The school year has begun in Cyprus: 41,280 secondary school students have returned to their desks

The school year has begun in Cyprus: on Monday, September 7, secondary school students returned to their desks. A total of 41,280 students will attend public secondary schools in the 2026–2027 academic year. Teachers started work earlier, on September 1.

Of these, 23,270 will attend gymnasiums, which in Cyprus cover the lower secondary grades, while 17,710 will attend lyceums, and another 300 will study at evening schools. A total of 62 gymnasiums, 36 lyceums, 10 six-year schools and 5 evening schools are open, while the Ministry estimates the number of secondary-level teachers at 7,200.

The separate system of secondary technical and vocational education — TESEK — is also operating. Its schools will have 5,150 students and 890 teachers. Eleven TESEK schools are open, along with five mixed schools in Chrysochou, Empa, Omodos, Agros and Solea, as well as six evening technical schools in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, Famagusta and Chrysochou. Apprenticeship programmes will open in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos.

Primary schools and kindergartens will start later, on September 14. They are expected to welcome 52,186 pupils, including 8,919 first-graders, as well as another 14,398 children in kindergartens. A total of 328 primary schools and 274 kindergartens are operating, with 5,232 teachers and 1,135 kindergarten educators.

“The beginning of every school year marks the start of a new period of learning,” Education Minister Athena Michaelidou said. According to her, the state is obliged to provide “a safe, orderly and high-quality educational environment”. She wished students that their studies would “turn into a creative journey” during which their personalities are formed.