Questions swirl over private school disability support

The Greek Ministry of Education has released new data revealing a stark contrast in the provision of support services for students with special learning difficulties between public and private schools. According to the latest figures, the number of approved support measures in public schools surged by 567%, increasing from 5,579 in the 2016-2017 academic year to 31,667 in the 2025-2026 period. In contrast, private schools recorded only 115 such approvals, which accounts for approximately 0.1% of their total student population. This disparity has raised concerns among educators, parents, and advocacy groups. The data suggests that while public institutions have made substantial progress in implementing structured support systems, private schools appear to lag behind. Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki stated during a recent press briefing that there were no documented instances of private schools denying enrollment based on a child's disability. However, this does not fully address the broader issue of how support services are actually being delivered within these institutions. Experts familiar with the sector emphasize that the low approval numbers likely underrepresent the actual level of support available. They explain that many families opt to privately hire specialists rather than go through the formal process of applying for government-approved support. As a result, the true extent of assistance provided in private schools remains unclear. Furthermore, participation in the ministry’s tracking system is voluntary, meaning that some schools may choose not to report their activities at all. Private school administrators acknowledge the complexities they face in providing adequate support. Some institutions conduct initial assessments to determine a student’s needs, often accepting cases deemed less severe. For more serious conditions, they admit that scheduling conflicts and resource limitations make it difficult to offer consistent care. This approach, while practical, leaves many students without the comprehensive support they require. Union representatives have voiced criticism over the current state of affairs, arguing that the lack of transparency and standardized procedures contributes to inconsistent service delivery. They call for the establishment of an official registry of specialized support teachers, which would help ensure that all students receive appropriate attention regardless of the type of institution they attend. Such a measure could also provide clearer oversight and accountability. As discussions continue, the focus is shifting toward potential reforms aimed at improving access to educational support for students with disabilities. With public schools showing marked improvement, the challenge lies in encouraging private institutions to adopt similar practices. The education ministry has yet to announce specific steps, but the growing pressure from stakeholders indicates that change is increasingly inevitable. Until then, the debate over the adequacy of support in private schools will remain a central topic in educational policy discussions.