As more and more expat families are choosing Cyprus as their new home, the island is also becoming a growing international education destination, attracting numerous students from abroad. The popularity of private schools is on the rise and Cyprus offers both established educational institutions and contemporary ones. But, what makes secondary education on this sunny island so desirable? We will try to answer that question in this guide and walk you through some of the best British international schools on the island. Let's get into it!
Quick verdict: the best British schools in Cyprus at a glance
Every city has a unique set of private educational providers to choose from. Whilst the capital of Cyprus Nicosia boasts elite educational establishments, such as Grammar School, with its emerging private international schools Limassol is becoming a strong contender. Its Heritage School is a rising star of well-rounded classic education, whilst Silverline offers excellent early-years programme.
Paphos leads the way with a strong international presence, with its ISOP being one of the island's few to offer boarding facilities to foreign students. In turn, Aspire school delivers a unique personalized approach to every student. In the meantime, Larnaca continues to provide academic excellence with its renowned American Academy.
Comparison table of top British schools in Cyprus:
How we ranked the schools: our methodology
Accreditation and official recognition
The first step in the school selection process, is, of course, checking their accreditations. All schools in this guide are nationally licensed by the Cyprus Ministry of Education. In addition, in Cyprus countries like the UK and US also have a strong influence on private schools' curriculum. In fact, the best British international schools in Cyprus offer Cambridge IGCSE and/or Edexcel IGCSE, as well as A-Level programmes. On top of that, American Academy and Pascal English schools are also offering a full IB Diploma for sixth form students.
Academic results and university destinations
One of the best criteria of education quality and school’s success is, of course, the academic results of its students. All the private schools on our list consistently demonstrate top results in nationwide competitions and Olympiads. In addition, all of these schools have strong alumni ties with top tier international universities, including UK’s Russell Group universities and Ivy-League universities in the US.
Facilities, extracurriculars and student well-being
We understand that choosing a school is not just about education — it's also about selecting a healthy, nurturing and resourceful environment for your kids’ development. We picked the best British schools with top facilities: spacious classrooms, well-equipped studios and labs and multiple options for extracurricular activities. All the schools on our list have extensive indoor and outdoor sports facilities to ensure adequate physical activity and a balanced school life. Most schools also feature purpose-built campuses that support students’ learning and wellbeing.
The top 7 British schools in Cyprus: detailed reviews
The Heritage private school in Limassol: the best overall
Established in 1987, the Heritage private school is considered one of the island's top tier schools. With its well-rounded curriculum and international focus, the school attracts both Cypriot students as well as expats. Currently, there are approximately 1,200 students from more than 40 countries, including Cyprus, UK and Russia, just to name a few. With the school’s motto: «We learn not for school, but for life», Heritage focuses on preparing confident, inquiring and responsible global citizens.
Curriculum
The school follows a predominantly British curriculum and focuses on providing internationally-recognised education. During primary years it follows the English National curriculum, then moving onto IGCSEs certification from Cambridge and Edexcel in secondary school. During the sixth form the students gain access to an International A-Level programme, which serves as a perfect stepping stone for gaining access to the world's top universities.
In addition, there are plenty of extracurricular activities to choose from: IT and Tech, arts, music, sports and drama.
Languages
Greek and English are the main languages of instruction. There is an option for additional languages: Spanish, French, Russian and Arabic.
Facilities
Located in the lush setting of Palodia, Heritage is one of the most scenic schools Limassol has to offer. Its purpose-built campus provides a perfect environment for education in a green natural setting. It features spacious state-of-the-art classrooms, extensive sportsgrounds, its own professional theatre, numerous studios for extracurricular activities and libraries.
With a track record of university admissions to some of the best UK, European, American and Canadian institutions, the Heritage School is highly coveted amongst parents. It provides a rigorous British-style education and a high-achieving environment, which fosters academic excellence.
The Grammar school (Nicosia): best for academic excellence
The Grammar School is one of Cyprus’ oldest and best international schools. Over the decades Grammar School has earned a reputation of one of the most prestigious Cypriot private schools with its students continuously achieving highest scores on national and international levels.
The school's elite academic status is supported by a stringent admission process, based on entrance exams. In fact, there is a plethora of private tutors who focus exclusively on preparation for the Grammar School entrance exams.
The school ethos focuses on fostering academic ambition coupled with responsibility and discipline.
Curriculum
Whilst the Grammar School's curriculum is primarily based on the Greek Apolytirion programme, it also puts a strong emphasis on preparing students for IGCSEs and A-Levels.
There's also a strong emphasis on competitive sports, such as football and rugby.
Important distinction
The Grammar School provides secondary education (Lyceum and Gymnasium). For primary education there is an affiliate Junior Grammar School in Pano Deftera.
Languages
The primary language of instruction is English, followed by Greek, which is taught as a first-language. This approach provides bilingual immersion.
French,German, Spanish, Italian, and, sometimes, Russian are also offered as secondary language options. In addition, the school offers compulsory Ancient Greek classes and optional Latin language studies at a senior level.
Facilities
Located in the green and prestigious Engomi area, the school has an excellent environment for academic excellence and extracurricular activities.
The campus features multiple science laboratories, designated classrooms for each subject, a comprehensive library and resource centre, art studios and club rooms and a theatre. The school also boasts extensive outdoor and indoor sports facilities: an indoor sports hall, outdoor swimming pool, as well as a tennis/basketball courts, a football/rugby pitch.
Grammar School's strong academic reputation and an extensive alumni network grants students access to the top UK and American universities, including Oxford and Ivy-League institutions. This makes it extremely popular amongst both Cypriot and expat families, including diplomats and ambassadors, based in Nicosia.
The International School of Paphos (ISOP): best for multicultural environment
ISOP is renowned for its international focus and a holistic, nurturing approach. It is also one of the few schools in Cyprus that offer boarding options, attracting many international students from Europe, Asia, Middle East. In fact, ISOP is a true melting pot of various cultures with 60% of its students coming from abroad.
ISOP focuses on diversity and holistic approach, fostering creativity, inquisitiveness and critical thinking in its students.
Curriculum
The primary school focuses on the English national curriculum, leading to IGCSE/GCSE examinations in secondary school. Whilst in sixth form it offers the option of A-Levels and the Cypriot Apolytirion.
Languages
English is the main language of instruction. Modern Greek is also included as the first or secondary language, depending on the students’ background. The school offers language support to foreign students whose native language isn't English or Greek. In addition, students must choose one of the following: French, Spanish, Italian, Russian or Mandarin Chinese.
Facilities
Located near picturesque village of Tala, only 20 minutes away from Paphos, the school sits on a standalone land plot. It features a state-of-the-art campus with well-equipped science laboratories, ICT suites, designated IB preparation centre, a theatre as well as arts and crafts studios.
The campus includes boarding houses with dormitory-style rooms.
There are extensive sports facilities, including a swimming pool, a grass pitch, an indoor sports hall, as well as tennis, basketball and volleyball courts.
ISOP offers the flexibility of multiple pre-university pathways. The school offers streamlined access to major local and international universities, including top Russell Group universities in the UK.
With its diverse multicultural environment and boarding facilities, ISOP has become the top choice not only for locals and expats, but also for overseas students, whose families don't reside in Cyprus.
Pascal English School (all cities): best network of schools
With campuses in Nicosia, Larnaca and Limassol, Pascal English School network delivers consistently high-quality education in a contemporary setting. The school network prides itself on delivering structured learning with a results-driven approach. It offers consistency across all its campuses and guarantees high academic results with invariably high exam success rate of its students.
Curriculum
It's primarily aligned with the British curriculum, focusing on preparation for the IGCSE/GCSE exams, followed by A-Levels. Alternatively, Pascal English School also offers an IB Diploma programme as well as Apolytirion.
Languages
The primary language of instruction is English, with Greek being taught as the first language for the Cypriot students. The students must also select one of modern European languages: French, Spanish, German or Italian. There is also an option of learning Ancient Greek or Latin as an elective discipline.
Facilities
Located in major Cypriot cities, Pascal Schools offer modern facilities across the whole network. Each school is equipped with science and language labs, IT suits, art studios, library/resource centres and theatre/auditorium. The schools also feature sports facilities featuring outdoor swimming pool, a grass pitch, indoor hall/gymnaseum and tennis/volleyball courts. Pascal English School network facilitates regular upgrades of their campuses, ensuring quality and consistency across all schools.
Thanks to A-Level excellence, Pascal English schools offer a guaranteed pathway to top-tier UK universities, especially for natural sciences and law degrees. Whilst the majority of its students, almost 80% are Cypriot, the percentage of foreign students is gradually on the rise, making it increasingly popular with expat families.
Silverline Private School (Limassol): best for early years education
Silverline prides itself on providing holistic, child-focused education. The school focuses on a well-rounded holistic development, fostering social, emotional, physical and creative skills. Silverline also boasts a close-knit community, and a family-oriented approach, encouraging parent involvement and initiatives.
Curriculum
Offering English Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), play-based and inquiry-based models, Silverline is perfect for early years education. The school provides a seamless transition from pre-school to Lyceum.
Secondary school prepares students for the UK pathway with IGCSE/GCSE exams and then A-Levels. For Greek speakers there's an Apolytirion pathway.
Languages
Silverline international school utilises a trilingual approach with English and Greek being primary languages. In addition, there's a choice of either French, German or Spanish as an additional language.
Facilities
Located in the central area of Trachoni, Silverline boasts a modern, purpose-built campus. The campus design is centred on a holistic approach, bringing all ages under one roof, which fosters a strong community feel and collaboration. State-of-the-art amenities include art, music and drama studios and spaces for athletics.
There’re also dedicated early-years education facilities with bright classrooms and interactive zones.
Overall, Silverline offers a nurturing and resourceful environment, fostering creativity, curiosity and innovation from a young age. Its strong university connections and personalised guidance make it a perfect stepping stone into some of the top UK, Cypriot and European institutions.
Aspire Private British School (Paphos) — strong focus on individual attention
Established in 2014, Aspire Private British School is a relatively «young» educational provider, offering an innovative and personalised approach to education. Its main advantage is small class sizes, ensuring a comfortable family-like atmosphere. In fact, the core school philosophy focuses on each student being known and his/her needs being recognised by all staff members. Aspire provides Individual learning plans (ILP), one-on-one mentorship and support, flexible grouping for certain classes/activities. The school also offers designated pastoral care, where each student has a designated teacher to oversee their emotional well-being.
Curriculum
The foundation years are focused on the English national curriculum, progressing to IGCSE/GCSE examinations in secondary school. Whilst in sixth form students get to choose 3—4 subjects A-Level subjects, ensuring an easy UK university pathway.
All extracurricular activities are also tailored to individual preferences and interests of each student.
Languages
English is a primary language of instruction, whilst Greek is also compulsory. Plus, a choice of either French or German is offered as an additional language in secondary school.
Facilities
Aspire features a modern purpose-built campus, located in Chloraka, just a few minutes drive from Paphos. It offers designated science labs, ICT suites, a library, spacious classrooms, art studios and a music room as well as drama/performance space. The sports facilities include: outdoor grass pitches and multi-use courts, an indoor sports hall and a designated early-years playground.
With strong connections with Russell Group universities as well as top local and European institutions, Aspire offers tailored guidance and university counselling and help with portfolio preparation. It is the best school for those who want to provide their children with a highly personalised and supportive environment every step of the way.
American Academy (Larnaca): a stepping stone to best UK universities
Established in 1908, American Academy is one of the island's oldest and well-established schools. Being amongst the top 3 best private schools in Cyprus, it is the epitome of elite education and academic excellence. Despite its name, it is not a strictly American international school. It offers equal direct pathways to top-tier British as well as US and Canadian universities. Its ethos is aimed at fostering well-rounded and principled individuals with strong leadership skills.
Curriculum
The American Academy school offers a dual curriculum, with a choice of Cyprus-focused Apolytirion program or preparation for the UK IGCSE/GCSE and A-Level (Edexcel/Pearson) examinations.
American Academy students excel in all core disciplines, especially STEM subjects, Economics and Humanities, showing consistently high nationwide competition scores.
Language
English is a primary instruction language. Modern and Ancient Greek are also compulsory subjects, as well as one of the European languages: French, German or Spanish. Latin is also offered as a core or elective subject.
Facilities
This American international school is situated in the heart of Larnaca in a historical setting that combines past legacy with modern amenities. The campus boasts state-of-the-art classrooms and science centre, computer and IT rooms, a dedicated language school and a large library. There are also extensive leisure and extracurricular areas. Sports facilities feature an Olympic-sized swimming pool, football, rugby and cricket pitches, indoor sports hall and a gym.
Today, more than a century after its conception, American Academy continues its legacy as Cyprus's premier international educational institution. With strong connections to top-tier UK universities, like Oxford and Cambridge, as well as Ivy-league US universities, it is a solid foundation for your child's future success.
British schools in Cyprus by city: A location-based guide
Schools in Nicosia
The Grammar School
Located in a central and affluent area of Engomi, Grammar school can be easily accessed from all parts of the capital. It is also served by an extensive bus network, including public and designated private school buses.
Pascal (Nicosia campus)
Situated on the outskirts of Nicosia, in Kaimakli, Pascal campus has good road connections to the city centre as well as Strovolos, Aglantzia and Latsia. The school network also operates a bus service, covering most areas of Nicosia.
American Academy (Nicosia campus)
With a campus in a suburban area of Latsia, American Academy is easily accessible by car via A2 motorway as well as private school buses, serving all of the capital's suburbs.
Schools in Limassol
The Heritage
Located in a secluded rural area of Palodia, the school is a 30 min drive away from Limassol centre and about 15 minutes away from Agios Tychonas, Germassogeia and Mesa Geitonia via highway.
Silverline
Centrally located in the area of Agios Athanasios the school can be easily accessed by car via road A1. The area is served by an extensive network of public buses in addition to a private school bus.
Pascal (Limassol campus)
Pascal school campus is situated in the heart of Limassol, in the urban area of Mesa Geitonia, making it easily accessible to those who live around the inner city area. Alternatively, an extensive bus network is also available.
Schools in Paphos
ISOP
The school is situated in a rural Anavargos area, east of Paphos. It is in close proximity to the beautiful village of Tala and around 25 min drive from Paphos centre.
Aspire
Conveniently positioned in the area of Chloraka, the school is in close proximity to both the city centre of manor surrounding villages.
Schools in Larnaca
American Academy
The school boasts prime central location in the heart of Larnaca, within walking distance from Finikoudes promenade.
Pascal (Larnaca Campus)
Located in a rural area of Arradippou Pascal campus is only 10—15 min drive away from central Larnaca. It is also well serviced by public and school buses.
Financial aspect: Cost of British education in Cyprus
Average tuition fees by school level
Don't forget the hidden costs
Registration and application fees
Application fees generally range from 100 to 350 euro. Whilst registration fees may vary from 1,500 to 4,000 euro, depending on the institution. Typically, elite private schools like Grammar School and American Academy tend to have higher fees.
Uniforms
Being an absolute private school prerequisite, the cost of a uniform often gets overlooked by parents when planning the budget. However, these costs can become a hefty addition. Depending on the institution, the average secondary school uniform can cost anywhere from 350 to 800 euro. Make sure to budget the additional 150—300 euro per year for item replacement/rotation. Also, footwear, including a pair of sports shoes, is often not included in the school’s uniform kit and can add up to an extra 80—150 euro per year.
Textbooks and supplies
Whilst some private schools might include at least a portion of textbook costs in their tuition fees, others would charge them separately and issue a textbook list at the beginning of the year. Typically, secondary school and sixth form have the most expensive book requirements due to preparation for the exams.
Below are approximate costs, only to be used as a guide:
- For primary school around 300 euro p/a.
- For secondary — 600—800 euro
- For sixth form — 800—1,200 euro for the first year of the programme.
Some schools might have agreements with bookshops on special bundle packages. Alternatively, to reduce costs, there is an option of purchasing some second-hand textbooks from other parents.
Exams
It is important to keep in mind that IGCSE/A-Level exams can cost around 150—250 euro p/subject.
School bus
Most large private schools organise their own designated bus services. These can cost from 1,200—2,000 euro p/a.
Lunches
Whilst each school might have its own arrangements — from pre-arranged meals (paid for in advance) to canteen choices (paid on the spot), it is important to factor in the average costs of school lunches. Typically, they can amount to 900—1,100 euro p/a.
Extracurriculars and trips
Most schools have a mandatory «development levy», covering extracurricular activities that are not included in the tuition fees. In addition, many prestigious private schools provide international trips in addition to local excursions. So, it is safe allocate around
1,500—2,500 euro p/a to cover these expenses.
Scholarships and financial aid
Whilst not extensively advertised, rare merit-based scholarships might be available for top-performing students upon request. However, the competition is extremely fierce and the chances of receiving such scholarships are rather low. In general, Cyprus private schools do not provide financial aid and rely on families to cover the costs.
The admission process: a step-by-step checklist
The admission process comprises 4 separate stages:
- Registration
- Entrance exams
- Interviews
- Decision-making (by school)
Whilst the admission dates may vary, depending on each school, the typical timeline for this process is as follows:
Sep—December — School open days
Early Jan — Registration deadline
Feb—March — Entrance examinations
April—May — Interviews
May—June — Offer letters
June—August — Final registrations
Required documents:
- Completed application/registration form.
- Copy of child’s birth certificate or passport.
- Copy of parents’/guardians’ ID/passport.
- Recent passport-sized photos of the child.
- Official school reports (for the previous 2-3 academic years).
- Certificate of good conduct/leaving certificate from the child's current school.
- Entrance examination results.
- For Secondary/Sixth form — official transcripts and certificates of IGCSE/GCSE exams or equivalent.
- Vaccination/medical records.
- Proof of address (utility bills, rental agreements).
For International/Non-Cypriot Applicants:
- Residency permit (if applicable)
- Official translation of all documents which are not in Greek or English
- Evidence of English Language Proficiency (if previous schooling was not in English)
Entrance exams and interview
For sixth form admissions, an entrance exam and an interview are a must for all British schools. In the meantime, for entrance to primary and secondary schools, some private institutions may opt for a less stringent assessment and an interview. Whilst other, more established or traditional private schools, such as Grammar School and American Academy, would conduct a more rigorous and highly competitive testing. Most of the time, these assessments focus on English and maths, and, occasionally, on Greek language. The interview questions are aimed at assessing the students’ academic focus, communication skills, self-reflection as well as future goals and aspirations. For primary schools entry, the approach is usually less formal, comprising an observation and a play-based assessment.
Common mistakes when choosing a school and how to avoid them
Mistake 1.Focusing only on ranking
When choosing a private school, some parents base their decision exclusively on its ranking, rather than ethos, education approach or internal atmosphere. This can lead to disappointment. Whilst a particular school might be in the top 3 best international educational institutions, it might not serve your child's needs or uncover their full potential. Most higher ranking private schools offer a rigorous education in a highly competitive environment. Some children might find it too stressful and unsustainable for them in the long-term. Apart from rankings, it's a good idea to check the school's website and research about their ethos, culture and approach to education and children's wellbeing and compare them with your child's needs.
Mistake 2.Underestimating the commute
Sometimes when parents visit the school for open days, they might feel that it's not «too far» and the trip «isn't too bad». It's important, however, to remember that a daily school commute is a long-term commitment rather than a one-off journey. Before finalising your decision, think about how your child would commute to school — would you drive them, or, would the school bus be available? Also, consider how long the journey would take, the traffic conditions and how it would affect your schedule. Finding a private school near you is always a better choice, as it saves you time, money, and ultimately, saves you and your child from stress.
Mistake 3.Ignoring the school’s culture
Alignment with the private school's culture and values is essential for a positive learning outcome. For example, if you want a rigorous education rooted in strict discipline and organised structured learning, you might not like a more holistic contemporary approach. And, vice versa, if you believe your child needs more freedom, flexibility and personalised care, then schools with stringent curriculum and highly competitive atmosphere would not be a good choice. Always research the school's ethos and culture and compare it to your own expectations and your child’s needs to avoid future disappointment.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How much do schools in Cyprus cost in total?
The private school tuition typically starts from 7,500 to 12,500 euro p/a. Additional costs, including exams, registration fees and extracurriculars might add up to 1,500—5,000 euro p/a, depending on the level of institution. So, the total costs can range from 9,350 to 16,350 p/a on average.
Is the quality of education in Cyprus comparable to the UK?
Most private schools in Cyprus deliver a high educational standard. However, a more accurate comparison depends on each school. For example, historically established schools such as Grammar School and American Academy have a rigorous education approach which is deeply rooted in the UK's academic traditions.
What's the main language of instruction in these schools?
All of these schools use English as a primary language of instruction. Whilst Greek is being taught as a compulsory second language for foreign students and as a first language for Cypriot students.
Do schools help with student visas and residence permits?
Whilst most schools do not typically handle the entire immigration process, they would issue the «letter of admission» which is a prerequisite for obtaining a student visa. Some boarding schools, like ISOP in Paphos, might provide more extensive visa assistance and guidance.
Investing in your child's global future
It's not a secret that early school years form the foundation of a child’s future success. The private schools make sure this foundation is solid by offering the best quality education, excellent leisure and sports facilities, international exposure and language skills. But, the icing on the cake is a direct pathway to the top-tier international universities and a strong alumni network which will benefit your children and boost their careers for years to come. So, if you are still undecided, it's not too late to explore the unique environment of an island private school today.
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