Investors Target Greece's Booming Private School Market
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Loading... - Abrasha Volkov
- 15 Oct 2024
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Greece is witnessing a significant surge in private school investments, as international investors increasingly focus on the country's education sector. This trend is driven by rising enrollment numbers and growing parental interest in private education, which is reshaping the educational landscape across the nation.
Recent high-profile acquisitions highlight this investment wave. The Inspired Education Group, a global education company, has acquired two prestigious Greek institutions: the Moraitis School and the Costeas-Geitonas School. Additionally, UK investors have purchased an international school in Thessaloniki, and plans are underway for a new school offering international programs in the Elliniko development in southern Athens.
This influx of investment is part of a broader trend, with education specialists noting increased interest from investors in the United States and France. Historical schools in Athens and other regions, such as Corinth and Larissa, are also experiencing growth, with new units opening and expansion plans being developed.
Enrollment statistics underscore this momentum. According to the Hellenic Statistical Authority, private school attendance has grown significantly between 2019 and 2022. Private kindergarten enrollments surged by 51.8%, increasing from 15,982 students in 2019 to 24,264 in 2022. Primary schools also saw a 6.8% rise in student numbers, growing from 38,027 to 40,634.
The trend extends to secondary education as well. Private middle schools experienced a 26.3% increase in student numbers, rising from 16,098 in 2019 to 20,335 in 2021. Similarly, senior high schools reported a 15.4% rise, with enrollments climbing from 14,615 to 16,871. Overall, the total number of students in private schools grew by 20.5%, from 84,722 in 2019 to 102,104 in 2022.
This growing demand for private education is not limited to Athens. Regional cities and towns are also seeing increased interest, prompting investors to explore opportunities beyond the capital. This shift is creating a more diverse educational landscape across Greece, and as new residential developments, like those in Elliniko, emerge, the need for high-quality private schools is expected to further drive the sector's expansion.
The rising interest in private schooling options reflects a broader acceptance of private education among Greek parents. This trend is not confined to large, well-known institutions but extends to smaller schools as well, indicating a widespread shift in educational preferences.
Looking ahead, the private education sector in Greece is poised for continued growth. As demand for quality educational services expands beyond metropolitan areas, investors are likely to find new opportunities to meet the needs of families seeking superior educational options for their children.
