EDUCATION

Cyprus has a good state education system, similar to the UK curriculum in many ways. Moving your child from the UK to a Cypriot school is fairly easy, because each system recognises qualifications gained under the other. Children who do not speak Greek can receive special Greek lessons so that they can attend a state school there: Intensive tuition also helps them integrate into that school.

There are brand new international schools in all cities that cater for expats and provide superb education and other facilities, a lot of locals choose these schools for their kids too.

KEY STAGES

The state system provides education for children aged 4-18 years. Entry is determined mostly by age, although at some levels a certificate may be required to demonstrate completion of the previous level.

The school year is divided into three terms of three months, with attendance of five days per week.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

As well as the state system, there is an extensive network of private schools that can teach in English and offer a choice of courses. More than 30 private secondary schools have been approved by the Ministry of Education and Culture. Attendance of these schools costs between 3.500€ and 5.000€ per year. There are also kindergarten, junior schools and colleges catering for Cypriot and foreign students. These are generally of a high standard and cater well for English speaking pupils. International schools are well established; all the classes are in English for GCSE and A level curricula.

HIGHER LEVELS

At higher levels, pupils who so wish can attend a Technical School. There is also the University Of Cyprus, private colleges and schools and state training institutions like the higher Technical Institute.

Further information can be obtained from the Ministry of Education and Culture in Cyprus.