School & Abitur. Schloss Neubeuern.

In our boarding school, I found more than knowledge – a family that touched my heart. It’s not just my mind that grows here, but also my being. Every day is a journey of self-discovery, with many challenges and experiences – important steps towards greater resilience. In the quiet moments, I feel deep gratitude. Schloss Neubeuern is not just education, it is a school of life – a decision that I count among the best of my life.

I came to Neubeuern in year nine and it was really my heart’s desire because I realised at my old school that I wasn’t getting the education and support I wanted there. And it’s the individual support that is the beauty of Neubeuern – the fact that so many different characters and nationalities come together here, but everyone is accepted for who they are and appreciated for exactly that. And that’s what I’ve always found really great – that everyone can develop freely here in their own way.

I came to Neubeuern in 1951, just a few years after the school reopened. At that time, we still had to grow into simpler post-war conditions, for example, we still ate out of tin plates or lived in rooms with 10 beds. However, we realised how lucky we were to be there. The boarding school and village, embedded in an incomparable landscape, became my home early on and remained so. I experienced a variety of classmates and interesting teachers at a boarding school that was constantly changing. Looking back, school and home under one roof seems to me to be a special form of the concept of ‘challenge and support’. To this day, despite or because of the many years I spent there, I still have fond memories and a lasting attachment to Neubeuern.

The special feeling about Neubeuern is probably different for everyone. But one thing is true for almost everyone: for us, the statement “friends for life” is not a marketing phrase. I came here as a 14-year-old. Now I’m almost sixty and the people I met here when I was 14 are still my best friends. Even if we don’t see each other for a while, this feeling of friendship remains. It’s a family feeling – we all have our own families – but we’re also a Neubeur family. It’s something like home.

Julie von Wendelstadt developed the concept for Schule Schloss Neubeuern together with the headmaster Dr Josef Rieder. At the time, he was in charge of a boarding school in Switzerland, which was already run in a somewhat more progressive way. The idea was not just to cram the subject matter, but – just as Neubeuern is still run today – to have guilds, such as the voluntary fire brigade, a cooks’ guild, music and theatre guilds and much more. Pupils should not only be occupied with pure knowledge, but should also be able to develop their personalities by working together. This was probably the basic idea as early as 1925.

I believe that a school that only teaches cramming is out of place, but that in the complexity of today’s world, it must instead encourage freer thinking and engagement with the issues. That’s what I think is important today and not this “now you learn pages 1 to 10”, something like that – so that young people are better prepared for the problems out there in the world.

If I think of just one event, it’s my first kiss in the rose garden. I also think of the nights when the window panes rattled in the storm and, when the moon was bright, you could see as far as the nearby snow-capped mountains, even at night. And I remember the view down to the village. You somehow felt like you were between two worlds – not quite in heaven, not quite on earth, but floating somewhere in between.

What did I take away from Neubeuern … apart from the high school diploma and apart from the realisation about social hierarchies – I think a happy childhood. And also a bit of networking, which wasn’t done in this elite area back then. I spent three years at a state school in Rosenheim until I was kicked out and in Neubeuern I realised what a difference it made to be in such an elite small class – not having to stand up when the teacher asked a question and not being together with thirty-three others, but also being encouraged – that was really good.

In my time at Schloss Neubeuern so far, I have learnt a lot from and about people. One of the most important things I have learnt is that people achieve more together than alone and can therefore overcome difficult situations. Everyone needs good friends and allies to be happy, courageous and strong. Our students find friends and allies for life at Schloss Neubeuern – something I particularly realise at our alumni reunions. Schloss Neubeuern is not just a school where you spend a few years and graduate, but a place you can return to again and again throughout your life. Together with my team, I work every day to lay the foundations for our children and young people for their future lives and to mould them with the right values and attitudes.

What do I like to get up for in the morning? For our pupils. I love working with children and young adults – giving them a good feeling so that they feel they are in good hands. What is particularly important to me? Being a role model for the pupils – giving them support and security, taking them by the hand, listening to them. And taking a closer look at how they feel and what they need. I find it particularly nice when I receive a small thank-you from pupils. For the last St Nicholas’ Day, I even received a letter in which they thanked me for always being there for them. That really touched me.

Like every organisation and every company, Schloss Neubeuern has gone through difficult times time and again in its hundred years of existence. But I have never experienced a foundation of friendship and solidarity as strong as ours. It means a great deal to me to be able to play my part in ensuring that our students can continue to find their footing on this foundation for the next hundred years and thus develop into upright, responsible people – which our world urgently needs.

Relationships characterise our work here at the castle. Not only between our pupils. Our colleagues also form a community that pulls together. I particularly like the fact that we support each other and fulfil our tasks in a natural cooperation. As the person responsible for human resources, it is important to me to find the right people for our team and to ensure that we can fulfil our tasks well and with pleasure.

Starting out in our fascinating castle and the wonderful surroundings brought me many friends for life through sporting encounters with young people. Our learning environment provides the ideal conditions, even beyond the classroom, to give our young people valuable experience for their education and their future lives. A formative encounter with an aristocratic contemporary witness from the founding period of our school awakened my interest in the rich history of the castle and the school. The quote from our long-time guest at the castle, Hugo von Hofmannsthal: “There is more of the past in the present than one realises” became more and more clear to me, especially when I began to study the castle’s unique guest books, and became a passion that will not leave me even after my time at the castle.

Schloss Neubeuern is a very special workplace for me, which I have learnt to appreciate over the years. The internationality of the students and the many opportunities to work there and help shape everyday life inspire me.
At Schloss Neubeuern, I can support children and young people on their path to adulthood through my degree in social pedagogy and also as a person, and help to ensure that the pupils take a good path later on. I see this as an essential task that I enjoy.
The cultural, diverse programmes and activities with the pupils require creativity and empathy. Every day is exciting and full of experiences, both indoors and outdoors. This suits my life, as I like to be on the move a lot. In this way, I can bring in my sporting hobbies, such as breakdancing, and pass on my skills.

As a mentor, I enjoy the privilege of being able to live here in the castle with my family. The wonderful view from the castle inspires me every day. The friendly colleagues, the relationships with the children and young people and the sense of community give me strength and warmth. It’s a wonderful feeling to have accompanied a child or young person with my heart and perhaps made a difference in their life. That’s why I love my work and my home here at Schloss Neubeuern!

Starting out in our fascinating castle and the wonderful surroundings brought me many friends for life through sporting encounters with young people.
Our learning environment provides the ideal conditions, even beyond the classroom, to give our young people valuable experience for their education and their future lives.
A formative encounter with an aristocratic contemporary witness from the founding period of our school awakened my interest in the rich history of the castle and the school. The quote from our long-time guest at the castle, Hugo von Hofmannsthal: “There is more of the past in the present than one realises” became more and more clear to me, especially when I began to study the castle’s unique guest books, and became a passion that will not leave me even after my time at the castle.

Teacher and high school coordinator at Schloss Neubeuern since 2020:
The community at our school is exceptional. There is always a great atmosphere among the teaching staff and the team spirit contributes significantly to our well-being. I really enjoy working with the pupils in the small classes. Thanks to our excellent digital equipment, I can organise lessons in an enriching and innovative way and tailor them to the needs of the students. As sixth form coordinator, I am able to take on responsibility at an early stage and appreciate the opportunity to contribute my own ideas and develop personally. In addition, the view of the beautiful Alpine landscape is simply fantastic, because working where others go on holiday is something very special.

As a master gardener and landscaper, I can design and maintain the castle gardens in the beautiful and historic Neubeuern Castle largely independently, creatively and professionally. High above the Inn Valley and the marvellous mountain backdrop, this is an indescribable working environment. For me as a master gardener and nature lover, there is nothing better than working there.

It is a privilege to work in such a unique location with a great team and a fantastic castle community.

Being able to make music, work with digital media and in an international environment? When I asked myself whether I would like to go to Schloss Neubeuern as a boarder, I didn’t have to think twice. Then as now. Now some time has passed, the school band and the instrumental ensemble meet regularly, which is why music has become part of my everyday school life. Just as the music in Schloss Neubeuern left its mark on me, the internationality of the boarding school also had an impact on me. I have always been interested in people of other nationalities and was able to establish personal contacts with pupils from other countries through life at Schloss Neubeuern. I was also able to take part in exchange programmes, including one to South Africa. These experiences have also strengthened my cosmopolitanism, which is very important in view of the global situation. I was able to take advantage of all these opportunities and developments in Neubeuern. I am very grateful for that.

For me, the relationships you build at the castle are very special. By living together, you grow very close with your friends. In my experience, it’s not comparable to a “normal” friendship.
In addition, the small classes in the lower and middle school helped me a lot. I felt more confident and was able to improve my grades significantly as a result.

In my opinion, the Economic Forum is a unique opportunity for us students to gain an early insight into current economic issues. We are introduced to networking and can make our first contacts. I find the resulting contact with entrepreneurs particularly exciting, as you can learn a lot from their experiences.

Schloss Neubeuern is special for me because I learn to realise my potential here and can develop in a supportive community. At the same time, you also learn that the road to success is paved with hard work. We are one big family and are always there for each other to support and motivate each other.

Schloss Neubeuern means a lot to me. School and boarding school life here is varied and colourful. Numerous activities are offered for pupils, e.g. cookery guild, dance course and much more. As a Chinese student, I attended the International Department and felt particularly at home there – I especially liked the fact that you can receive guests with your home country specialities on the “International Weekend”. Being together with others helped me to grow up – a kind of transformation that makes the transition from teenager to adult possible. Here, at Schloss Neubeuern, you have the opportunity to develop according to your preferences.

Neubeuern was my first boarding school experience. Life in another country can always be difficult, but Neubeuern made it very easy for me. Friends who are like family and always support each other and mentors who look after children like parents. In addition to the boarding school, the school offers us special facilities. The digital classroom made learning a lot easier for me. The school has also supported me in realising my dreams and I can say that Schloss Neubeuern will have a big impact on my future.

I am happy to be at Schloss Neubeuern and grateful for the many friendships I have made here, the great teachers, the unforgettable school trips and, of course, the special environment that Schloss Neubeuern offers us students. I have discovered my personal interest in the natural sciences and the new science centre (MINT Centre) offers us students many opportunities for modern and practical lessons combined with laboratory work, such as the biochemistry practical.
As a day pupil, I still enjoy the family-like community of the boarding school groups. We do a lot together with our great mentors, such as the annual group trips, karaoke evenings, cooking together or weekend activities.
Anyone who has the opportunity to visit Schloss Neubeuern should do so!

Elia is a “very” proud pupil at Schloss Neubeuern – he would love to be a boarder. Many sports and cultural activities enrich his everyday school life here. At the beginning of the school year, but also during the school year, team-building through various activities is elementary, which gives the time for learning a completely different foundation. The relationship between teachers, mentors and students is really very personal, intensive and committed. Personal concerns are dealt with in a very “human” and professional manner.
We are very happy student parents.

For us as parents of two girls who have both been attending Schloss Neubeuern boarding school since the seventh grade, the individual and caring approach to our children and their personal support and development over the years is the decisive factor why we would choose Schloss Neubeuern again today. The small and intensive learning groups with individualised demands and support are outstanding compared to other schools.
The boarding school also focuses on the development of their personality and social skills.
For years, we have observed at the summer parties and alumni reunions how much the special friendships made at Schloss Neubeuern have endured. These connections form a network for life.
It is this community and the family spirit that make Schloss Neubeuern a very special place for our family.

Neubeuern boarding school was a big surprise for me. After initial scepticism as to whether this format and a boarding school were the right choice for my son, I became more and more enthusiastic about the boarding school, the school and the people every year. He has not only improved his academic performance, but has also grown into a self-confident and responsible person.

Our daughter had wanted to go to boarding school for a long time and, after thorough research, applied for a place at Schloss Neubeuern. Thanks to the generous support of the foundation and a private sponsor, to whom we would like to express our sincere thanks once again, Josephine was given the opportunity to transfer to the boarding school as a scholarship holder in the tenth grade and graduated at the top of her year.
This time had a significant impact on our daughter and developed her into an independent and self-confident young person. Through her involvement with the fire brigade and the paramedics, she was able to develop a high sense of social responsibility.
At Schloss Neubeuern, Josephine not only found a second home, but also deep friendships. She was able to gain many valuable experiences that she would have been denied at a conventional school. As parents, we are therefore deeply grateful and proud that Schloss Neubeuern made this unique opportunity possible for our daughter.

Our son Hugo has been a day pupil at Schloss Neubeuern since the fifth grade.
Hugo and we enjoy his outstanding academic and social achievements, which are greatly encouraged in the small classes.
Schloss Neubeuern was definitely the right decision for our family.
Hugo’s sister Wilma is also keen to become part of the castle community.

When I was 9 years old, my brother had a best friend and he was the most cheerful person in the whole world, until at some point that was over and you realised that he was missing something. Then he suddenly went to boarding school and it seemed to make him happier than ever. When I asked him about this boarding school, I learnt about Schloss Neubeuern for the first time. He showed it to me online and I knew from the very first moment – I wanted to go to this school! I suspected that my parents wouldn’t be able to afford it, so I asked him about ways to make it to Neubeuern anyway. That’s when he told me about the scholarships. I was immediately electrified and although my parents doubted that I would succeed, they wanted to support me with my application. So I started writing to the headmaster and built the castle out of cardboard, complete with carpet and tower. I sent him a photo of it and couldn’t sleep until he suddenly replied to me and wrote that the old pupils’ association had found a sponsor who would support us financially. I could hardly believe it and cried with happiness. Now I’ve been in my “real castle” for four years and I’ve always been positive and in a good mood – despite some hurdles. I am so grateful to be here because I can now achieve so much in my life just because there are such nice people like Mr Strüngmann and my parents who support me so much.

The birthday of my aunt Julie Wendelstadt, the founder of the school, was on 1 March. In 1925, she made this day the school’s birthday and thus the school was founded. My aunt’s motto in life was always “Noblesse Oblige”, according to which one should act in all situations in life. It is very important to me to pass this commitment on to you. Since my aunt’s death 63 years ago, we have endeavoured to uphold this motto. I ask you never to forget this sentence.

As a scholarship holder, I was able to spend three wonderful years at Schloss Neubeuern. During this time, Neubeuern Castle was more than just a place to learn and live – Neubeuern Castle was my home and will always remain my home. The scholarship opened up valuable perspectives for me and significantly promoted my development.
I developed a close relationship with my scholarship sponsor during my time at Neubeuern and I am very grateful to have found a role model and friend in my sponsor.
Make the most of the opportunity I was given – take the plunge and it will be worth it!