The summer break is over and thousands of students across Cyprus are returning to classrooms as the 2026-27 academic year officially gets under way.
Classes begin today for 41,280 students in general secondary education and 5,150 students in technical and vocational education, while primary school and kindergarten pupils will return a week later, on 14 September.
For many students, Monday marks a return to familiar routines of lessons, breaks and school responsibilities. For others, it represents the start of a new chapter, with a new school environment, teachers and classmates.
Teachers have been back at their schools since 1 September, preparing for the start of the new year. The first day traditionally focuses on timetables, books, classroom allocations, reunions with friends and introductory guidance before normal teaching schedules begin.
Secondary and technical schools
Of the 41,280 students attending general secondary education this year:
- 23,270 will study in gymnasiums.
- 17,710 will attend lyceums.
- 300 will attend evening schools.
During the 2026-27 school year, Cyprus will operate:
- 62 gymnasiums
- 36 lyceums
- 10 six-grade secondary schools
- Five evening schools
The system will be supported by approximately 7,200 teachers.
A further 5,150 students are returning to technical and vocational education, where 890 teachers will be employed.
Cyprus will operate:
- 11 Technical and Vocational Schools
- Five mixed schools in Polis Chrysochous, Empa, Omodos, Agros and Solea
In addition, six evening technical schools will operate in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Famagusta, Paphos and Polis Chrysochous.
Technical education programmes will also continue at the Prison School and Special Schools, alongside the Apprenticeship System for Vocational Education and Training in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos.
Primary schools and kindergartens next week
Today also marks the start of preparations for primary education teachers, who are reporting to schools ahead of pupils' return next Monday.
A total of 52,186 children are expected to attend Cyprus's 328 public primary schools this year.
Among them will be 8,919 first-year pupils, who will experience their first day of primary school on 14 September.
On the same day, 14,398 children will attend the island's 274 kindergartens, either returning or entering the education system for the first time.
Primary schools will be staffed by 5,232 teachers, while 1,135 teachers will serve in kindergartens.
Minister's message
In her message for the new academic year, Education Minister Athena Michaelidou described the coming months as a period of learning, creativity and personal development.
She stressed the state's responsibility to provide a safe and high-quality educational environment and reiterated her goal of building a modern and inclusive school system.
Michaelidou said the ministry would continue educational reforms, enrich curricula, upgrade school infrastructure and make greater use of technology.
She also encouraged students to make the most of the opportunities available to them, urging them to explore, experiment and uphold the values of humanity, solidarity, cooperation, democracy and justice.
New beginnings
Behind the figures and policy plans lie thousands of individual stories.
For some students, the return to school means familiar faces and friendships. For others, it means a new school, new teachers and the uncertainty of a first day in unfamiliar surroundings.
From today, however, school corridors are once again filling with students as the 2026-27 academic year officially begins.
