Education and Schools in Cyprus

Cyprus has state-sponsored education as well as private and international schools. The public and private systems are both open and accessible to expats, and parents usually decide between the two based on cost, language and curriculum.

Although public schools and education in Cyprus are generally considered adequate, state school standards are inconsistent. Most expats typically describe the system as ‘hit or miss’, but it is certainly possible to find good public schools on the island.

Public schools in Cyprus

It is mandatory for children aged 5 to 15 to attend school in Cyprus. The education system is separated into primary school and secondary school, the latter comprising gymnasium and lyceum. The language of instruction in public schools is Greek.

As an expat parent, you’ll likely find that the language barrier is the main drawback to sending your children to state schools on the island. Younger children can often adapt quickly, but older kids – and parents themselves – often struggle to succeed and communicate fluently. English is frequently taught as a second language from grade 1, with other languages offered from middle to secondary school.

That said, those who intend to stay long-term frequently prefer their children to be immersed in Cypriot culture. The best part about education and schools in Cyprus is that there is no fee for expat children to attend state schools.

Useful links

• Cyprus Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth – Education Guide

Private schools in Cyprus

Private schools are present in all the country’s larger cities (Paphos, Nicosia, Limassol and Larnaca), but the curriculum taught and the standard upheld in each institution varies considerably. Most private schools teach in English and typically offer excellent teaching standards and facilities.

Private schools in Cyprus can be costly, with tuition depending on the child’s age and school requirements. Parents should also anticipate supplementary costs such as registration and enrolment fees, books, uniforms, lunch, and school bus expenses.

International schools in Cyprus

Most expats living in Cyprus, especially those whose first language is English, send their children to private international schools. The most obvious benefit of these institutions is that children will be surrounded by others who speak their language and share similar experiences as third-culture children. They will also often have a better selection of extracurricular activities to participate in.

The most common curricula offered are the British and American programmes, along with the International Baccalaureate. These schools also tend to be rather expensive, so you should try to negotiate for the inclusion of education as part of your relocation package.

Special-needs education in Cyprus

In Cyprus, special education policies favour inclusion and integration into mainstream schools as far as possible. The goal is for students with special educational needs to attend mainstream classes, following the same curriculum as the other students, with accommodations being made for their needs.

To determine the level of support a student requires, educators and special-needs education specialists typically conduct a thorough assessment. Thereafter, an Individual Education Plan (IEP) is developed and implemented.

If more support is required, students with special needs may receive part-time or full-time tuition in a separate unit within a mainstream school, where classes are limited to a few students. If neither of these options is suitable, students may attend a dedicated special school.

Useful links

• Cyprus Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth – Special Education

Tutors in Cyprus

Tutors can be highly useful for new arrivals to Cyprus, particularly if your children need to adapt to a new curriculum or language.

Expat parents with older children often employ tutors to help with exam preparation. The Cyprus school-leaving certificate, called the Apolyterion, does not always equate to certain levels of testing in the UK and the US, and students who wish to attend tertiary schools in these countries may need to sit for additional exams.

Useful links

• Tutor Hunt
• EnglishScore Tutors