A quiet yet profound shift is underway in Greek private education. International investment funds, primarily from the UK, are gradually gaining control over major private schools, shaping a new educational landscape: the establishment of private mega-institutions covering the entire educational spectrum, from kindergarten to university level.
International education funds see Greece as a high-potential market for several reasons:
- Rising Demand Between 2019 and 2022, the number of students in private schools increased by 20.5% (from 84,722 to 102,104), according to the Hellenic Statistical Authority.
- Underserved Premium Sector There is a lack of large-scale, high-standard educational institutions with an international focus. Greek families are increasingly seeking global opportunities without having to move abroad.
- IB Popularity and University Pathways Private schools investing in Greece offer the International Baccalaureate (IB), giving graduates access to top global universities. With recent legal changes, these students can now also continue at private universities within Greece.
- Infrastructure and Expansion Potential Many private schools in Greece already boast strong infrastructure and academic reputation, providing fertile ground for further growth—such as afternoon programs, summer schools, or even university-level programs.
- Legal Reforms Paving the Way New legislation allows the establishment of private universities and co-location of different educational levels in the same facilities—making investments more efficient and scalable.
- Strategic Geographical Position Greece is a cultural and geographic bridge between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. This makes it an ideal location for regional educational hubs that can attract international students, faculty, and partnerships.
- High-Quality Local Human Capital Greek educators, administrators, and students are known for their strong academic foundation. Investors aim to combine local expertise with international best practices to upgrade education standards and attractiveness.
Investment Criteria and New Development Strategy
Acquisitions are based on specific qualitative and quantitative criteria:
- University admission rates of graduates
- Infrastructure and technological equipment
- Growth prospects and strong brand, such as:
− Modern teaching methods and partnerships with foreign schools
−Access to Greek and English-speaking universities
Upgraded facilities and afternoon/summer programs for Greek and international students
Who Are the New Players?
The new educational groups are mainly from the UK, managing global networks with dozens or even hundreds of schools. The Greek schools being acquired are large, representing nearly 10% of the private education student body and offering valuable infrastructure.
According to ELSTAT (“Greece in Numbers,” Oct–Dec 2024), private school students increased from 84,722 in 2019 to 102,104 in 2022 (+20.5%).
A New Map of Acquisitions and Partnerships
| Educational Institution | Partnership / Ownership | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Ellinogermaniki Agogi | Acquired by International Schools Partnership (ISP) | Over 70 schools worldwide |
| Platon Schools | Acquired by International Schools Partnership (ISP) | ISP's second major investment |
| Moraitis & Costeas-Geitonas Schools | Partnership with Inspired | Presence in 25 countries, focused on excellence |
| Doukas School | Joined Cognita | Network of 100+ schools worldwide |
| International Schools of Piraeus | Partnership with Dukes Education | Specialization in English-speaking education |
| Avgouleas-Linardatou Schools | Acquired by International Schools Partnership (ISP) | Over 70 schools worldwide |
IB and Private Universities: The New Reality
Most schools now offer the IB. Previously, IB students primarily aimed for universities abroad. However, a recent amendment by the Ministry of Education changes the game:
- Private universities can now be established in Greece.
- These universities may use existing school or college facilities.
- Different education levels can coexist in the same space—e.g., school in the morning, university in the afternoon.
What This Means for IB and General High School Students
- Direct admission to private higher education institutions in Greece without national exams (in select universities)
- International degrees with certification and global prospects
- High-level studies without the need to leave Greece
The Example of Anatolia College and ACT
Anatolia College in Thessaloniki already implements this model. It houses:
- Anatolia’s private school
- ACT – American College of Thessaloniki, offering EU-certified undergraduate programs via the UK’s Open University
ACT is recognized by the Ministry of Education as a college and operates as a higher education institution with an international orientation.
Additionally:
It hosts students from Northeastern University (Boston) for Summer Abroad programs, reinforcing Greece’s role as a destination for international education.
The Vision: Unified Educational Ecosystems
The ultimate goal is to create integrated private educational structures—from kindergarten to university—with a unified educational philosophy, international standards, and continuous development opportunities for students and teachers.
Through these changes, Greece is positioning itself on the global education map, offering innovative, accessible, and high-quality solutions to the 21st-century family.
