New school units and a significant strengthening of Special Education structures are included in the strategic plan for upgrading education by the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, which will be implemented in the 2026–2027 school year.

With decisions by the Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, Sophia Zaharaki, targeted changes are being implemented in the school network through the establishment, mergers, restructuring, and upgrading of school units.

In addition, Special Education and Training structures are being significantly strengthened, with the aim of ensuring quality education for all students, better utilization of educational resources, and adapting the school network to modern demographic and educational needs.

The Minister of Education, Sophia Zaharaki, stated:

“With planning, responsibility, and with the best interest of students in mind, we are shaping a school map that responds to the real needs of the educational community and local societies.

The establishment of new school units in areas with increased needs, the strengthening of Special Education, the upgrading of schools with increased student population, and the adjustment of the network where demographic changes are observed are part of a comprehensive strategy for a more functional, fair, and effective public school system.

We place particular importance on Special Education and Training. The creation of new structures and the upgrading of existing school units tangibly reflects our commitment to equal learning opportunities and meaningful support for every child.

Our goal is for every student, in every corner of the country, to have access to a modern, safe, and high-quality educational environment that will provide them with the tools to progress and fully develop their potential.”

Detailed Interventions by Education Level

Primary Education

• A new 6-class Primary School will be established and operate in Vothonas, Santorini – Cyclades
• 7 kindergartens and 31 primary schools are being upgraded due to increased student numbers
• 70 kindergartens will be merged and will operate as 33 school units due to low student enrollment in each of the merging schools
• 12 primary schools will be merged and will operate as 6 school units due to low student enrollment
• 40 kindergartens and 106 primary schools will be downgraded due to reduced student numbers
• 43 kindergartens and 32 primary schools will be abolished, most of which had already been suspended in recent years due to very low or zero student populations

Secondary Education

10 new school units are being established:

• Music Gymnasium of Orestiada – Evros
• 3rd Day General Lyceum of Kamatero – Athens B
• Evening Gymnasium of Almyros – Magnesia
• 4th Day General Lyceum of Polichni – West Thessaloniki
• Evening General Gymnasium of Asimi – Heraklion
• Day Gymnasium of Plakias – Rethymno
• Day Gymnasium of Pastida – Rhodes (Dodecanese)
• Evening Gymnasium of Naxos – Cyclades
• 2nd Day General Lyceum of Thira – Cyclades
• Arts Gymnasium of Naoussa – Imathia

Lyceum classes are also being established in the following schools so that students can complete secondary education within the same school type:

• Music Gymnasium of Western Lesvos – Lesvos
• Music Gymnasium of Igoumenitsa – Thesprotia
• Arts Gymnasium of Argolida – Argolida
• Evening Gymnasium of Corinth – Corinthia

Strengthening of Special Education and Training

As part of the policy to strengthen inclusive education and equal access to knowledge:

5 new Special Education school units are being established:

• Special Primary School of Sapes – Rhodope
• Special Primary School of Skopelos – Magnesia
• Special Kindergarten of Monolofos – West Thessaloniki
• 2nd Special Primary School of Rethymno – Rethymno
• Special Primary School of Leros – Dodecanese

14 Special Education school units (primary education) are being promoted and renamed.

2 Special Education school units (primary education) are being abolished, as they never operated since their establishment.