Cypriot schools prepare for new academic year amid staffing progress and system reforms

As the summer holidays draw to a close, Cyprus is finalizing preparations for the upcoming school year. Panagiotis Antoniou, president of the Educational Service Commission (EEY), reported on August 7, 2026, that school staffing is well-advanced, with the commission having already completed all permanent teacher appointments and school placements across all educational levels. Current efforts are now focused on finalizing contracts for temporary teaching staff to minimize classroom vacancies before the academic term begins.

Beyond staffing, the Ministry of Education and teachers' unions are engaged in a critical dialogue regarding proposed changes to the educator appointment system. While individual stakeholders have expressed various opinions, the official positions of the teachers' organizations are expected to be finalized by late August. The Ministry of Education awaits these formal responses before proceeding with a final text to be submitted to Parliament. This consultative process remains a central focus for the educational sector alongside the logistical preparations for the return of students to schools.