# Greek education reforms 2026 > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/greek-education-reforms-2026 > Updated: 2026-08-12T15:04:00.000Z. Sources: 20. Developments: 5. In July 2026, the Greek Ministry of Education introduced a new compulsory swimming lesson for fourth-grade students and announced that the transition to a multiple-book textbook system would be postponed until the 2027–28 school year. During this interim period, existing textbooks will undergo updates, including revised wording and improved imagery. As of August 2026, the implementation of the multiple textbook program is advancing. Following a selection process completed by educators in June, 230 approved teaching packages—comprising 440 books—are moving toward the production phase. This reform aims to provide students from the first grade of primary school through the first year of high school with new materials by September 2027. For older students in the second and third grades of high school, new materials are anticipated in 2028 and 2029, respectively. The system will provide printed textbooks alongside digital versions through the “Melispi” Digital Textbook Library, featuring interactive simulations, exercises, educational games, videos, and maps. According to the Institute of Educational Policy, the goal is to allow teachers to create “personalized learning paths” and grant them greater professional autonomy. Additional reforms include the expansion of the Digital Tutoring programme to first- and second-year high school classes, the integration of artificial intelligence in education, and the inclusion of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in thirteen public secondary schools starting in September 2026. Furthermore, starting in the 2026–2027 school year, third-grade Gymnasium students will be able to take free electronic exams to obtain the State Certificate of Language Proficiency (e-KPG) in English, French, German, and Italian. This initiative is supported by 20.876 million euros from the National Development Program 2026–2030, with full national deployment expected by 2030. ## Claims - Starting from the 2026-2027 school year, 3rd grade Gymnasium students can participate in free electronic exams for the State Certificate of Language Proficiency (e-KPG). (corroborated by 3 sources) - The certification covers English, French, German, and Italian. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Funding of 20.876 million euros has been secured from the National Development Program 2026-2030. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The school textbooks for the 2026‑2027 year will keep the same titles as the previous year. (single source) - The textbooks will include only corrections of errors and updated information, with no changes to the curriculum. (single source) - A wording correction was made to the geometry theorem on page 51 of the Euclidean Geometry textbook. (single source) - The Latin word “quondam” was corrected to “quandam” in the Latin textbook. (single source) - The phrase “for example, lazy” was removed from the economics textbook chapter on unemployment. (single source) - A multiple‑book system will be introduced for the 2027‑2028 school year. (single source) - Minister Sofia Zacharaki met with the new board of the Institute of Educational Policy to discuss preparations for the 2026‑2027 school year. (single source) - The Institute of Educational Policy plans to expand digital tutoring, AI applications, a digital platform for textbook feedback, and the State Certificate of Informatics. (single source) - The Municipal Theater of Rafina will start weekly drama and acting lessons and seminars for beginners and advanced students in October 2026‑27. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-12: Greece to offer free state language certification for Gymnasium students Greek Gymnasium students will receive free electronic State Certificate of Language Proficiency (e-KPG) exams in English, French, German, and Italian starting in the 2026-2027 school year. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-to-offer-free-state-language-certification-for-students ### 2026-08-09: Greece implements new multiple textbook program for schools Greece is implementing a multiple textbook program, providing students and teachers with both printed and digital educational materials to allow for more personalized learning and teacher autonomy. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-prepares-implementation-of-multiple-textbook-system ### 2026-08-03: Greece to add IB program to 13 public schools in 2026 Starting September 2026, Greece will introduce the International Baccalaureate in 13 public schools, a first for the state system, as part of broader education reforms aimed at international competitiveness. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-to-add-ib-program-to-13-public-schools-in-2026 ### 2026-07-28: Greek education system launches updated textbooks and digital programmes for 2026‑27 school year Greece starts free drama workshops in Rafina, keeps textbooks unchanged with minor corrections for 2026‑27, and the education ministry outlines digital tutoring, AI tools and a postponed multiple‑book system. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-updates-school-textbooks-for-20262027-without-curriculum-changes ### 2026-07-10: Greece expands compulsory school swimming lessons to fourth grade Greece’s education ministry reports 52,000 pupils in the swimming programme, beats its 50,000 target and will extend compulsory lessons to fourth‑grade students from 2026‑27 under a new legal framework. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-expands-mandatory-school-swimming-lessons-to-fourth-grade --- Cite as: Greek education reforms 2026. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/greek-education-reforms-2026