Over 700 Greece Schools Slated to Close as Enrollment Plummets

2025-09-01 07:20:58

(MENAFN) Greece will close more than 700 schools for the 2025–2026 academic year as plummeting student enrollment underscores a deepening demographic crisis, Kathimerini reported Monday.

According to data from the Education Ministry, 721 out of 13,478 schools nationwide will suspend operations, with the majority being kindergartens and primary schools. The closures reflect a significant contraction in the country’s school-age population.

Enrollment is projected to fall to approximately 1.21 million students next academic year—a decline of over 150,000 compared to 2018–2019 figures.

The move is part of a broader response to long-term demographic pressures. Data from the Hellenic Statistical Authority shows Greece's population has shrunk by more than 400,000 over the past 13 years, driven by declining birth rates, an aging population, and continued emigration.

The school shutdowns are not limited to rural areas. At least 77 schools are slated to close in the Attica region, which includes Athens. In more remote parts of the country, the report notes, some children will now face daily commutes of up to 80 kilometers just to attend class.

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