All-Day Schools Expand to 381 as Cabinet Boosts Education Funding

Cabinet Approves Expansion Ahead of New Term

The number of schools running Cyprus' all-day scheme has climbed to 381, up from 220 in 2023, after the cabinet approved a further expansion just before the start of the new school year in September. Funding for the programme now stands at roughly €6 million.

Tighter Structure for Afternoon Sessions

Under the revamped arrangements, teachers working the extended hours are hired through the educational service committee on structured schedules, rather than informal arrangements, and school headmasters now oversee both the morning curriculum and the afternoon programme as a single unit. Ministerial inspectors have also been brought in to evaluate how the sessions run.

Roots in a Small Nicosia Pilot

The scheme traces back to a pilot project at the Ayios Dhometios gymnasium in Nicosia, which began with just 20 first-year pupils. Afternoon sessions combine homework support in mathematics and Greek with creative activities such as sport, art and theatre, and the initiative now forms part of the European Union's broader "educational area" project.

Targets Tied to EU Benchmarks

Cyprus is working toward EU-wide targets of cutting the share of 15-year-olds who underperform in reading, mathematics and science below 15 per cent by 2030, alongside pushing the early school-leaver rate below 9 per cent. Education Minister Athena Michaelidou said the expansion was about more than headcount, stating: "Our action is not merely just numerical increase, but rather substantial improvement," pointing to steadier schedules and clearer accountability for staff as central to the change.