The new academic year begins on Tuesday for secondary education teachers, while primary school teachers will return to schools on 7 September, as discussions continue over reforms to Cyprus's teacher appointment system.
Classes in both general secondary education and technical and vocational education and training will begin on Monday, 7 September 2026. In primary education, lessons are scheduled to start on 14 September 2026.
Meetings with teaching unions
Alongside preparations for the new school year, consultations on the teacher appointment system are continuing.
Education Minister Athena Michaelidou is meeting representatives of POED on Monday and will hold talks with OLTEK on Tuesday.
POED president Myria Vassiliou said last week that the organisation had compiled a series of questions and concerns that would be presented to the minister, seeking clear and documented answers from the Education Ministry.
OELMEK seeks revised proposal
Michaelidou has already met with OELMEK regarding proposed changes to the appointment framework.
Following that meeting, OELMEK reviewed a working document submitted by the ministry and called for a revised proposal that would address weaknesses in the current system without creating new injustices or negatively affecting any category of teachers.
In a statement, the organisation said the ministry's proposal does not satisfy decisions adopted by its national conference of representatives and risks creating new distortions.
Call for reform with safeguards
OELMEK stressed that it does not oppose reform of the appointment system and considers changes necessary.
However, it argued that reform should not be designed solely around the immediate staffing needs of schools.
The organisation said it intends to participate constructively in the consultation process and submit specific proposals aimed at ensuring:
- Meritocracy.
- Transparency.
- High standards in teacher selection.
- Protection of existing teachers.
- Effective staffing of public schools.
It warned that if these conditions are not met, it would consider using all lawful means available to defend teachers' rights and the public education system.
Minister pledges continued dialogue
In a post on X following her meeting with OELMEK, Michaelidou said concerns and suggestions had been discussed in detail.
"We listened to concerns, received suggestions and provided clarifications," she wrote.
"We are continuing the discussion, carefully listening to the positions and proposals of those involved, while recognising our responsibility to advance solutions that stand the test of time and serve public education."
Σήμερα είχα δύο σημαντικές συναντήσεις στο πλαίσιο της προετοιμασίας για τη νέα σχολική χρονιά, αλλά και της ευρύτερης προσπάθειάς μας για ένα σύγχρονο σχολείο.
— Athena Michaelidou (@MichaelidouAth) August 27, 2026
✅️ Με την ΟΕΛΜΕΚ συζητήσαμε το ζήτημα του συστήματος διορισμού των εκπαιδευτικών. Ακούσαμε ανησυχίες, δεχτήκαμε… pic.twitter.com/JP7gOo1TVD
School year presentation
The minister is scheduled to present details of the 2026-27 school year at the Education Ministry on Tuesday morning.
She will also appear before the House Education Committee on 2 September to brief MPs on preparations for the new school year.
Representatives of the Educational Service Commission, school boards, teaching unions, parents' organisations and the Pancyprian Coordinating Committee of Students (PSEM) have been invited to attend the committee meeting.
Source: CNA
