Education in Greece

Students begin taking English as part of their core curriculum in kindergarten. It has been scientifically proven that until the age of 11 it is more likely to successfully become proficient in a foreign language than any older age. This may be the reason many countries in the European Union begin learning a foreign language, specifically English, at the age of 5.[22]

Gymnasium (Γυμνάσιο, Gymnasio, Lower Secondary Education School, middle school) is compulsory until the age of 15.

Article 16, Paragraph 3 of the Constitution of 1975 mandates that compulsory education must be at least nine years in length. This constitutional provision, which applies to all Greek children, was established in Law 309/1976, which also replaced classical Greek (katharevousa) with modern Greek (dimotiki) as the official language for teaching at all levels of education, and ceased to be a one-tier non-compulsory six years lower and upper secondary school, middle schools (pupils aged 12–18), and was converted to compulsory three-year lower secondary school for students aged 12–15 (middle school) and three-year non-compulsory upper secondary schools for students aged 15–18 (high school).

Admitted students can be up to 16-years-old, and they must have Primary Education School Certificate or its international equivalent. No entry exams are required. Schooling starts on September 11 and ends on early June before the first day of the Pan-Hellenic Examinations. The lessons end on May 31 so that the students will be able to study for their examinations in early June. The gymnasium school-awarded qualification "Απολυτήριο Γυμνασίου" (Apolytirio Gymnasium, gymnasium school leaving certificate, referred to simply as gymnasium certificate) at HQF (NQF) level 3, gives admission to the upper secondary education (lyceum). Gymnasium has three academic years of schooling known as "τάξη" (grade), numbered 1 through to 3. Ages are typical and can vary with the most common being between:[27][24][25]^[C]

• 1st Year / First grade (Πρώτη τάξη γυμνασίου), age 12 to 13-year-olds
• 2nd Year / Second grade (Δευτέρα τάξη γυμνασίου), age 13 to 14
• 3rd Year / Third grade (Τρίτη τάξη γυμνασίου), age 14 to 15

The types of gymnasium in Greece are:

Gymnasium National Curriculum 2022‒2023[28]

In junior high school English is mandatory all three years, while students can choose between French or German as the second foreign language that's required.[29]

Second Chance Adult School (SDE; Σχολείο Δεύτερης Ευκαιρίας; Σ.Δ.Ε.) is a Gymnasium level equivalent evening school[30][31][32] administered by the Ministry of Education, for adults who did not complete their lower secondary education (gymnasium) lasts two years with 25 hours per week.

Upper secondary school (Λύκειο, Lykeio, Upper Secondary Education School, Lyceum, High School: the US term for upper secondary school) is non-compulsory education lasting 3 years.

High schools starts on September 11 and ends on June 15. Lessons end in late May so that the students will be able to study for their examinations in June. Admitted students can be up to 20-year-old, while they must have Gymnasium Certificate or Lower Secondary Education School Certificate or its international equivalent. The Evening Lyceum (Εσπερινό) is for both adult students and underage working students lasts 3 years.[33][34] After having completed the 3rd grade, the graduates of the Lyceum are awarded the "Απολυτήριο Λυκείου" qualification (Apolytirio Lykeiou, Lyceum Apolytirio, upper secondary leaving certificate, high school diploma, referred to simply as lyceum certificate) at HQF(NQF) / EQF level 4, at ISCED level 3.[35][36] The marking scale on the Apolytirio Lykeiou (GPA) is set to a 20-point grading system, law 4610/2019.[37] The Lyceum Apolytirio is required for admission to Higher Education and to continue studies, and is an equivalent in level to the GCE Advanced Level.[38][39]

Students wishing to access study programmes in Higher Education must be both secondary education school graduates (lyceum or its equivalent) holding Apolytirio Lykeiou (lyceum certificate or its equivalent) and must take nationally set examinations officially entitled "Πανελλαδικές Εξετάσεις" (Pan-Hellenic Examinations, Panelladikes Eksetaseis) which is an externally assessed national standardized test (university matriculation examinations) given one time in any given school year, which also accept all adult ages for candidates. Apolytirio certificate grants the right to pursue entry to higher education at a later date by participating at the Pan-Hellenic Examinations. Ministry of Education bears the responsibility for the central organization of these matriculation examinations. Candidates exam in 4 subjects that have selected from the 3rd grade of lyceum, while different numerical value titled "συντελεστής βαρύτητας" (coefficient weight) has assigned to each of those subjects contributes differently towards the overall score.

Successful admission is determined through the combination of a) "Βαθμός Πρόσβασης", literally "the access score", that is the candidate's weighted average of the grades achieved in examinations, b) the candidate's "Βαθμός Προαγωγής και Απόλυσης" Β.Π.Α. represents the student's sum of all three Grade Point Average (GPA) earned in 1st, 2nd, 3rd Grade of lyceum each of these is multiplied by a given coefficient weight where the result is divided by two, Β.Π.Α. = (1st Grade GPA × 0.4 + 2nd Grade GPA × 0.7 + 3rd Grade GPA × 0.9) / 2, c) the candidate's "μηχανογραφικό δελτίο" (michanografiko deltio, application form) in which it states its preferences for the higher education institutions by priority order, d) the available number of places allocated in each academic department. The number of students that are admitted for each programme is determined annually by the Ministry of Education. As there are usually more applicants than places available in certain fields of study, students with the highest average exam results are selected, e) For admission to programmes requiring specialized knowledge or skills, special admission examinations are require in one or more certain subjects (such as fine arts, architecture, music studies, foreign languages, and others) or compulsory preparatory tests (such as medical assessment, fitness, sports, psychometric). "Βεβαίωση Πρόσβασης" (Vevaiosi Prosvasis, Access to Higher Education Certificate) is a document given to students soon after Pan-Hellenic Examinations results are released.

High schools in Greece designate school class levels based on the years of schooling of the student cohort, using 3 academic year levels, known as "τάξη" (grade), numbered 1 through to 3. Ages are typical and can vary with the most common being are between:

• 1st Year / First grade (Πρώτη τάξη λυκείου), age 15 to 16-year-olds
• 2nd Year / Second grade (Δευτέρα τάξη λυκείου), age 16 to 17
• 3rd Year / Third grade (Τρίτη τάξη λυκείου), age 17 to 18

In high school English is also required all three years as part of general education courses, whereas secondary foreign languages like French or German are optional.[29]

The grading system in upper secondary schools is extended from 1 to 20 as opposed to 10 in middle school. The score of 20 is the equivalent to an A or 100 in the U.S.

The types of high schools (Λύκειο) in Greece are:

General High Schools (Γενικό Λύκειο; ΓΕ.Λ.; Geniko Lykeio).[40][41][42][43]

General High School Korydallos

General High Schools Award the "Απολυτήριο Γενικού Λυκείου" (Apolytirio Genikou Lykeiou, General High School Apolytirio, General High School Certificate, Upper Secondary Leaving Certificate, General High School Diploma). It can be awarded in Orientation Groups requiring three different subjects. The second-grade students must choose one out of the two academic tracks named "Ομάδες Προσανατολισμού" (Orientation Groups), and the third-grade students one out of the three Orientation Groups. An Orientation Group is also known as a "Stream". Once a student has selected a Stream, they need to follow a sequence of subjects to complete their studies at the High School. If they wish, graduating students are eligible to exam in Pan-Hellenic Examinations on the three subjects of their chosen third-grade Orientation Group and Modern Greek Language and Literature.

Vocational High School (EPAL; Επαγγελματικό Λύκειο; ΕΠΑ.Λ.; Epagelmatiko Lykeio).[45][41][40][46][47][34][48][49][50][25] EPAL programme of study is designed in relation to the European Credit System for Vocational Education and Training (ECVET) and International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO).[51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61]

The EPAL has dual-diploma (also known as double-diploma)[43][62][63] studies comprises two separate programmes taken in parallel earning, both, two separate qualifications in their own right, a "Απολυτήριο Επαγγελματικού Λυκείου" (Apolytirio Epagelmatikou Lykeiou; Vocational High School Apolytirio; Vocational High School Diploma; i.e. High School Diploma; Upper Secondary Leaving Certificate) and a "Πτυχίο Επαγγελματικής Εκπαίδευσης και Κατάρτισης, Επιπέδου 4" (Ptychio of Vocational Education and Training at HQF (NQF) level 4; i.e. Diploma of Vocational Education and Training at HQF (NQF) level 4; also is called Specialization Diploma or Specialized Diploma). EPAL High School Diploma can be awarded in Orientation Groups (specializations or streams) requiring an advanced level in a number of four different subjects (advanced level subjects, or also known as high level subjects), depending on the group.[64][65][66][67][68][69]

The Grade 2 students must choose one of nine Orientation Groups, also known as "τομείς" sectors (penultimate year). The Grade 3 students must choose one of varying specializations (or specialties) titled "ειδικότητες" (final year, specialties corresponding those orientation groups offered in Grade 2). The chosen orientation group at the Grade 2 it is cannot switch at Grade 3. The Grade 2 subjects contributes only to the half of a full Grade 3 Specialty, and do not constitute a separate qualification. Until a maximum age up to 20-year-old lyceum graduates are exempted from all core subjects from Grades 2 and 3 of the EPAL High School and they can be directly admitted to EPAL Grade 2, meaning these students when will graduate, it will only be awarded EPAL Specialization Diploma.

EPAL High School Diploma is required for admission to Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) and to continue studies, and is an equivalent in level to the GCE Advanced Level.[38] Students normally select their chosen Specialty in fields relevant to intended study at the higher education, and in Pan-Hellenic Examinations, if they wish, exam in 4 advanced level subjects of the Grade 3.[70]

"Πτυχίο" is transliterated to "Ptychio" (Greek: Πτυχίο; Ptychio in dhimotiki from 1976–present; or defunct Πτυχίον; Ptychion in polytonic, katharevousa up until 1976). The Greek word "Πτυχίο" has translation into English as "Degree", it is a qualification term has common meaning in Greece. It signifies that it is a direct translation from the terminology in Greek as it appears in the Greek legislation. In Greece, the word "Πτυχίο" is commonly used for titles of study from different education levels (secondary, higher etc.). It must not confuse with its usage in the English language, whereby the word Degree refers to Higher Education qualification title only. Greece Universities' Degree is titled "Πτυχίο", transliterated to "Ptychio", signifies that it is a University Ptychio, Higher Education Ptychio, Level 6 Ptychio. EPAL Diploma of Vocational Education and Training at HQF level 4 standalone parchment is an Upper Secondary Education Ptychio, Level 4 Ptychio.

EPAL graduates have the option to choose Post-High School Year Apprenticeship Class ("Mathitia") by which it can upgrade the EPAL Diploma of Vocational Education and Training at HQF level 4 (Level 4 Ptychio) to Level 5. During the year, the students are working for 4 days in a workplace receiving stipend and attend 1 day at school classes. Since 2021–2022 academic year, the Post-High School Year Apprenticeship Class graduates having Diploma of Vocational Education and Training at level 5, after successful specific entrance examinations (κατατακτήριες εξετάσεις),[71] allows to them admission into the Higher Education (level 6) to an undergraduate programme relevant to their Post-High School Year Apprenticeship Class specialty.

The Vocational School (EPAS) (Επαγγελματική Σχολή; ΕΠΑ.Σ.; 1952–Present) of Public Employment Service (DYPA)[72][73][74][75][76][77][78] is 2 years' duration. Also known as Apprenticeship Vocational School (Επαγγελματική Σχολή Μαθητείας, Epaggelmatiki Sxoli Mathitias), shortened to EPAS Apprenticeship. Since 2021, EPAS Apprenticeship is a lower secondary two-track education system, Dual VET (δυικό σύστημα επαγγελματικής εκπαίδευσης και κατάρτισης), having alternating periods in a school with theory classroom and at the workplace with work-(traineeship) practice experience (πρόγραμμα μάθησης σε εργασιακό χώρο), with terms are contractually regulated by law and labour agreement. Balance between school-and work-based training: in-company (ca. 70%) + school (ca. 30%). Student insurance and two-part agreement (σύμβαση μαθητείας) between the student and apprenticeship company are applied. Generally, the maximum number of students that can register in a given education programme is up to 20. Apprenticeship (Μαθητεία) is based on the German dual learning system which combines classroom education with paid practical work in a business. EPAS Apprenticeship is operated by Public Employment Service (DYPA).[79][80] The EPAS Apprenticeship provides its students in having an apprenticeship term work placement by finding and coordinating it. Students are entitled to receive at least the national minimum wage for their age. The majority of these students are classed as unskilled workers (entry-level). Admitted students are aged from 15 to 23-year-old maximum who must have completed the gymnasium school. The EPAS Apprenticeship awarded "Πτυχίο Επαγγελματικής Εκπαιδευσης και Κατάρτισης, Επιπέδου 3" (Ptychio of Vocational Education and Training, Level 3; i.e. Diploma of Vocational Education and Training at Level 3)[81][69][82][83][84] after qualifying examinations of the National Accreditation Examinations (Εξετάσεις Πιστοποίησης) will be held at EOPPEP examination centers.

The Experimental Vocational School (PEPAS; Greek: Πειραματική Επαγγελματική Σχολή; Π.ΕΠΑ.Σ.; 2021–Present),[87][88][89][90][91] is also known as Experimental Vocational Apprenticeship School, founded in 2021 by Public Employment Service (DYPA) in collaboration with German-Hellenic Chamber of Industry and Commerce and Institute of the Greek Tourism Confederation (INSETE). Eligible to apply are those aged 18 years old and over, holders of at least a lower secondary school leaving certificate (gymnasium) and have a verified knowledge of a foreign language (English or French or German) at level B2 in both written and spoken by holding a valid formal certificate.[92][93] As of 2021–2022 school year, there are provide the specialities Culinary Art Technician (cook), Food & Beverage Service,[94] Customer Service in the Tourism Business.

The grading system in upper secondary schools is extended from 1 to 20 as opposed to 10 in middle school. The score of 20 is the equivalent to an A or 100 in the U.S. (see grading systems by country).

Post-lyceum Year Apprenticeship Class (Μεταλυκειακό Έτος Τάξη Μαθητείας; 2016–Present) is provided by Vocational Lyceum (ΕPΑL).[95][96][97] Only EPAL graduates and Lyceum graduates hold EPAL Diploma of Vocational Education and Training at HQF level 4 are admitted to Post-lyceum Year Apprenticeship Class being regarded as a separate and distinctive stage of post-secondary education (i.e. Μετα-δευτεροβάθμιου Κύκλου Σπουδών). It includes 1 year post-secondary apprenticeship dual programme (non-tertiary; Dual VET two-track education system) having alternating periods in an EPAL school unit with classroom instruction (theory 1 day/week, 7 hrs per day) and at the workplace with work practice training (4 days/week, 7 hrs per day). All apprenticeships schemes should include a contract (i.e. Σύμβαση Μαθητείας), wage and social security rights/benefits to student which is a trainee referred to simply as "apprentice". EPAL Apprenticeship Class programmes are based on Public Employment Service (DYPA) at its dual learning principle and follow the same quality framework for apprenticeships. Graduates of the apprenticeship class will receive "Βεβαίωση Πιστοποίησης Μεταλυκειακού Έτους Τάξης Μαθητείας" (Certificate of Post-High School Year Apprenticeship Class).[98]

If they wish the Apprenticeship Class graduates are therefore eligible to take the National Accreditation Examinations (i.e. Εξετάσεις Πιστοποίησης) will be held at EOPPEP examination centers.[99][100][101][69] Once, they have been passed all examinations then are awarded "Πτυχίο Επαγγελματικής Ειδικότητας, Εκπαίδευσης και Κατάρτισης, Επιπέδου 5" (Ptychio of Vocational Education and Training, Level 5; i.e. Diploma of Vocational Education and Training at Level 5). With the law 4763/2020[97] the Post-High School Year Apprenticeship Class graduates having Diploma of Vocational Education and Training at Level 5, after successful specific entrance examinations (κατατακτήριες εξετάσεις),[71] allows to them admission into the Higher Education (level 6) to an undergraduate programme relevant to their Post-High School Year Apprenticeship Class specialty.

Vocational Lyceum 3 years (EPAL; Επαγγελματικό Λύκειο; ΕΠΑ.Λ.; 2006–Present)

The Model Vocational Lyceum (PEPAL) of TSAKOS Enhanced Education Nautical School (TEENS) (Πρότυπο Επαγγελματικό Λύκειο Τσάκος Ελληνικά Εκπαιδευτήρια Ναυτικών Σπουδών; Π.ΕΠΑ.Λ. ΤΕΕΝΣ; PEPAL TEENS; 2023–Present)[105][106] is the first in Greece non-profit, free of charge (without tuition), private Model Vocational Lyceum (PEPAL) located in the island of Chios with specialties of Maritime Professionals, Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Automation, owned and operated by company Tsakos Group of Companies[107] founded by shipowner Nikolas Tsakos.

Laboratory of Special Vocational Education (Εργαστήριο Ειδικής Επαγγελματικής Εκπαίδευσης; Ε.Ε.Ε.ΕΚ.), 6 years special education at HQF Level 2

Public Schools of Tourism Education (ΔΣΤΕ; Δημόσιες Σχολές Τουριστικής Εκπαίδευσης) are operated by Ministry of Tourism. Types are the 1.) Schools of Tourist Guides, 2.) Further-training Programmes of Employees in Tourism Sector (non-formal education), 3.) Institutes of Vocational Training (IEKs). The IEKs comprise the specialties of: Culinary Art (cookery); Bakery and Pastry (baker and pâtissier); Tourism Units and Hospitality Businesses (front office / reception, floor service / housekeeping, commodity education); Specialist of Business Administration and Economics in the Tourism Field.[108]

Α School of Meat Professions (SEK; Σχολή Επαγγελμάτων Κρέατος; Σ.Ε.Κ.; 1977–Present) is accredited by the Ministry of Rural Development and Food. There are public and private schools of meat professions. The 300 hours programme has 85 hours theory classes at school and 100 hours laboratory classes (ca. 61.6%), 15 hours educational visits (ca. 5%), 100 hours in-company work-based training (internship, ca. 33.3%). The term is 5 hours per day, 5 days per week, for 12 consecutive weeks. The specialties of the School of Meat Professions are, Meat Processing Technician (meat cutter, butcher, Greek: κρεοπώλης), Animal Slaughter (Greek: εκδοροσφαγέας).[109][110]

Vocational Training Schools (ESK; Greek: Επαγγελματικές Σχολές Κατάρτισης; Ε.Σ.Κ.; 2020–Present)[73] is 2-year post-gymnasium vocational education and training school at HQF level 3. Admitted students must have completed the gymnasium school. It can be public, private, day or evening school. It awarded "Πτυχίο Επαγγελματικής Εκπαιδευσης και Κατάρτισης, Επιπέδου 3" (Ptychio of Vocational Education and Training, Level 3; i.e. Diploma of Vocational Education and Training at HQF level 3) after qualifying examinations of the National Accreditation Examinations will be held at EOPPEP examination centers.

Laboratory Centre (Εργαστηριακό Κέντρο; Ε.Κ.; 2013–Present), 3 years secondary education. Admitted students must have completed at least the lower secondary education school (gymnasium or its equivalent). Awarded "Βεβαίωση Επαγγελματικής Εκπαίδευσης" (literally "Certificate of Vocational Training"). Awarded "Πτυχίο Επαγγελματικής Ειδικότητας και Κατάρτισης, Επιπέδου 3" (Ptychio of Vocational Education and Training, Level 3; i.e. Diploma of Vocational Education and Training at HQF level 3) after qualifying examinations of the National Accreditation Examinations will be held at EOPPEP examination centers.

Institute of Vocational Training (I.E.K.; Ινστιτούτο Επαγγελματικής Κατάρτισης 1992–Present),[111] is 2 years adult post-secondary vocational education and training and 960 hours at a work placement (experiential learning, practicum). Admitted students must have completed at least the upper secondary education (lyceum). EOPPEP organization is the statutory body for the IEKs.[112] The IEK awarded "Δίπλωμα Επαγγελματικής Εκπαιδευσης και Κατάρτισης, Επιπέδου 5" (Diploma of Vocational Education and Training, Level 5) after qualifying examinations of the National Accreditation Examinations (Εξετάσεις Πιστοποίησης) will be held at EOPPEP examination centers. See a list of IEK study programmes which is set out below, click on the "[show]":[113][114][115]