School year begins in early September

Over 100,000 students, in primary and secondary education, will report to school in early September for the new academic year, with over 10,000 teachers going back to work on 3 September after the summer recess.

Education and Culture Minister Akis Kleanthous has told CNA that a total of 52,459 pupils will be at school on September 6 for the commencement of the school year in primary education and 54,500 pupils will start lessons on September 10 in secondary education.

The Minister said that 10,500 teachers of primary and secondary education will return to their respective schools for preparatory work, ready to welcome back their pupils.

He also said that this year the number of pupils in primary education has dropped by 1,475 compared to the previous year. The number of children to attend first grade in primary schools now stands at 8,170.

Regarding school books, Kleanthous said the Ministry continues to receive books from Greece and all books are expected to be delivered within the defined deadline, adding that a large number of books have been printed in Cyprus.

Responding to questions, the Minister said that construction work at schools around the country is progressing and should be delivered in time for the start of the school year, adding however that safety measures will be taken at schools where construction will have to continue while pupils are at school.

“We plan to modernise our school buildings and therefore construction work will carry on during the academic year,” he concluded.