National Graduation Certificate: Aiming for Fairer Education and Political Consensus

The government has unveiled a major educational reform centered around a new National Graduation Certificate and an upgraded high school model. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has extended a call for cross-party consensus, urging all political forces to actively participate in the National Dialogue on Education, which is being spearheaded by Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki.

Speaking with a tone of unity, the Prime Minister remarked:“We must find common ground where we can meet. It is my political duty to invite everyone to the table.”

What is the National Graduation Certificate – When does it begin?

The reform will apply to students starting 9th grade in 2026, with full implementation from the 2029–2030 academic year. Minister Zacharaki has clarified that current high school students will not be affected, ensuring a smooth and well-prepared transition for all stakeholders.

Core Objectives of the New High School Model

This reform represents a shift in educational philosophy, moving:

• Away from exam-centered learning
• Toward continuous student engagement and development
• With a focus on competence, knowledge, and personal growth

The aim is to restore the educational role of high school, making it more than just a preparatory stage for university entrance.

Three Main Pillars of the Reform

The new system will impact:

• 230,000 students annually
• Over 23,000 educators
• Thousands of families, universities, and the labor market

It rests on three key pillars:

1. Reinforcing the autonomy and value of high school as an independent educational level
2. Ensuring fair and transparent student assessment
3. Facilitating a smoother transition to higher education

 Inspired by Europe – Tailored to Greece

The proposed National Graduation Certificate draws inspiration from well-established European models such as:

• The Matura (Austria, Poland)
• The Abitur (Germany)
• The Baccalauréat (France)

However, the Greek system will be adapted to national needs and cultural characteristics, with an emphasis on fairness and quality.

How Will the Transition Happen?

The Ministry of Education will ensure a gradual and well-structured rollout. Key elements of the transition include:

• Updated curricula across subjects
• Teacher training and upskilling
• Introduction of end-of-year and graduation exams in all high school grades
• Upgraded national exam question bank
• Internal and external monitoring systems
• In-school certification of foreign languages

Less Stress – More Substance

One of the reform’s main goals is to reduce exam-related stress, especially for:

• Female students
• Teenagers from socially vulnerable groups

The Ministry acknowledges the psychological burden of the current university entrance exams and aims to create a healthier learning environment, with lower pressure and more meaningful evaluation.

A Call for Political Dialogue

Mitsotakis emphasized that the reform’s success requires broad political support. Quoting Pavlos Bakoyannis:“If all bridges are burned, no one will be able to return.”

The reform seeks to become a stable and lasting educational framework, immune to political reversals and rooted in long-term national consensus.

A Long-Term Vision for Education

The National Graduation Certificate aspires to be:

• A tool for true academic progress
• A bridge to equal opportunities
• A modern, balanced, and transparent assessment model

Above all, it aims to become a reform that transcends political cycles, built on dialogue, evidence-based policy, and student-centered values.

Source: pagenews.gr