School Act for the State of NRW

The North Rhine-Westphalia School Act – Explained Simply

The North Rhine-Westphalia School Act governs how schools operate in North Rhine-Westphalia. It sets forth the rights and responsibilities of students, parents, and teachers—and how education is organized.

What exactly does the school law cover?

The North Rhine-Westphalia School Act includes, among other things:

  • Structure and Organization of Schools: From Grundschule to Berufskolleg—every type of school has its own requirements.

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

  • Participation and Transparency: Parents, students, and teachers have a say—for example, at school conferences or in school development initiatives.

  • Grading and Diplomas: The law governs how academic performance is evaluated and which degrees are awarded.

Current Developments and Reforms

In recent years, the school law has been amended several times to meet the demands of a modern educational landscape:

  • More autonomy for schools

  • Digitalization as an Educational Mission

  • Strengthening Participation

  • Individual support

  • Actively addressing the teacher shortage

  • Reducing bureaucracy

Why is the school law important?

It provides reliability and direction—while also offering greater flexibility. It creates the framework that allows schools to respond to societal changes and adapt education to meet the needs of the times.

Where can I find the exact text of the law?

The text of the law is available here.