This Education Policy Review of Greece draws on international evidence and comparative policy practices across OECD countries. The review process combined responses to a comprehensive background questionnaire by the Greek Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, extensive desk research, and a series of in-depth interviews with a wide range of national stakeholders, conducted during a country visit in February 2025 (see Annex A).
This report was prepared as part of the OECD’s Reviews of National Policies for Education, coordinated by the Policy Advice and Implementation Division of the Directorate for Education and Skills. The OECD review team was led by José-Luis Álvarez-Galván, who coordinated the project and was the lead author of Chapters 1 (introduction) and 2 (school autonomy). Chapter 3 on the teaching profession was developed by Luka Boeskens, Chapter 4 on early childhood education and care was authored by Stéphanie Jamet, while Chapter 5 on digital education was prepared by Margus Pedaste (external expert, University of Tartu) (see Annex B). Young Chang provided support and co-authored chapters 1 and 2, Camille Sirera, Beatrice Bottura and Pedro García de León, provided extensive editorial and analytical support to the review process, Gwen Jacotin provided statistical analysis and support while Thomas Radinger and Camilla Stronati contributed to the initial phases of this project. The team benefited from the oversight and guidance of Paulo Santiago, Head of the Policy Advice and Implementation Division, and Andreas Schleicher, Director for Education and Skills. Administrative and editorial support was provided by Christina Mitrakos and Cécile Bily, with Eda Cabbar coordinating the publication process.
The OECD review team wishes to express its sincere appreciation to the Greek authorities for their support throughout this process. In particular, the team extends its thanks to the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, under the leadership of Minister Sophia Zacharaki, and also acknowledges the earlier contributions of former Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis, who envisaged the project, and former Secretary General Ioannis Katsaros during the initial stages of the review. Special thanks go to Nelly Kanella Exarchakou, Head of the Minister’s Cabinet, and to Panagiotis Passas, Director General for International and European Affairs, Education for Hellenic Diaspora and Intercultural Education, for his coordination and engagement throughout the process. The team is also grateful to Ioanna Patereli and Xanthippi Tokmakidou, Advisers to the Minister of Education, Religious Affairs and Sports, to Panagiota Karkaletsi, Head of the European Programmes Department, and to Maria Fassari, Head of the International Affairs Department. Particular thanks are extended to Zoe Karathanasi, Counsellor at the Permanent Delegation of Greece to the OECD, for her continued assistance in facilitating the review.
The OECD is thankful to all those who contributed responses to the background questionnaire, as well as the many stakeholders who participated in interviews and workshops and generously shared their insights. These included representatives from various departments of the Ministry, regional and local education authorities, school leaders and teachers, pedagogical counsellors, researchers, professional associations, unions, civil society organisations and the private sector. Their perspectives were invaluable in shaping this report.
The European Commission provided financial support through the Erasmus+ programme to co-finance this review and contributed to the process by participating in virtual and in-person meetings, and by offering guidance, expertise and feedback on successive drafts. The review team is particularly grateful to Dimitra Kanellopoulou, Team Leader and Education Policy Officer at the European Commission, and Szilvia Kalman, acting Deputy Head of Unit at the European Commission, for their collaboration and constructive engagement throughout the project. The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Union.
The OECD review team extends its gratitude to all those involved for their contributions to this review and hopes that the report will support Greece in its efforts to strengthen the quality, equity and future-readiness of its education system.