senior schools — Significant changes for senior schools in Cyprus were announced as the 2025-2026 academic year commenced on Friday. The Ministry of Education has committed to a series of reforms aimed at modernising the education system, according to Education Minister Athena Michaelidou.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
- With these ambitious reforms, the Ministry of Education aims to not only improve academic performance but also to foster a more engaging and inclusive environment for all students across Cyprus.
Senior schools: Education Minister Outlines Vision for Reform
During her visit to Latsia lyceum in Nicosia, Michaelidou greeted students, toured classrooms, and shared her vision for an education system that prioritises creativity, collaboration, and core values. “This year is one of changes for our education system, with new programmes and innovations. We are emphasising the human-centred nature of education, with reforms that place our children and teachers at the core,” she stated.
Key Features of the Reforms
The planned changes include a streamlined syllabus, increased emphasis on essential life skills, and the introduction of new subjects such as financial literacy, civic education, robotics, and artificial intelligence. The reforms also aim to support full-day schools, modernise educational infrastructure, expand the use of digital technologies, and enhance school environments with greener schoolyards.
Investment in Education
Michaelidou underscored the government’s commitment to education, noting, “Education is an investment. As a government, we invest in education; we have made it one of our top priorities, and we want to see immediate results.” This pledge reflects a broader strategy to elevate the education sector in Cyprus.
Innovative Programmes and Initiatives
One standout initiative is the introduction of a new “technical gymnasium” programme in Nicosia and Limassol, aimed at equipping younger pupils with technical skills. This programme seeks to bridge the gap between educational institutions and the labour market, a pioneering effort by European standards. Michaelidou described this initiative as an essential step towards preparing students for future employment.
Voices from the School Community
Mary Kyprianou, the newly appointed headmistress of Latsia lyceum, also addressed the students, expressing optimism for the new school year. “The new school year 2025-2026 begins with vision, planning, and hope. We aspire with our teachers to build a human, democratic, inclusive school that embraces every child, respects diversity, and cultivates values of justice, solidarity, and equality. I wish for a year full of health, light, and progress,” she said.
Students shared their own expectations for the upcoming year. Final-year pupil Eleni Papachristoforou described it as “the start of a difficult year, full of pressure and study,” yet welcomed the addition of air conditioning to classrooms. She also expressed a desire for a lighter syllabus and improved communication within the school.
Classmate Panayiotis Charalambides expressed enthusiasm for returning in this “decisive year” before university and military service, praising the new facilities while suggesting that lessons could start an hour later for better student well-being. Another student, Elia Charalambous, spoke positively about the changes, viewing the year as “our chance to achieve our goals” and advocating for greater use of technology in learning.
Commitment to a Supportive Learning Environment
In her address to the pupils in the schoolyard, Michaelidou reassured them of the ministry’s support. “The school must be a place of creation, a place of joy as well as learning. We want you to be happy coming to school,” she emphasised, highlighting that the reforms would also include modern evaluation methods aimed at strengthening the education system as a whole.
Collective Participation in the Reform Process
As the new academic year unfolds, Michaelidou concluded her message by stressing the importance of collective participation in the success of the education reforms. She called on educators, parents, and students to engage actively in this transformative process, reinforcing the idea that a supportive community is vital for achieving the desired outcomes in education.
With these ambitious reforms, the Ministry of Education aims to not only improve academic performance but also to foster a more engaging and inclusive environment for all students across Cyprus.
