The first school bell of the 2025–26 academic year rings across Greece today, September 11, for primary, middle, and high schools. Religious blessing ceremonies, known as agiasmos, are being held nationwide in the predominantly Greek Orthodox country.

No Multiple-Book System Yet

The Ministry of Education’s plan to introduce a multiple-book system has not been implemented this year. Instead, new textbooks for all grades up to the first year of high school will be made available digitally through the Digital Library by the end of September. Teachers will select which books to use under the multiple-book framework, with final choices expected in spring 2026.

Printed versions of the selected textbooks are scheduled to be distributed to schools in September 2026, replacing current editions. An exception applies to the subject of Economics, which will be introduced this year in the third year of middle school (Gymnasio).

The ministry expects students to experience the new approach more directly through integrated literary works in the Literature curriculum and the eVivlio platform (https://evivlio.gov.gr/), which provides educational and literary material in digital and audiobook formats.

Infrastructure Upgrades and the “Marietta Giannakou” Program

This year, 431 schools across Greece will open with modernized facilities under the “Marietta Giannakou” program, named after the late Greek politician and former education minister.

Launch of 12 Public Onassis Schools

A key milestone of the new school year is the inauguration of 12 Public Onassis Schools (middle and high schools) in Attica, Macedonia, and Thrace.

Digital Tutoring Continues

The ministry’s Digital Tutoring initiative, first launched last year, will continue after receiving positive feedback from students.

Minister’s Visit to Xanthi

Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki is scheduled to visit five schools in Xanthi today, spanning all levels of education, including two of the new Public Onassis Schools and minority schools.