Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki presented the key elements of the planned reform for the new Lyceum and National Baccalaureate to the Parliament’s Standing Committee on Educational Affairs.

She stressed that the changes will not come as a surprise to students or parents, clarifying that the new system will take effect in the 2029–30 academic year.

“It is a national duty to start the dialogue on the National Baccalaureate. This is a central government decision, announced by the Prime Minister himself. Our aim is to restore Lykeio’s educational role and redefine the student-school relationship,” said Zacharaki.

“The reform marks a shift in philosophy — from exam-focused education to a broader emphasis on student development and progress.”

Reform Goals

The main goal is to provide students with modern knowledge and skills, certified through a single, reliable qualification at the end of secondary school.

“This reform will impact:

• 230,000 high school students each year
• 23,500 teachers
• Families
• Universities
• The labor market,” the Minister noted.

Three Pillars of the Reform

1. Trust in Lykeio as an autonomous educational level
2. Fair and transparent student assessment
3. Smooth transition to higher education

Zacharaki also emphasized the need to decentralize the education system, noting that many European countries follow this model. While the Ministry sets national strategy, regional authorities often handle pedagogical and administrative oversight.

This approach also extends to university access:

• Exams are locally administered by special committees
• Subjects remain nationally standardized for consistency

Some countries also offer a preparatory year between compulsory and upper secondary education, allowing students time to choose their path more thoughtfully.

University Admissions: Learning from Europe

Zacharaki outlined common European practices:

• Centralized exams in 3–4 core subjects (e.g., national language, math, foreign language)
• Universities may add criteria, like special subject tests or minimum grade thresholds

She highlighted the Matura model — used in Hungary, Austria, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Liechtenstein — where a single qualification serves both for graduation and university entry.

In countries like Estonia and Latvia, access to higher education is granted with just a high school diploma. Their success, as shown in international rankings, stems not from one system, but from a combination of solid planning, professionalism, and public trust in education.

“These systems aren’t to be copied blindly,” Zacharaki said. “Each country must design reforms that reflect its unique history, culture, and needs.”

Greece’s Path Forward

“Greece can and should pursue its own bold but balanced reform,” she concluded.

The National Examinations Organization (EOE) proposes linking the Panhellenic exams with the National Baccalaureate — a model followed in many countries (Matura, Abitur, Baccalauréat).

Finally, Zacharaki reassured that:

“No current high school student will be affected. It would be irresponsible to change the rules mid-way. The new system begins in 2029–30.”