Senate passes regulations for tuition-free educational institutions
In the educational landscape of Berlin, a significant change is underway. The Berlin Senate has recently adopted new rules for schools under private management, with a focus on providing better opportunities for families with lower incomes.
Currently, 12 percent of all Berlin students attend non-public institutions operated by private providers. This includes 48 vocational schools with around 14,000 students, as well as 170 private providers who operate around 42,000 students in general public schools. These providers contribute significantly to the diversity of the education system in Berlin.
Education Senator Katharina Günther-Wünsch (CDU) has been a driving force behind these changes. She has stated that parents of children with special needs should have better access to private schools, and that an income-based scale will be created to determine the level of school fees for these institutions. This scale will apply to both regular students and those with special needs.
One of the key changes is the reduction in the waiting period for state subsidies for newly established private schools. Previously, these schools would receive subsidies after five years, but under the new rules, they will start receiving them after just two years. This is expected to make it easier for new private schools to establish themselves and offer more choices for families.
However, the so-called basic funding, which covers 93 percent of the costs of schools under private management, will not change. This decision was made due to Berlin's tight budget situation, as cited by Senator Günther-Wünsch.
The new rules are designed to give families with lower incomes better opportunities to choose the right school for their child. This income-based scale will be binding, ensuring that it provides a fair and consistent approach to school fees for all families.
Private schools in Berlin are seen as playing a crucial role in the strength of the education system. By making it easier for these schools to operate and for families to afford them, the Berlin Senate aims to ensure that all students have access to high-quality education, regardless of their financial circumstances.
