Herder-Gymnasium Minden

What Herder-Gymnasium Minden does

Herder-Gymnasium Minden is a public Gymnasium (secondary school) operated by the Stadt Minden municipal government in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, delivering the standard NRW Abitur track from Klasse 5 through Q2 (approximately ages 10–19). The school enrolls roughly 100+ new students annually across four parallel 5th-grade classes, served by approximately 70 teaching and administrative staff under Schulleiterin Heike Plöger. It operates a single campus at Brüningstraße 2, 32427 Minden, with no satellite locations. The institution functions as a Bündelungs-Gymnasium, accepting students from multiple Grundschulen across the Kreis Minden-Lübbecke catchment area under NRW state-admission rules.

The school's product portfolio is organized across three pedagogical phases — Erprobungsstufe (Class 5–6), Mittelstufe (Class 7–9), and Oberstufe (EF–Q2) — and is differentiated by several specialized programs: a MINT-Schwerpunktklasse (STEM focus class) running annually since the MINTfreundliche-Schule designation, an InSeL-Klasse (individualized self-directed learning) launching in the 2026-2027 school year, and a UNESCO-Stunden curriculum integrating Democracy, Digitalization, and Sustainability themes across Classes 5–8. Digital infrastructure comprises the Herder-Cloud (Nextcloud-based) for document storage and IServ as the school management and communication platform. Complementary services include the KAoA career orientation program (Class 8 onward) delivered in partnership with Bundesagentur für Arbeit, Erasmus+ student and teacher mobility (accredited 2025), Schulsozialarbeit, peer tutoring (Gemeinsam Stark, 7 EUR/hour), and Nachmittagsbetreuung administered via VHS Minden-Bad Oeynhausen (30 EUR/month).

Herder-Gymnasium operates as a public service entity with no commercial revenue: funding flows from Stadt Minden and the NRW state education budget. The sole direct-to-family fees are cost-recovery after-school care (30 EUR/month per child, 20 EUR per sibling), external-priced locker rental via Mietra, and tutoring fees partially subsidized by Bildungspartner Minden. A Förderverein (parent support association, founded 1988) collects annual membership dues to fund enrichment not covered by state budgets. Strategic positioning rests on a dense network of external partners — VHS, JWK/IZR-OWL, Musikschule Minden (EMSA-Schule), Teutolab (Universität Bielefeld), DENIOS, BCCG, Talentscouting NRW, ZDI OWL — and a portfolio of regulatory accreditations (UNESCO-Projektschule since December 2024, Erasmus+ since 2025, MINTfreundliche, EMSA, Fairtrade, Schule ohne Rassismus, BNE) that anchor differentiation against other Gymnasien in the region.

Name

Herder-Gymnasium Minden

Legal name

Herder-Gymnasium der Stadt Minden

Website

https://herder-gymnasium-minden.de

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Herder-Gymnasium Minden is a public secondary school in Minden, Germany, operated by the Stadt Minden municipal government, delivering the NRW Abitur track from Class 5 through Q2 to local students under the leadership of Schulleiterin Heike Plöger, with state funding and no tuition.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Minden

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Public State-Funded Education: Herder-Gymnasium is a public school ( öffentliche Schule) funded by the Stadt Minden and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia (Land NRW). Education is free for students; funding comes from government education budgets, Schulbudget, and Lehrmittelfreiheit (state-provided textbooks). No commercial revenue model applies.
2. Nachmittagsbetreuung (After-School Care): Afternoon care is offered in partnership with VHS Minden-Bad Oeynhausen for a monthly fee (30 EUR/month per child, 20 EUR/month per sibling). This is a cost-recovery service fee charged to parents, administered through the VHS booking system.
3. Förderverein Membership Dues: The Förderverein Herder-Gymnasium Minden e.V. collects annual membership dues (via direct debit in April/May). New members receive a free Herder T-shirt. Revenue supports school projects, equipment, and extracurricular activities not covered by state funding.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Herder-Gymnasium Minden is a public German Gymnasium delivering secondary education from Klasse 5 through the Abitur examination (Q2). Its core offerings cover three academic phases (Erprobungsstufe, Mittelstufe, Oberstufe) plus specialized programs such as MINT-Schwerpunktklasse, InSeL-Klasse (individualized self-directed learning), UNESCO-Stunden, and KAoA career orientation. The school also operates paid supplementary services including Nachmittagsbetreuung (after-school care via VHS Minden-Bad Oeynhausen), peer tutoring (Gemeinsam Stark), Schließfächer lockers (via Mietra), and Erasmus+ international student and teacher exchanges.

Product overview

Herder-Gymnasium Minden is a secondary school (Gymnasium) in Minden, Germany, offering a comprehensive educational program from Class 5 through Abitur (Class Q2). Its product portfolio consists of academic programs organized across three phases — Erprobungsstufe (Classes 5–6), Mittelstufe (Classes 7–9), and Oberstufe (Classes EF–Q2) — complemented by specialized programs (MINT-Schwerpunktklasse, InSeL-Klasse, UNESCO-Stunden), digital platforms (Herder-Cloud/Nextcloud and IServ Schulplattform), student support services (Schulsozialarbeit, peer tutoring, after-school care), and extracurricular activities (Arbeitsgemeinschaften). The school is also an accredited Erasmus+ institution offering international student and staff exchanges, and operates a structured career orientation program (KAoA). Infrastructure services include school lockers (via Mietra) and cafeteria/facility services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Erprobungsstufe (Classes 5-6) The lower secondary transition phase (Erprobungsstufe, Classes 5-6) at Herder-Gymnasium Minden, featuring class teacher days, a welcome trip with overnight stay, peer mentoring from older students, and dedicated support for students settling into secondary school. Includes the MINT-Schwerpunktklasse and InSeL-Klasse options in Jahrgangsstufe 5.
• Mittelstufe (Classes 7-9) The middle school phase (Mittelstufe, Classes 7-9) with a Wahlpflichtbereich (elective subject area) offering French, Latin, Spanish, computer science, natural sciences, and social sciences electives. Includes a 5-day nature experience trip in Class 8 and a London trip in Class 9, plus UNESCO-Stunden delivery for the middle phase.
• Oberstufe (Classes EF-Q2) The upper secondary phase (Oberstufe, Einführungsphase through Q2) preparing students for the Abitur examination. Features a transition from class teaching to a course system, subject specialization through Leistungskurse, a mandatory thesis (Facharbeit) in Q1, and integration with the KAoA career orientation program for university readiness.
• MINT-Schwerpunktklasse (Class 5 STEM Focus Class) A dedicated MINT (Mathematics, Informatics, Natural Sciences, Technology) focus class in Jahrgangsstufe 5 for students with shared interest in STEM subjects. Students learn the standard curriculum with enhanced STEM project work, choose a MINT AG, and participate in mandatory MINT competitions such as Big Challenge, Mathematik-Olympiade, and DSD I.
• InSeL-Klasse (Individualized Self-Directed Learning Class) An individualized, self-directed learning class launching in school year 2026-2027 for Klasse 5 students. Features Lernbüros (learning offices) for German, English, and Mathematics, and twice-weekly TIL (themenorientiertes, individualisiertes Lernen) project sessions combining two subjects per project.
• UNESCO-Stunden (UNESCO Hours) Project-based UNESCO hours embedded in the curriculum for Classes 5-8, covering topics of democracy, digitalization, and sustainability. Class 5 focuses on settling in and class cohesion; Class 6 on responsible use of digital media; Class 7 on sustainable thinking; and Class 8 on participation and justice. The hours are not graded for marks.
• KAoA Berufsorientierung (Career Orientation Program) The standardized NRW career orientation program (Kein Abschluss ohne Anschluss, KAoA) starting in Class 8, offering Berufsfelderkundung (career exploration days), Betriebspraktikum (work experience), Berufsinformationsbörse (career fair), Talentscouting NRW partnerships, the Mindener Lernfirma (MILEFA) simulated company, and biweekly consultation hours with the Bundesagentur für Arbeit career counselor.
• Nachmittagsbetreuung (After-School Care) After-school care provided by VHS Minden-Bad Oeynhausen starting at 13:00 on school premises, including a lunch break, study time (homework support), and joint activities in play, art, and sports. Available Monday to Friday until 15:30, priced at 30 EUR/month per child and 20 EUR/month per sibling; subsidized for Bildungsempfänger families.
• Erasmus+ Mobilitäten (International Exchange Programme) Erasmus+ accredited student and teacher mobility program offering international exchanges with partner schools in Spain (Caceres), France, Italy (Naples), Hungary (Budapest), and the UK (Eastbourne cricket trip). Includes short-term student mobilities and professional development for staff. Funded in part by a BCCG school grant (€2,000 in 2025).
• Herder-Cloud (Nextcloud) A cloud-based platform hosted at nc.herder-gymnasium-minden.de using Nextcloud, providing students and staff storage, file sharing, and collaboration tools for schoolwork and communication.
• IServ Schulplattform A comprehensive school management and communication platform used by the entire school community for parent and student communication, announcements, assignments, timetable management, and learning management, accessible at herder-minden.de.
• Schulsozialarbeit & Beratung (School Social Work and Counseling) School social work and counseling services provided by a multi-professional team including Schulsozialarbeiterinnen Diana Feuerriegel and Selina Reineking, offering individual counseling, crisis support, prevention workshops (eating disorders, digital media safety, substance abuse), and connections to external advisory services.
• Gemeinsam Stark – Schüler helfen Schülern (Peer Tutoring) A peer tutoring program where students from Classes 9-Q2 support younger students (Classes 5-7) in individual subjects or learning organization. Tutors are matched with one mentee each and sessions are held weekly at 7 EUR/hour; fees are co-financed by Bildungspartner Minden – Soziale Initiative der Mindener Wirtschaft for families unable to pay.
• Arbeitsgemeinschaften (Extracurricular Activity Groups) A broad range of extracurricular activity groups (Arbeitsgemeinschaften / AGs) across sports, music (with Musikschule Minden), natural sciences, technology, computer science, and social engagement, offered for various year groups.
• Schließfächer (Locker Rental via Mietra) Locker rental service provided through the external company Mietra GmbH, with digital lock management replacing traditional combination locks, online registration, and an optional discount for online booking. Annual subscription billed via Mietra.

Quantifiable outcome

• 47 Abiturienten graduated in 2026; 102 in 2025 — demonstrating sustained high graduation throughput.
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Erasmus+ Partner Schools (Spain, France, Italy, Hungary, Germany)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Herder-Gymnasium maintains Erasmus+ student exchange partnerships with schools in Caceres and Qarceres (Spain), Naples (Italy), Budapest (Hungary), and has hosted groups from Portugal and France. Short-term mobility programs (since 2023/24) and teacher training programs (since 2018) are central to the school's internationalization. The school is officially Erasmus+-accredited since 2025.
• Johannes-Wesling-Universitätsklinikum (JWK) / IZR-OWLcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Interdisziplinäres Zentrum für Robotische Chirurgie (IZR-OWL) at the Johannes-Wesling-Klinikum Minden partners with Herder-Gymnasium to offer students hands-on educational experiences. MINT class students and biology Leistungskurs students visited to learn about the DaVinci surgical robot, medical procedures, and medical studies. Students directly operated the robot and spoke with medical students, making this a unique STEM and career orientation partnership.
• VHS Minden-Bad OeynhausencoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerThe Volkshochschule (VHS) Minden-Bad Oeynhausen operates the Nachmittagsbetreuung (after-school care) service at Herder-Gymnasium, providing childcare from 13:00–15:30 on school days. VHS handles registration via its booking system and supplies the care staff. The school provides the facilities.
• Bildungspartner Minden – Soziale Initiative der Mindener WirtschaftminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBildungspartner Minden co-finances the 'Gemeinsam Stark – Schüler helfen Schülern' tutoring program, in which older students tutor younger ones (7 EUR/hour). The organization covers fees for families who cannot pay, enabling equal access to tutoring support.
• Bundesagentur für Arbeit (Agentur für Arbeit)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Federal Employment Agency provides a Berufsberater (career counselor), Mr. Ngo, who offers a biweekly consultation hour at the school and additional support formats for career orientation as part of the KAoA program.
• Talentscouting NRW / Studienfonds OWLminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe school partners with NRW Talentscouting and the Studienfonds OWL scholarship program to support talented students from lower-income backgrounds in accessing higher education. Coordinator Mr. Bornemann serves as the Talentscout contact.
• Mindener Lernfirma (MILEFA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMILEFA is a simulated company run at the school as part of career orientation, giving students practical experience in business operations. Managed by Mr. Schön as part of the KAoA program.
• Musikschule MindencoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThrough the EMSA (Eine Musikschule für alle) network, Musikschule Minden and Herder cooperate on music education, offering instrumental instruction, OpenStage events, and music pauses. The partnership was formalized with the 2025 EMSA certification.
• EHer-Verein (Verein der Ehemaligen des Herder-Gymnasiums)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe alumni association supports current students through career mentoring, networking events, and contributions to school projects. It represents the interests of former students and maintains connections to the school community.
• British Chamber of Commerce in Germany (BCCG)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBCCG selected Herder-Gymnasium for a €2,000 grant to fund cricket training during a class trip to Eastbourne, England in March 2026. This is part of BCCG's school funding initiative to promote German-British cultural and sports exchange.
• DENIOS SE & Co. KGminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDENIOS, a dangerous goods storage company in Minden, hosted a visit for the MINT class, providing students with hands-on exposure to industrial safety, chemistry, and STEM career paths.
• ZDI (Zentrum für Digitale Innovationen) OWLminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerZDI supports the school's UNESCO project days and BNE (sustainable development) education by providing expert instructors and workshops for 7th graders on topics like bio-farming, waste management, and sustainability.
• Suchtpräventionsstelle and Kommissariat für VorbeugungminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe school's multiprofessionelle Team collaborates with the local addiction prevention office and police prevention unit to deliver workshops on eating disorders, digital media safety, and substance abuse prevention.
• Mindener Pfad der MenschenrechteminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Minden Human Rights Path initiative cooperated with the school on a Holocaust commemoration event, facilitating a theater performance by the Freie Bühne Wendland about the Mansfeld family, funded by NRW's Commissioner for Combating Antisemitism (Sylvia Löhrmann).
• Teutolab Mathematik / Teutolab Biotechnologie – Universität BielefeldminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerClass 6 students visited teutolab-Mathematik for hands-on probability experiments; the biology Leistungskurs participated in a genetics and evolution practical course at teutolab-Biotechnologie, providing university-level lab experience.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• GEMS Education: Global K-12 school operator with extensive international footprint delivering premium curriculum including STEM and IB pathways. Comparable to Herder in the underlying K-12 university-prep category, although at global commercial scale.
• Stiftung Louisenlund: German private boarding school (Internat) with Gymnasium track plus IB offering, in Schleswig-Holstein. Comparable to Herder in delivering full K-12 plus Abitur and integrating international exchange, music, and STEM elements.
• Munich International School: International K-12 school near Munich offering IB MYP/DP and AP tracks with extensive STEM and arts programming. Comparable to Herder as a K-12 institution targeting university-bound families with differentiated academic tracks.
• Nord Anglia Education: Global K-12 operator with premium schools across multiple countries, including German sites. Comparable to Herder in its K-12 framework, MINT and international emphasis, and university-prep outcomes, though at global scale.
• St. George's School Cologne: English-language K-12 international school in Cologne offering IGCSE/IB pathways and STEM enrichment. Comparable in target audience (secondary-level students preparing for university) and program structure, though private and international in orientation.
• Berlin British School: British international K-12 school in Berlin offering IGCSE and IB Diploma alongside Abitur tracks. Comparable to Herder as an internationalized K-12 school with strong MINT and language offerings, though privately operated and tuition-funded.
• SIS Swiss International School (Germany operations): Operator of bilingual K-12 international schools in Germany (e.g., Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg). Comparable to Herder in offering a K-12 pathway with international curriculum, MINT emphasis, and university-prep orientation, though at a larger scale and with a private tuition model.

Direct peers

• Internat Schloss Rohlshof: Private German secondary school offering K-12 education through Abitur in a residential setting with an enhanced curriculum. Comparable to Herder in serving the German Gymnasium track with differentiated programs and a community-driven funding model.
• Phorms Education: Phorms operates a chain of German private bilingual K-12 schools with Gymnasium-level tracks, including STEM-focused programs. It is directly comparable to Herder as a German K-12 operator offering an enhanced curriculum layered on the standard Gymnasium model.
• Gymnasium Marienau: Private German Gymnasium and Internat in Lower Saxony offering K-12 plus Abitur with differentiated programs (music, MINT, international exchange). Comparable to Herder in providing a Gymnasium-level academic core plus specialized enrichment tracks and partnership-driven curriculum.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/herder-gymnasium-minden

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Herder-Gymnasium Minden