Greece implements education reforms and school closures for 2026-2027

The Greek Ministry of Education has issued several decisions regarding staffing and school operations for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Minister Sofia Zacharaki signed decisions concerning teacher transfers and secondments to various educational bodies, including PYSPE, KEDASY, and Special Education Units (SMEAE). These measures follow the review of new applications and appeals, with corrections made to teacher scoring based on factors such as seniority or locality. Affected educators are expected to report to their new stations by September 1, 2026.

Simultaneously, the recruitment process for substitute teachers, special education personnel, and auxiliary staff has commenced. Interested candidates must submit their preference declarations via the OP SYD electronic platform between August 14 and August 24, 2026.

In response to demographic shifts and low enrollment, several primary education facilities will suspend operations. In the Cyclades, six units—including four kindergartens and two primary schools—will close due to a lack of students. In the Peloponnese, 19 kindergartens and seven primary schools face suspension due to zero enrollments or a lack of teaching facilities.