The issues relating to health and safety in schools highlighted in the Audit Office's special report are longstanding and are already being addressed through a specific programme of interventions, the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth has said.
In a statement, the ministry said it had taken note of the report and stressed that the safety and wellbeing of students, teachers and other school staff remain a "constant and non-negotiable priority."
According to the ministry, the report was published while a detailed action plan was already under implementation. It noted that one of the largest school infrastructure upgrade programmes in recent years has been under way for the past three years, including the construction of new schools, expansions, renovations, maintenance works, upgrades to electrical installations and the installation of air-conditioning systems.
The ministry also said that approximately 90% of school buildings across Cyprus have now undergone seismic upgrading.
Among the measures being promoted are:
- The creation of a centralised electronic platform to record information on public school buildings.
- Central monitoring of written risk assessments and Civil Defence plans.
- The introduction of sample-based inspections from the 2026-27 school year.
The ministry added that it is intensifying training for the chairs of school safety committees and is advancing work related to the issuance of fire safety certificates and electrical installation reports, including for Technical and Vocational Education and Training Schools (TESEK).
At the same time, it noted that under the existing institutional framework, responsibility for the maintenance and certification of school buildings lies with the School Boards.
The ministry said it is strengthening its supervisory and coordinating role through standardised procedures, defined timetables and monitoring mechanisms.
In conclusion, the ministry described the Audit Office report as an "important tool for improvement," adding that its findings will be incorporated into the planning already under way for the creation of safe, modern and functional school facilities.
