The growing trend of international investment in Greece’s private education sector is deepening, with talks under way for further acquisitions. Following recent high-profile collaborations, two additional schools in the Attica region are reportedly in advanced negotiations with foreign investment funds.
Sources reveal that the leadership of a historic private school in northern Attica is in discussions with a UK-based investment fund. Simultaneously, another prominent institution in East Attica is pursuing a partnership with a different fund. Both schools, known for their strong reputations in private education, would join a list of institutions already under foreign ownership if agreements are reached.
Notable examples include the collaboration of the Moraitis School and Costeas-Geitonas School (CGS) with the Inspired Group, Doukas School’s partnership with Cognita Europe & US, and that of Platon School with International Schools Partnership (ISP). Recent transactions also involved an international school in Thessaloniki acquired by British investors and the sale of a primary education-focused institution in Athens. Additionally, Olympus Investment SA, led by shipowner Vassilis Laliotis, took a controlling stake in CGS, while shipowner George Prokopiou acquired four blocks in Elliniko, planning an educational facility with an international curriculum.
This trend reflects a broader expansion of Greece’s private education sector, driven by strong domestic demand and increasing enrollment figures. Between 2019 and 2022, the share of private school students rose from 6.21% to 7.38%. Kindergarten enrollment saw a striking 51.8% jump over the same period, from 15,982 to 24,264 students. Primary education also noted a 6.8% increase.
The surge in investments has drawn criticism from the Federation of Private School Teachers of Greece (OIELE), which cites concerns over the introduction of profit-driven educational models and implications for access and equity in education.
As private schools proliferate across Greece, new institutions are set to open in cities such as Corinth, Larissa, Ioannina, and Hania, highlighting the growing footprint of the sector.
