The new academic year is getting under way across Cyprus, with secondary school teachers already preparing since 1 September. Official figures outline enrolment across general, technical, primary and pre-primary education, as the Education Ministry pledges continued reforms and investment in school quality.
Secondary education figures
A total of 41,280 pupils are expected to attend general secondary schools during the 2026-27 academic year, according to information obtained by the Cyprus News Agency.
The figure includes 23,270 pupils in gymnasiums, 17,710 in lyceums and 300 in evening schools.
A total of 108 gymnasiums, lyceums and six-year secondary schools will operate, comprising 62 gymnasiums, 36 lyceums and 10 six-year schools. Five evening schools will also operate.
The number of teachers working in general secondary education is estimated at 7,200.
Technical and vocational education
Secondary Technical and Vocational Education and Training will employ 890 teachers during the new academic year.
The system will include 11 technical and vocational schools, as well as five combined lyceum and technical schools in Polis Chrysochous, Empa, Omodos, Agros and Solea.
Six evening technical schools will operate in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Famagusta, Paphos and Polis Chrysochous. Technical and vocational programmes will also be offered at the prison school and special education schools.
An apprenticeship system will operate in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos, covering both preparatory apprenticeships and the system’s core programme.
Technical and vocational schools are expected to enrol 5,150 pupils.
Primary and pre-primary education
Primary schools will enrol 52,186 pupils, including 8,919 children entering primary school for the first time. A further 14,398 children will attend kindergartens.
During the 2026-27 academic year, 328 primary schools and 274 kindergartens will operate. Primary schools will employ 5,232 teachers, while 1,135 educators will work in kindergartens.
Primary teachers will report to schools on Monday, 7 September, while pupils will return on 14 September, in accordance with the relevant legislation.
Education minister’s message
In her message marking the beginning of the new school and academic year, Minister of Education, Sport and Youth Athena Michaelidou said the occasion represented the start of a new period of learning, creativity and personal development.
“It is the moment when our schools and universities come alive again through the presence, energy and expectations of pupils, students, teachers and academics,” she said.
“For the state, the return to classrooms and lecture halls is a major responsibility. Our goal is to ensure a safe, well-functioning and high-quality educational environment that actively supports the ambitions of the younger generation. Our schools and universities are foundations for the development of our society and country.”
Michaelidou said the new academic year would begin with a continued focus on the human-centred nature of education, reforms, innovation and resolving long-standing problems.
“We are modernising the teaching and learning environment. We are streamlining and enriching the curriculum with new subjects, upgrading infrastructure at every level and making full use of technological advances,” she said.
The ministry was also adopting evidence-based teaching methods intended to encourage active participation, curiosity, critical thinking and experiential learning.
“We want a modern, high-quality and inclusive school,” Michaelidou said.
She added that schools should be effective institutions that provide joy and creativity, broaden pupils’ horizons and recognise both individual and collective effort.
“At the same time, we want education to systematically strengthen its social and national role, cultivate the values of freedom, democracy and peace, draw lessons from history and actively contribute to the future,” she said.
The minister also pointed to continued investment in higher education, aimed at strengthening universities as centres of knowledge and supporting their research, international presence and engagement with society.
Michaelidou thanked members of the educational and academic communities for their contribution and described them as central participants in the reform process.
Addressing pupils directly, she said: “We want your entire educational journey to become a creative experience through which you will build your character, gaining values and knowledge that will remain with you throughout your lives.”
“Live it with an open mind and respect for those around you. Make the most of the opportunities you are given, explore and experiment. Embrace the horizons opening before you, while holding firmly to the principles of humanity, solidarity, healthy cooperation, democracy and justice. I wish everyone a good start.”
Source: CNA
