Education authority for the city of Bochum

The school authority is a joint institution of the state and the respective municipality. While the municipality is responsible for “external school matters,” responsibility for “internal school matters” lies with the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. A school’s internal responsibilities include curricula, instructional content, grades, report cards, and the selection of teachers. The school boards and district administrations are responsible for overseeing these matters.

In Bochum, the Arnsberg District Government serves as the higher state school supervisory authority, exercising technical oversight of secondary schools. The Bochum City School Board serves as the lower-level state school supervisory authority for elementary, secondary, and Förderschulen. It handles administrative and technical responsibilities and ensures that school operations run smoothly.

Key Responsibilities of the School District Office

  • Supervision of Public Officials: The school board is the supervising authority for teachers and makes decisions regarding hiring, transfers, and leaves of absence.

  • Technical Supervision: Supporting schools in implementing the curricula and ensuring the quality of instruction.

  • Consulting: Support for school administrators, teachers, and parents on school-related issues—from enrollment to career counseling.

  • Coordination: Coordination with school authorities, district governments, and other partners, e.g., regarding inclusion or language support.

Who works at the school district office?

School supervisors—experienced teachers with special qualifications—oversee several schools and serve as points of contact for educational and organizational matters. Administrative staff assist them with processing applications and handling organizational tasks.

Collaboration with Schools and Parents

The School District Office is the central point of contact for matters such as:

The goal is to work with all stakeholders to find effective solutions that serve the best interests of the students.

Cooperation with the District Government

The school board works closely with the district government, which is responsible for overseeing schools at the higher level, particularly secondary schools. Together, these two levels ensure a well-functioning and equitable local education system.

Contact information

Address: Universitätsstr. 43-49, 44777 Bochum

Your way to us:

To Google Maps

Opening hours:

Office hours by appointment (call to schedule).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What online services, forms, and information sheets are available?

NEW: Changes to the AO-SF Procedure in Bochum

Determination of the Need for Special Education Support (pursuant to § AO-SF)

The procedure for determining the need for special education support (AO-SF) has changed in Bochum. Previously, applications and assessments were handled using city forms and external evaluators.

New as of 2025:

  • Central coordination by the Arnsberg District Government’s expert office

  • No more mandatory external evaluations—the diagnostic data is compiled by (special education) teachers at mainstream schools

  • Digitized and standardized processes that are reviewed and supported by the center of expertise

  • Schools and parents will be more closely involved in the process; the decision will continue to rest with the relevant school supervisory authority

  • This will standardize the process nationwide and make it more transparent for all parties involved.

For more information, as well as the new forms for applications, termination, changes in funding location, and annual reviews, please click here:

Expert Assessment Office of the Arnsberg District Government

AO-SF Training Regulations for Special Education (MSB NRW)