Key study findings
A 2021 study, published in 2024 by the Centre for the Development of Educational Policy (KANEP-GSEE) examined the landscape of SDEs, which provide flexible education services for school-leaving adults seeking to obtain certificates equivalent to lower-secondary education (Gymnasio).
Student demographics and multicultural growth
The study revealed that in 2021 more than half of SDE students (56.4%) were aged between 36 and 50, with an average age of 41.9 years. Women averaged 44 years while men averaged 40.3 years. Οnly 7.7% were 25 years old or younger. Notably, nearly one in five learners (20.9%) was a foreign national, with 88% coming from non-EU countries, 11.8% from EU member states, and 0.4% of unknown nationality. Gender disparities were also evident, with 33.6% of male students being foreign nationals compared to only 11.1% of female students.
Remarkable completion rates
The most compelling finding was the strong commitment of learners to complete their studies. In 2021, more than 81% of students successfully graduated from the second-cycle of the SDE programme. The rejection rate of learners who failed the completion exams and were therefore unable to progress from the first to the second-cycle was approximately 20%, but dropped significantly to just 12.6% in the second-cycle.
Dropout rates followed a similar pattern, with roughly 20% of students leaving during the first cycle, but only 11.3% dropping out during the second-cycle. This improvement reflects students’ growing understanding of the programme’s value once they advance.
Impact and future prospects
These completion rates demonstrate the strong determination of individuals attending second chance schools to earn their school certificates. The high success rates, particularly among a diverse student population including significant numbers of foreign nationals, underscore the effectiveness of the SDE model in addressing educational gaps.
The study’s findings support the need to expand and enhance the methodological and qualitative continuity of SDEs, particularly through establishing second chance upper secondary education schools (SDEs for Lyceum). This expansion would provide pathways for continued education beyond the current lower-secondary level equivalency.
The research reinforces the growing momentum behind the SDE model as a vital component of Greece’s adult education system, particularly for supporting vulnerable populations and promoting lifelong learning opportunities.
The strong engagement of representatives from government, institutional stakeholders, academia, educators, and the lifelong learning community reaffirmed the growing interest in the second chance school model. Ms Olga Kafetzopoulou, General Secretary for VET and lifelong learning, stated that during this conference, we had the opportunity to discuss the study results and the issues that concern our people involved in second chance schools, and jointly shape the next steps forward.
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