Greece Prepares Sweeping Education Reforms for 2026
Greece is entering 2026 with an extensive agenda for its education system, unveiling reforms that span from primary classrooms to university halls. Education officials aim to modernize structures, improve academic pathways and enhance digital capacity across institutions.
The introduction of the National Diploma stands out as the most significant development, marking a strategic shift away from high pressure testing in favor of long term assessment. Reform discussions are set to open early in 2026, laying the foundation for legislative proposals within the same year.
The National Diploma concept redefines student evaluation by moving decisively beyond memorization driven exams. A strengthened Bank of Exam Topics will supply thousands of standardized questions, while authorities consider adding external graders, digital marking and sampling checks to ensure fairness.
Implementation is expected to begin with students entering Grade 1 of Upper Secondary School, provided the national dialogue produces consensus and lawmakers approve the framework. Long term performance throughout high school will contribute to final scores within the new model.
Authorities also plan to deploy EduPlan, an AI powered platform designed to predict staffing needs and allocate substitute teachers with greater precision. Data from local registries and advanced machine learning tools will support more efficient scheduling and staffing decisions.
Government figures highlight that between 2020 and 2025, a total of 48,548 educators secured permanent posts, while 8,900 additional hires and roughly 45,000 substitute appointments were made in 2025 alone. The new platform aims to reduce annual shortages that disrupt school operations every September.
International Baccalaureate programmes will enter the public school system for the first time in 2026, offering an alternative academic track for students in Grades 2 and 3 of Upper Secondary School. Thirteen schools will undergo evaluation by the International Baccalaureate Organization in spring 2026.
Approved schools will launch IB classes in September, expanding access to a qualification widely recognized by foreign and non state universities. A discussion remains open regarding whether the IB should also grant access to public universities in Greece.
The government is extending its diversification strategy by establishing 13 new experimental schools by 2028, with 9 scheduled to open in 2026. These schools will join an existing network of 120 institutions that promote innovative learning environments supported by research based teaching practices.
New experimental schools will be distributed across regions including Halandri, Tavros, Florina, Alexandroupoli and Zakynthos, broadening opportunities for students to engage with cutting edge educational programs.
Digital transformation remains a central priority, with ongoing investments in interactive tools, digital tutoring and resources for students with disabilities. Teacher training initiatives continue to expand as part of a wider digital school strategy.
An AI in Schools pilot will roll out in 2026 in collaboration with OpenAI and The Tipping Point in Education, introducing a specialized version of ChatGPT for classroom use. Twenty schools, among them Onassis schools, will participate in the first phase targeting Grades 1 and 2 of Upper Secondary School.
Educators have already completed training, paving the way for students to begin using the platform in spring 2026 as a safe and adaptable tool for assignments and projects.
Plans for higher education include the exploration of a new Ministry of Research and Higher Education, intended to strengthen the academic landscape and appeal to Greek researchers working abroad. The initiative forms part of a strategy to bolster the nation’s research output and innovation capacity.
Non state universities are also expanding, with 4 already in operation and additional institutions expected to open by September 2026. Authorities anticipate renewed interest from international organizations seeking to establish branches in Greece.
