Moving to Cyprus ENGL

The structured education system in Cyprus, spanning pre-primary, primary, secondary, to higher education. Schooling is compulsory and free at state schools from age 4 years and 8 months up to 15 years, aligning with the end of the third year of secondary education. An adjustment in 2018 shifted the primary school entry age from 5 years and 8 months to 6 years.
The Cyprus Ministry of Education provides resources for parents to calculate the
start of their child's compulsory education. For a detailed guide, download the
"Education in Cyprus" PDF, offering insights into the country's educational stages and policies.

School Holidays in Cyprus

Cyprus schools adhere to a three-term system, with breaks during summer, Christmas/New Year, and Greek Orthodox Easter. English-curriculum private schools often include a mid-term week off in October and February.
Key Points:

The academic year may start on any of the first ten days of September, as determined annually by the Ministry of Education and Culture (MOEC).
Special closures include Saint-named primary schools on the corresponding Saint's day and all schools on the Archbishop's name day.
The MOEC reserves the right to adjust dates for educational purposes.

Vacation dates for secondary schools vary by district, and international private schools set their own schedules. Always verify holiday dates directly with the school.
For official holiday dates:

Primary Schools: Visit the MOEC website.
Secondary Schools: Contact the school directly; the MOEC provides contact details for public schools.
Private Schools: MOEC offers a contact list for private institutions

Summer Schools

In Cyprus, the hot and lengthy summers from mid-June to early September provide an opportunity for summer schools and camps to flourish, offering essential childcare support to working parents. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport, and Youth launched Public Summer Schools for primary-aged children in 2015, recognizing the need for summer supervision. These schools are free and run for five weeks from the start of the summer break, with priority given to children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Applications are distributed by schools towards the end of the academic year.
For those seeking private options, summer schools and camps are abundant, catering
to various needs with flexible hours, often from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm, and
providing meals. Prices vary based on duration and services offered. To find a
nearby private summer school or camp, resources like "Kids Have Fun in
Cyprus" offer comprehensive listings.
Additionally, some state nursery schools remain operational in June and July, while private
nurseries typically close for a two-week period in August.
For more information or to explore summer program options, visit the Ministry of
Education, Culture, Sport, and Youth's website or check local and online
advertisements for private institutions."

Pre-primary Education

In Cyprus, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport, and Youth oversees all nursery schools, setting the curriculum and ensuring standards. Nurseries fall into three categories: public (state-run), community (operated by parents' associations or community authorities), and private (independently owned but approved by the Ministry).
Registration Process:

Public nursery registration occurs over two days in January, with dates announced by the Ministry. Acceptance notifications are sent by April/May, and a registration fee, covering accident insurance, is required.
Necessary documents include application forms (MOEC 11 for children over 4 years and 8 months, MOEC 30 for younger children), two utility bills, a registration fee, and the child's birth certificate.

Nursery Fees:

Private nurseries charge monthly fees based on timing and services like meals.
Community nurseries' fees are set by the Parents Association, usually lower than private options.
Public nurseries may charge for younger children, while education for those over 4 years and 8 months is free. Extended hours may incur extra fees.

Vaccination Policy:

Vaccinations are recommended but not mandatory unless in case of an epidemic. Parents should provide a vaccination record upon primary school enrollment. New residents must obtain a Cypriot vaccination certificate from a health visitor.

For detailed criteria and procedures for nursery placement, visit the Ministry of Education's website. Lunch and rest periods are included in some programs, ensuring a comprehensive care environment for your child."

Primary Education

Primary education in Cyprus is compulsory and freely provided at state schools, while private schools charge varying fees. Starting at age 6, children embark on a six-year educational journey. School uniforms, differing by school, are mandatory, with specifics provided upon registration in January.
Communities with over 15 school-aged children have their own primary schools. In smaller
villages, mixed-age and level multi-grade classes are common, with
single-teacher schools capped at 19 pupils. Urban and larger schools follow a
structured six-year program divided into two cycles: Cycle A (Grades 1-3) for
ages 6-8, and Cycle B (Grades 4-6) for ages 9-11. Completion of primary school
grants a leaving certificate, essential for progressing to secondary education,
based on continuous assessment rather than exams.
Registration for public primary schools requires specific documents, including the MOEC 11 form, birth certificate, and vaccination records, alongside a nominal fee.
The all-day school initiative, starting experimentally in 1999, extends school
hours for homework and extracurricular activities like languages and arts,
running voluntarily for grades 4-6, and increasingly for grades 1-3, until 4:00
PM on four afternoons a week.
Additionally, Cyprus is enhancing its multicultural education, focusing on Greek language
support for foreign students, to accommodate its diverse student body."

Secondary Education

In Cyprus, secondary education spans six years, catering to ages 12-18, with the first three years being compulsory. No entrance exams are required for state primary school graduates, while those from private foreign-language schools must pass entrance tests for public secondary schools. Key features include co-educational settings, a school day from 7:30 to 13:35, and a curriculum divided into two phases: the Gymnasio (lower secondary) for general education and the Lykeio (upper secondary) offering diversified programs leading to a school leaving certificate. Vocational guidance is emphasized, especially in the final year of Gymnasio, with career counseling available throughout the Lykeio cycle.
Technical and Vocational Education: Post-Gymnasio, students can opt for a three-year
technical or vocational education, focusing on practical and theoretical skills in sciences or industry-related fields, respectively. Successful completion allows entry into tertiary education.
Tertiary Education: Higher education is offered through both state and private
institutions, including universities and colleges.
Adult Education: The Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport provides adult
education programs in a variety of subjects, from languages to vocational
skills, with courses starting in November. Registration is open from early
September to mid-October, with fees varying by location and course type,
including free options for Greek and Turkish language courses and individuals
over 65.
For more information on secondary and adult education programs, including
registration details and course offerings, visit the Ministry of Education and
Culture's website

Private Education

Private schools in Cyprus offer diverse curricula but come with tuition fees that vary widely, potentially reaching into five figures annually, excluding additional costs like books and uniforms. Direct inquiries to the schools are advised for detailed fee structures.
These institutions enjoy significant autonomy, though many adhere to standards and
curricula set by the Ministry of Education and Culture. Admission typically
involves an interview and/or entrance test to assess the child's level. While
English is the primary language of instruction, ESL support is available for
non-native speakers.
Private international schools in Cyprus align their curricula with the educational
standards of their respective countries, providing a global education
perspective. For a comprehensive list of private schools and their offerings,
refer to the Ministry of Education and Culture's resources

Special Needs Education

Cyprus law ensures robust support for children with special needs, guided by specific legislation such as the Education and Training of Children with Special Needs Law of 1999 and subsequent regulations. These laws aim for early detection and appropriate educational accommodation for special-needs children from ages 3 to 21.
The government facilitates special education services, integrating these children
into mainstream schools to promote inclusivity, with additional support for
those with more significant needs. This includes after-school programs with
specialized educators and home schooling options for children unable to attend
regular classes due to health issues.
Facilities for hearing-impaired and autistic children are available from pre-primary
levels, including part-time attendance options. While special schools cater to
severe physical, mental, or emotional needs, there is a push for integration
with mainstream education. Notably, the New Hope Special School offers a
private alternative, fully accredited by the Ministry of Education and Culture,
for children facing learning difficulties.