Greece Ministry of Education announces ZEP Reception Classes

The Greek Ministry of Education, Research and Religious Affairs has issued new guidelines for the establishment and operation of Reception Classes (ZEP) for the 2026-2027 school year. These classes will be implemented in public middle schools, general high schools, and vocational high schools.

The program is divided into two categories. Type I ZEP classes are designed for students with minimal or no knowledge of the Greek language, offering an intensive Greek language program alongside regular subjects like Mathematics and Physics. Enrollment typically lasts one year, with a possible one-year extension. Type II ZEP classes are for students with moderate Greek proficiency who face difficulties following standard curricula. These programs can last between two and three years.

The initiative aims to reduce school dropout rates among vulnerable groups, including Roma, refugees, returnees, and foreign nationals, while improving literacy and numeracy. To support this, the framework includes the involvement of specialized personnel, such as psychologists and social workers, to facilitate intercultural education and full integration into regular classrooms.