From broken sports facilities to outdated toilets, school administrators across Germany see a pressing need for renovation or remodelling, according to a survey carried out on behalf of the Education and Training Union (VBE), one of Germany’s largest education and teacher trade unions.
For the survey, more than 1,300 school administrators – responsible for the day-to-day running and strategic direction of schools – were asked about the condition of their buildings and the challenges they face.
In total, 64 percent reported that they believed renovation measures were necessary at their institutions, and 74 percent said that changes were needed to create a new learning culture.
‘Dilapidated school infrastructure’
The survey paints a grim picture of Germany’s school infrastructure – and reveals challenges which go beyond crumbling walls.
“We are putting up with a dilapidated school infrastructure,” commented Tomi Neckov, newly elected federal chairman of the VBE.
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“The situation is that not enough money is coming in. And when it does, there is no guarantee that school buildings will be renovated and modernised to a high standard,” he added in a statement.
According to the survey, only one-fifth of administrators who identified a need for changes said they had actually received funding to carry out the work.
Infrastructure shapes opportunity
The need for renovation is not just about aesthetics or comfort. As teaching and learning methods evolve, argues the VBE, so too should the physical spaces in which they take place.
Almost three-quarters of administrators say spatial changes are essential to establish a ‘new learning and examination culture’, with flexible layouts for group work and better integration of modern technology
“If you want to prepare today’s children for tomorrow’s world, you need school buildings that support teaching and learning,” Neckov said.
Accessibility is also a major concern. In April 2025, a separate VBE survey found that 47 percent of teachers say their schools are not barrier-free, with the figure rising to 54 percent in primary schools.
“The conditions must be right so that no one is excluded due to physical impairments. This applies not only to pupils, but also to their parents and teachers,” Neckov stressed.
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Other challenges facing school administrators
Beyond infrastructure, the survey highlights a range of other issues.
School administrators report high stress levels, insufficient management time and persistent teacher shortages.
Only one percent of administrators feel they have enough time for their management duties, and more than 80 percent are dissatisfied with current education policy, in particular at the failure of political decisions to take actual school realities into account.
Despite these challenges, 85 percent say they still enjoy their jobs, driven by a commitment to their students and staff.
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