Boarding school for children in Cyprus: combining business with pleasure

Have you already thought about your child’s future and would like them to study abroad, but you’re unable to live in Cyprus or another country on a permanent basis yourself? Of course, you could send your child to a private boarding school in England, but can Cyprus and the UK really be compared in terms of climate?

A boarding school in Cyprus is the ideal solution for those who want their child to grow up in a European country with a wonderful climate and a high-quality education. In this case, you have the option of choosing between a Russian boarding school or an English one, depending on where your child will be continuing their education.

Advantages of a boarding school in Cyprus

Almost all schools offer a boarding programme. This system is available at the English schools Heritage, Grammar School and the American Academy, as well as the Russian schools L.I.T.C. and ‘Pythagoras’ Pupils’ in Limassol.

The advantages of attending a boarding school in Cyprus include: an education and social life in a European environment, the study of English and Greek, integration into European culture, access to enriching leisure activities, the opportunity to gain further education, excursion and wellness programmes for children on the Mediterranean coast, and a high level of safety.

Upon completion of their studies at English-speaking schools, pupils receive a state certificate from the Republic of Cyprus, a GCSE certificate (the English equivalent of the certificate required for admission to European universities and colleges), a TOEFL or IELTS certificate confirming their level of English, and an A-level certificate confirming their pre-university level in their chosen subjects.

Upon graduation from a Russian school, pupils are awarded a state certificate from the Republic of Cyprus and, if they have sat the Unified State Examination (EGE) at the Russian Embassy, a Russian certificate of secondary education. Teaching in Russian schools is carried out in accordance with the Russian general education curriculum, with additional study of English and Greek. Boarding schools in Cyprus help pupils decide on their choice of university and specialisation; furthermore, having studied in a European country, pupils have a better chance of gaining entry to leading universities worldwide or continuing their studies in Cyprus.

Education and Leisure

Lessons in English-medium schools are taught in English from Year 1 onwards, whilst in Russian-medium schools they are taught in Russian. Only Greek is taught in Greek in both types of school. International pupils are admitted to schools throughout the year; however, when applying, it is essential to check availability in advance, as some schools may not have places available, and enrolment is usually arranged 2–3 years in advance. Admission is based on previous academic performance or a Skype interview.

Children living in boarding schools may be accommodated in hotel apartments or on the school premises (depending on the school). These are usually 2- or 3-bed rooms with all mod cons. Children are provided with 4–5 meals a day. At weekends, pupils eat in their accommodation or out and about, depending on the excursion or leisure programme.

All school complexes have internet access, and children can easily communicate with their parents via Skype. If staying in hotel apartments, children are transported to and from school by the school bus, and are accompanied around the clock by a teacher, a medical professional and support staff. You therefore need not worry about your child’s safety.

In their free time, pupils take part in sports and develop their skills. To this end, the schools organise a range of extra-curricular activities, interest groups and sports clubs. Each pupil is invited to choose their own activities: water polo, diving, chess, learning the basics of entrepreneurship, creative pursuits in a drama or music club, photography lessons, and so on. Each school decides independently on the range of clubs and societies it offers, but sports activities are included in the curriculum of all schools. Throughout the academic year, educational and recreational trips and excursions are organised for pupils, and participation in these is compulsory.

Tuition fees

The cost of a boarding school in Cyprus varies depending on the school, but averages between 20,000 and 25,000 euros per year. As a rule, the fee includes tuition, a school uniform, textbooks and stationery, excursions and leisure activities, sports events, clubs, transport to and from school, accident insurance, accommodation, meals (full board), room cleaning and laundry services.

You will also need to pay for: airfares, accommodation and meals at the school during the Christmas holidays, Easter, July and August, external examination fees, and entertainment costs. Of course, these additional costs are entirely at your discretion.

If you do not wish to send your child to a boarding school for the whole year, you can opt for a one-month stay or a term-long course. Furthermore, another advantage for parents is that Cyprus is a visa-free country, so you can come and visit your child whenever you need to.

Each school runs a summer camp, so between June and August you can take part in a summer school programme. The summer camp programme includes English lessons, sports and leisure activities, and a programme of excursions. Programmes last from 2 to 4 weeks, and their cost ranges from €600 for 2 weeks to €2,500 for 4 weeks, depending on the school.

So, by choosing Cyprus for your children’s boarding school education, you gain a number of benefits: a high level of safety, a favourable climate, no visa issues, a welcoming attitude from the local people, the development of sporting skills and intellectual interests, and the opportunity to visit your child as often as you like. So rest assured, choosing Cyprus will be the perfect decision!