Entry exams abolished

Entry exams for would-be Greek university students have been controversially abolished in favour of the combined grades of the last two classes in secondary school, writes Makki Marseilles.

The Panhellenic exams lasted for more than 20 years and even their detractors thought they were fair because all students competed under the same conditions.

In theory the best students took the best places, but in practice all those able to receive additional preparation outside the system had a distinct advantage.

Under the system to be introduced next year the entrance exams will be replaced by a complex system of exams and grades.

In the first year of senior high school students will sit a country-wide exam but their grade will not count towards going to university.

If they fail to get high enough grades to pass they will repeat the class. In the second year they will sit further exams but their grade will count for 30 per cent towards their overall grade needed for a place at university.

If they do not pass, they can repeat their weak subjects in September and if they fail again they will repeat the class. In the last year their grade will count for 70 per cent towards the overall grade needed for a place at university.