What are the best British International Schools in Athens

Hi Nicola, I've just had a quick look at some Google reviews for St Catherine's, Byron College and St Lawrence. and they are mostly awful, but I don't expect this is a true reflection of the school. Some appear to be written by disgruntled pupils, or perhaps parents who simply can't write. Have you looked at any other British schools in Athens. What about Verita International School ? They have a secondary school, which takes International school students up to age 18. veritaschool.gr

Hi Nicola,

I saw your post on ExpatArrivals from a year ago, so I'm assuming you've already enrolled your son in a school in Athens. I hope you didn't choose St. Lawrence College. Here’s my latest review of the school:

A Disappointing Decline: St. Lawrence College, Athens

St. Lawrence College in Athens has undergone a regrettable decline that cannot be overlooked. Once a respected institution, the school has shifted its priorities towards maximizing enrolment and profits, neglecting essential investments in facilities and educational quality.

Over the past decade, the school's investments have been disproportionately focused on non-essential amenities like a sports track, while critical needs such as a senior school library, adequate classrooms, and an indoor cafeteria have been ignored. Students are left to cope with substandard conditions, including under-equipped science labs, cramped classrooms, and temporary classrooms in converted containers (2024). Basic amenities like Drama facilities and the outdoor swimming pool are not provided or inadequately maintained, with the pool often closed during winter months due to the administration and owners not wanting to heat the pool. They could have the pool open all year by investing in a pool enclosure.

Despite repeated parental concerns, the School has failed to address these deficiencies, opting instead to increase fees and student numbers. This narrow-minded approach has led to overcrowded classrooms (with some classes now exceeding 26 students) and a shift in the school's demographic makeup towards transient international families, at the expense of local students (Greeks & Permanent Expats) seeking a stable long-term educational environment for their kids.

The absence of a Parent-Teacher Association further limits accountability and parental involvement, leaving families without a formal channel to voice concerns. With emerging competition in the area, St. Lawrence College's shortcomings may soon be exposed as families seek educational institutions that prioritize student welfare and educational excellence over financial gain.

In conclusion, the transformation of St. Lawrence College from an educational institution to a profit-driven enterprise is deeply disappointing. The neglect of basic educational needs and the prioritization of financial turnover undermine the school's once-respected reputation. Prospective parents and students should carefully consider these shortcomings before committing to St. Lawrence College, as the current trajectory suggests further decline rather than improvement in educational standards.