2026

The Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth (MESY) is implementing a gradual reduction of the compulsory pre‑primary starting age from 4 years 8 months to 4 years (2024–2031), supported by the Recovery and Resilience Plan. The reform is accompanied by the expansion of free pre‑primary education for all children from age 4 in public and community kindergartens. Additional measures include the enhanced‑teaching model with a second teacher in selected classrooms, updates to the curriculum and pedagogical approaches, and strengthened support for children with migrant backgrounds. Inclusive education policies and the expansion of optional all‑day schools also affect the pre‑primary sector. 

2025

There have been no reforms.

2024

Free compulsory pre-primary education from the age of 4

The House Standing Committee on Education, Sport and Youth discussed at the end of February 2024, the issue of free compulsory pre-primary education from the age of 4 years old.
The minister of Education, Sport, and Youth (MESY), said after the discussion in the Education and Culture House Standing Committee, that the government in cooperation with the European Commission have worked diligently so that children from September 2024, instead of entering school from 4 years and 8 months, will be gradually accepted from 4 years and 6 months, and slowly until 2031 will be accepted free of charge from 4 years old to public and community schools or in private schools, if their parents choose so.
The minister also said that the ministry has intensified its efforts to cooperate with the private sector both in joint programs, actions, training of kindergarten teachers of the private sector with kindergarten teachers of the public sector and teachers of all levels. 

Respect for diversity: Transition to modern and inclusive school

On March 4, 2024, the Minister of Education, Sport and Youth (MESY), has published an article on the transition to modern, inclusive schooling, through concrete actions and policies that foster respect and diversity.
Reference is made on the right of the students to enroll and receive free education in public schools in Cyprus, at all levels, from pre-school to tertiary education. It is stated that the education system makes no distinction as to race, community, language, color, religion, students' political or other beliefs, sexual orientation, or ethnic origin, which are guaranteed by Article 20 of the Constitution of Cyprus. The school also respects the right to freedom of thought, political or other beliefs and religion.
Details are provided on the policies and actions on the following:

• Anti-racist policy
• Human rights – health education
• Gender equality
• Special education reform
• Policy for students with immigrant biography
• Program Imagine
• Sex education