A Quick Guide to the Cypriot Public School System
If you’re planning to live in Cyprus long-term, enrolling your children in the local public school system is a great option - especially for younger kids. Not only is it completely free, but it also helps children integrate into the local culture and learn fluent Greek, often faster than you’d expect!
Here’s a simple breakdown of how the public system works:
📘 Pre-Primary (Nipiagogeio)
Ages: 4 years and 8 months to 5 years and 8 months
Details: Compulsory from this age; focuses on play-based learning and social development.
📚 Primary School (Dimotiko)
Ages: 6–12 years (Grades 1–6)
Details: Core subjects are taught in Greek, with an emphasis on reading, writing, maths, and local history. Kids pick up the language quickly with daily exposure.
🧠 Gymnasium (Lower Secondary)
Ages: 12–15 years (Grades 7–9)
Details: A broader curriculum including science, languages, arts, and more structured homework. Greek language remains central.
🎓 Lyceum or Technical Schools (Upper Secondary)
Ages: 15–18 years (Grades 10–12)
Details: Students can choose between general academic education (Lyceum) or more vocational/technical paths.
✅ Benefits of Public Schooling in Cyprus
Free education (including textbooks)
Greek fluency – kids often become bilingual within the first 1 - 2 years
Local friendships and integration
After-school activities in many areas (sports, dance, music)
Simple admissions based on catchment areas – where you live determines your assigned school
⚠️ Things to Keep in Mind
Language barrier (at first): For non-Greek-speaking kids (and parents), the first few months can be tough - less support is available in English compared to international schools.
Teaching style: The system can feel more traditional, with an emphasis on memorisation and exams over creativity and critical thinking.
Class sizes: Some schools, especially in high-demand areas, can be overcrowded with large class sizes.
Limited pastoral support: Don’t expect much in the way of learning support assistants, school counselling, or special needs provision.
Admin can be slow: Like many things in Cyprus, paperwork and communication from the school can be... relaxed.
While public schools may not offer the bells and whistles of international schools, they’re a fantastic, community-based option for many families - especially if your children are still in the early years.
Drop us a message if you have any questions —we’re here to help! And don’t forget to check out our articles on Top 5 Greek-Speaking Nurseries and Top 5 International Schools.
