Secondary education school year begins in Cyprus

On September 7, 2026, the new academic year officially commenced for secondary education students across Cyprus. A total of 41,280 students returned to 108 educational units, comprising 62 gymnasiums, 36 lyceums, 10 six-grade schools, and 5 evening schools. The system is supported by approximately 7,200 teachers in general secondary education and 890 in technical and vocational schools. Primary school students are scheduled to start on September 14, with 52,186 pupils expected to enroll.

While Ministry of Education officials described the start as smooth, representatives from teachers' unions OELMEK and OLTEK highlighted concerns regarding staffing shortages and the non-appearance of some appointed educators. President Nikos Christodoulides issued a message urging students to pursue knowledge with critical thinking, emphasizing that the state remains committed to educational reform. Efforts to address staffing gaps are ongoing, with the Ministry planning to issue new job announcements to cover vacant positions following recent refusals.

School administrators have begun implementing strict regulations, including policies on mobile phone use. Additionally, authorities expressed concern over incidents of students spending the night at schools before the opening day, noting that while the situation was managed, the behavior remains a point of institutional review.