Education and Schools in Cyprus
Expats will find the system of education in Cyprus riddled with inconsistencies and plagued by the politics of reputation. That said, finding a good school in 
Cyprus is certainly plausible, it just demands a little extra leg-work and some added effort on the part of parents.
Cyprus has both a state-sponsored education system and private (international) institutions. Both are open and accessible to expats, and parents usually choose one or the other according to their expectations surrounding cost, language and curriculum.
Education in Cyprus is mandatory for all children aged twelve and younger, and is separated into primary school, gymnasium and lyceum (secondary school is composed of the latter two levels).
Though the teaching language of state schools in Cyprus is Greek and the curriculum uniquely Pancyprian, parents from a number of different nationalities opt to send their kids, especially those of a young age, to these local houses of learning.
State school standards can vary considerably, and expats generally describe the system as "hit or miss". Educators in Cyprus are essentially given tenure once admitted into the system, so the pressure for them to perform and to maintain a high quality of instruction is minimal. As a result, some teachers are apathetic, while others still endeavor to achieve.
Many expat parents find the primary drawback to sending their children to state schools in Cyprus is the language barrier. Younger kids have the ability to adapt quickly, but older kids and parents, themselves, often struggle to succeed and communicate appropriately.
That said, those with long-term aspirations of island life generally find it's advantageous to provide children the opportunity to assimilate into Cypriot culture sooner, rather than later.
Expat parents with secondary school aged children preparing for university are encouraged to employ tutors and to organise extra lessons for their kids. The Apolyterion, the Cyprus leaving certificate, does not always equate with certain levels of testing in the UK and the US, and students who wish to attend tertiary schools in these nations may need to sit for additional exams.
There is no fee for expat children to attend state schools in Cyprus.
Most expats living in Cyprus, specifically those of English origin, prefer to send their children to private or international schools. The most obvious benefits for kids
attending these institutions is that they will most likely be surrounded by others who speak their mother tongue, and they'll find a greater offering of extra-curricular activities to take part in.
Private schools are present in all of the country's larger cities (Paphos, Limassol and Larnaca), but the curriculum taught and the standard upheld in each of the institutions varies tremendously; so much so that expats may want to decide on their school of choice before settling permanently. While some foreigners cite particular schools as very good, there are other places of learning that they brush off as mere baby-sitting centres devoid of all educational value.
The bottom line is that expat parents deliberating between one school or the other should speak to fellow expats in a similar situation, and should ask respective administrators about the following:
Expats moving to Cyprus for work should try and negotiate an education allowance as part of their employment package.
Cyprus is certainly plausible, it just demands a little extra leg-work and some added effort on the part of parents.Cyprus has both a state-sponsored education system and private (international) institutions. Both are open and accessible to expats, and parents usually choose one or the other according to their expectations surrounding cost, language and curriculum.
Education in Cyprus is mandatory for all children aged twelve and younger, and is separated into primary school, gymnasium and lyceum (secondary school is composed of the latter two levels).
State schools in Cyprus
Though the teaching language of state schools in Cyprus is Greek and the curriculum uniquely Pancyprian, parents from a number of different nationalities opt to send their kids, especially those of a young age, to these local houses of learning.
State school standards can vary considerably, and expats generally describe the system as "hit or miss". Educators in Cyprus are essentially given tenure once admitted into the system, so the pressure for them to perform and to maintain a high quality of instruction is minimal. As a result, some teachers are apathetic, while others still endeavor to achieve.
Many expat parents find the primary drawback to sending their children to state schools in Cyprus is the language barrier. Younger kids have the ability to adapt quickly, but older kids and parents, themselves, often struggle to succeed and communicate appropriately.
That said, those with long-term aspirations of island life generally find it's advantageous to provide children the opportunity to assimilate into Cypriot culture sooner, rather than later.
Expat parents with secondary school aged children preparing for university are encouraged to employ tutors and to organise extra lessons for their kids. The Apolyterion, the Cyprus leaving certificate, does not always equate with certain levels of testing in the UK and the US, and students who wish to attend tertiary schools in these nations may need to sit for additional exams.
There is no fee for expat children to attend state schools in Cyprus.
Private schools in Cyprus
Most expats living in Cyprus, specifically those of English origin, prefer to send their children to private or international schools. The most obvious benefits for kids
attending these institutions is that they will most likely be surrounded by others who speak their mother tongue, and they'll find a greater offering of extra-curricular activities to take part in.Private schools are present in all of the country's larger cities (Paphos, Limassol and Larnaca), but the curriculum taught and the standard upheld in each of the institutions varies tremendously; so much so that expats may want to decide on their school of choice before settling permanently. While some foreigners cite particular schools as very good, there are other places of learning that they brush off as mere baby-sitting centres devoid of all educational value.
The bottom line is that expat parents deliberating between one school or the other should speak to fellow expats in a similar situation, and should ask respective administrators about the following:
- Is the admissions policy inclusive
- Are teachers properly qualified
- Do they have an ESOL programme (English for speakers of another language) so that class time is not taken up by explaining the lesson in different languages
- Is a proper counseling service present
- Is there an active PTA with access to the principal or an executive with similar powers
Expats moving to Cyprus for work should try and negotiate an education allowance as part of their employment package.
