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‘More is possible with us!’ – Independent schools demonstrate for fair funding

Under the slogan ‘We can do more!’, the Arbeitsgemeinschaft Freier Schulen Berlin (AGFS) is calling for a large demonstration in front of the Berlin House of Representatives.
On Thursday, 3 July, representatives of independent schools, pupils and parents will gather to protest against the ongoing underfunding of independent schools.
The Berlin Cosmopolitan School will also be taking part in the demonstration in order to send a strong signal in favour of educational justice and fair framework conditions together with other independent schools. Thank you!

Cosmopolitanschool Berlin Plakat für eine Demonstration am 03.07.2025 um 13:00 Uhr vor dem Berliner Abgeordnetenhaus, die sich für gerechte Finanzierung und Gleichbehandlung der Freien Schulen einsetzt. Mit fettgedrucktem Text, Megaphon-Grafik und Website-Link. loading=

Independent schools demand equal treatment

Independent schools account for around 11 per cent of Berlin’s pupil population, but only receive around 50 per cent of state funding. As a result, the state of Berlin saves around 280 million euros a year – at the expense of independent educational institutions. As a result, many schools have to find creative ways to provide high-quality education with limited resources.

An alliance for diversity and educational freedom

The demonstration brings together organisations from a wide range of educational backgrounds – from Christian schools and reformist educational institutions to international schools such as the Berlin Cosmopolitan School. They are all united by the goal of providing their pupils with an education in a protected, value-orientated and supportive environment – regardless of their background or financial means.

Why the Berlin Cosmopolitan School is involved

As a bilingual and non-profit all-day school with a special focus on democracy education, nature education and intercultural learning, the Berlin Cosmopolitan School is an example of the diversity and innovative strength of independent schools. The school supports the demand for reliable, fair funding in order to be able to fulfil its educational mission in the long term.

Background: A strong movement with a history

The demonstration follows on from the Berlin popular initiative ‘Schools in Freedom’, which has been campaigning for years for equal funding, pedagogical freedom and organisational independence for independent schools. Now the pressure on politicians is to be increased once again – so that independent schools in Berlin finally receive the recognition and support that corresponds to their social importance.
With the participation of numerous schools – including BCS – the demonstration on 3 July sends a clear signal:

Education needs diversity. Diversity needs fairness.

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