Sending your children to a local school in Greece will be a great opportunity for them to learn the language and feel part of their new home and culture - provided they’re young enough to be able to adapt. The enrolment procedures vary from one region to another but you will certainly need birth certificates for both yourself and your child (children). You may also need a vaccination certificate. Older children will need a letter from their previous head teacher confirming that they have already attended school. Getting the necessary documents officially translated into Greek is recommended. In Greece it is the Ministry of National Education and Religious Affairs which implements the national education policy and has overall responsibility. Education in Greece is compulsory for all children of 6-15 years old. A diploma or school-leaving certificate is required for students wishing to move on to the next level of learning.

There are three levels to the Greek education system: Primary (or Dimotiko, which is from 5/6 years to 12 years of age), Secondary (Gymnasio) to the age of 18 (or 15 if chosen), and Tertiary (or university level).

Private or public pre-school, which is not obligatory, starts at 2.5 years of age and is called Vrefonipiakoi Paidikoi Stathmi (crèches). Kindergarten (or Nipiagogeia) begins at 4 years old and is free (things like paper and pencils are not provided by the school).

Upper Secondary Education is not compulsory and can be followed at the Unified Lyceums and Technical Vocational Educational Institutes.

Tertiary level education is provided either by universities or by Higher Technological Educational Institutes and Higher Education Institutions.

In the major Greek cities English schools exist, where English-speaking children can go for extra reading and writing classes after school.

Recommended Partners