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Education Minister Athina Michailidou on Monday announced a package of reforms for the upcoming school year, saying the changes aim to support every student and modernize the public school system.
In a post on X, Michailidou said the government’s goals for a modern and effective school system cover all levels of education.
“In secondary, general and technical education, we are emphasizing a student-centered approach, aiming at a gradual shift away from the exam-focused model that has prevailed for decades,” she wrote. “We want a school that educates, inspires and stands by every child.”
She said several reforms and programs will take effect with the start of the 2025–26 school year.
The first, Michailidou said, is the updating and streamlining of curricula. The goal, she added, is to focus on essential knowledge, critical thinking, creativity and skills development. While much of the curriculum has already been revised, she said some subjects still require further reduction and rationalization.
The second initiative aims to strengthen digital skills for both students and teachers. Michailidou said classrooms will be equipped with upgraded technology and software, with an emphasis on the responsible use of new tools such as artificial intelligence and robotics.
A third reform is the launch of full-day middle schools, or Gymnasiums, with a focus on technology, science and the Greek language.
A fourth initiative addresses violence and delinquency in schools through the “Safe School” program and stricter enforcement of legislation.
Michailidou also announced measures to improve Greek language instruction, the pilot introduction of Technical Gymnasiums to familiarize students with technical professions and new technologies, a pilot program for teaching German in Gymnasiums, and the reinstatement of “Work Week” in the second year of Lyceum, or upper secondary school.
Other measures include expanding financial literacy classes in all middle school grades, extending the electronic administration and education system eDEA to streamline communication between schools, families and the ministry, and simplifying procedures for district special education committees ahead of planned legislative changes.
Civic Education will be reinstated with an interdisciplinary approach, Michailidou said, while school self-evaluations will be strengthened with greater decentralization and a focus on local needs. She also announced upgrades for specialized schools, including sports, music and full-day secondary schools.
“The public school is changing, and it is changing to give every child the strength to move forward,” Michailidou said, directing readers to a detailed announcement on the ministry’s website.
