The first bell rings on Monday for Secondary Education students, with the total number of students who will attend amounting to 41.280. Teachers have already been in schools since September 1. As far as Primary Education is concerned, teachers will report to schools on Monday, September 7, and students on September 14, based on the relevant legislation. 52,186 students will attend Primary Education, while the first-graders amount to 8,919. 14,398 students will attend kindergartens.
Secondary Education
The total number of students who will attend Secondary General Education Schools in the school year 2026-2027 is expected to reach 41,280 (23,270 Gymnasiums, 17,710 Lyceums, 300 Evenings).
The number of school units that will operate in the 2026-2027 school year is 108 and are distributed as follows: Gymnasiums: 62, Lyceums: 36, Six-grade: 10 and Evening: 5.
For the school year 2026-2027, the total number of teachers of Secondary General Education is estimated at 7200.
As far as the Secondary Technical Vocational Education and Training (MTEEK) is concerned, the teachers amount to 890, while the following schools of MTEEK will operate: 11 Technical and Vocational Schools of Education and Training (TESEK), 5 Mixed Schools (Lyceums and TESEK) in Polis Chrysochous, Empa, Omodos, Agros and Solea, 6 Evening Technical Schools of Vocational Education (ESTEE) in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, Famagusta, Paphos and Polis Chrysochous, MTEK Programs at the Prison School, MTEK Programs at the Special Schools.
A Vocational Education and Training Apprenticeship (SMEK) system will also operate in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos: Preparatory Apprenticeship and Core of the Apprenticeship Vocational Education and Training System.
The student population of TESEK amounts to 5,150 students.
Elements of Primary Education
In the meantime, 52,186 students will attend Primary Education, while the first-graders amount to 8,919. 14,398 students will attend kindergartens.
In addition, according to the data for the 2026-2027 school year, 328 Primary Schools and 274 Kindergartens will operate. The number of teachers in Primary Schools amounts to 5,232 and in Kindergartens 1135.
Teachers will present themselves on Monday, September 7, and students on September 14, based on the relevant legislation.
YPAN Message
Meanwhile, the Minister of Education, Sports and Youth, Athena Michailidou, in her message for the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year, addressed to pupils, students, and teachers, states that the beginning of each school and academic year marks the beginning of a new period of learning, creation and personal development, as well as the beginning of the acquisition of valuable knowledge and experiences.
"It is the moment when our schools and universities come back to life through the presence, vitality and expectations of our pupils, students, teachers and academics. For the State, the return to desks and amphitheaters is a major responsibility. Our goal is to ensure a safe, orderly and quality educational environment, which will actively support the goals of the new generation. Our schools and universities are foundations of development for our society and our country," She adds.
She notes that they welcome this year, with a firm commitment to the human-centered dimension of education, following up on reforms, innovations and the resolution of chronic issues.
"We are modernizing the teaching and learning environment. We rationalize and enrich the curriculum with new subjects. We are upgrading the building infrastructure of all levels and making full use of the potential of technological development. At the same time, we adopt scientifically documented pedagogical tools, creating the right conditions to encourage active participation, cultivate fruitful curiosity and develop critical thinking through experiential experience. 2 We want a modern, quality and inclusive school", she points out.
A school, says the Minister, "an effective one that will be a source of joy and creativity, will broaden your horizons, will recognize and strengthen your individual and collective effort".
"At the same time, we seek for Education to systematically strengthen its social and national role. To cultivate the values of freedom, democracy and peace. To draw from history and make a drastic contribution to tomorrow. With a steady investment in upgrading Higher Education, we strengthen our Universities as centers of knowledge and development of our society and economy. We are strengthening their operation, their research activity, their internationalization and extroversion, with the aim of highlighting capable scientists, ready to contribute to the progress of our country and the whole of humanity", she adds.
She notes that the main participants and protagonists in this course of change are the educational and academic community.
"We feel grateful for the contribution of all of you to the education of our country. I am sure that, by guiding children with love and patience in acquiring useful knowledge, you will be, for another year, the bridge that connects the new generation with the creative development of society and facing the challenges of the future", she adds.
Addressing the children, the Minister states: "We want your entire educational and learning journey to evolve into a creative journey, through which you will build your personality, with values and knowledge that will accompany you throughout your life."
"Live it, with open thinking and respect for those around you! Take advantage of the opportunities that will be given to you, explore and experiment. Give space to the horizons that open before you but keep high the principles of humanity, solidarity, healthy cooperation, democracy and justice. Good start to everyone," she concludes.
