The first bell rings today, Monday, for secondary school students. Teachers returned to schools on September 1.
The total number of students who will attend general secondary schools during the 2026–2027 school year is 41,280 (23,270 in junior high schools, 17,710 high schools, 300 evening schools).
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
The number of schools that will operate during the 2026–2027 school year is 62 junior high schools, 36 senior high schools, 10 six-year schools, and 5 evening schools.
For the 2026–2027 school year, the total number of teachers in General Secondary Education is estimated at 7,200.
As for Secondary Technical and Vocational Education and Training, there are 890 teachers, and the following Secondary Technical and Vocational Education and Training (MTEEK) schools will be in operation: 11 Technical and Vocational Education and Training Schools (TESEK), 5 Mixed Schools (High Schools and TESEK) in Polis Chrysochous, Emba, Omodos, Agro, and Solea, and 6 Evening Technical Schools of Vocational Education (ESTEE) in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Famagusta, Paphos, and Polis Chrysochous; MTEEK programs at the Prison School; and MTEEK programs at Special Schools.
A Vocational Education and Training Apprenticeship System (VETAS) will also operate in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos: Preparatory Apprenticeship and the Core of the Vocational Education and Training Apprenticeship System.
The student population of TESEK totals 5,150 students.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Education, Sports, and Youth, Athina Michailidou, in a message marking the start of the 2026–2027 school year addressed to students and educators, noted that the start of every school and academic year marks the beginning of a new period of learning, creativity, and personal growth, as well as the start of acquiring valuable knowledge and experiences.
“It is the moment when our schools and universities come alive again through the presence, vitality, and aspirations of our students, educators, and academics. For the government, the return to classrooms and lecture halls is a paramount responsibility. Our goal is to ensure a safe, well-organized, and high-quality educational environment that will actively support the goals of the younger generation. “Our schools and universities are the cornerstones of development for our society and our country,” he adds.
She notes that they are welcoming this new school year with a steadfast commitment to the human-centered dimension of education, continuing to implement reforms, innovations, and solutions to long-standing issues.
Addressing the children, the Minister says: “We want your entire educational and learning journey to become a creative adventure, through which you will shape your character with values and knowledge that will stay with you throughout your life.”
“Embrace it with an open mind and respect for those around you! Make the most of the opportunities you’ll be given; explore and experiment. Make room for the horizons that lie ahead of you, but hold high the principles of humanity, solidarity, healthy cooperation, democracy, and justice. “Best of luck to everyone,” he concludes.
Elementary school students will return to their schools on September 14. A total of 52,186 students will be enrolled, while there are 8,919 first-graders. A total of 14,398 children will attend preschool.
In addition, according to data for the 2026–2027 school year, 328 elementary schools and 274 kindergartens will be in operation. The number of teachers in elementary schools totals 5,232, and in preschools, 1,135.
