments very closely and acting with foresight. Wolfsburg is tackling this task with clear concepts, a reliable plan and the ambition to further strengthen the education sector in the long term."

Head of Education Iris Bothe also emphasizes the importance of strategic planning: "The current statistics are an important compass. They show us that we are operating in a dynamic environment. It is important to maintain a balance between meeting acute needs and budgetary responsibility. Our solutions are flexible, sustainable and closely coordinated with the schools - from temporary classrooms to investments in modern learning spaces."

And despite tight budgets, our course remains clear: we are continuing to invest in the future of our children. Additional classes at grammar and secondary schools, modular extensions at elementary school - all these measures help to cushion short-term bottlenecks. Of course, we check every investment for cost-effectiveness and keep an eye on our overall responsibility.

Our school development planning is based on reliable figures. It helps us to offer every child in Wolfsburg a high-quality education close to home - now and in the future.