Nicosia, Cyprus. The high school parents’ union has raised complaints alleging misuse of exam accommodations in the Pancyprian entrance examinations, saying some students may have used disputed medical certificates to obtain additional time in written exams. The education ministry said it has not received any official complaint on the matter.
Union complaints
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the union said it had received reports suggesting that senior students were securing an extra half hour in examinations through disputed documentation.
The organisation’s president, Loizos Konstantinou, said the issue concerns “the presentation of false certificates regarding learning difficulties by senior students, so that they have an extra half hour during the written exam”.
He said the complaints were made by parents and relate to two schools in Paphos. He also said the number of students requesting exam facilitations has increased by around 100 compared with five years ago.
Request for clarification
The organisation said it had contacted the education ministry seeking clarification but had not yet received a response.
Ministry response
The education ministry said it has not received any official complaint regarding the allegations, but confirmed that accommodations are granted through a special committee established under legislation governing the Pancyprian entrance examinations system.
It said the purpose of the framework is to ensure fairness and equal access for candidates with documented needs.
Officials said accommodations are intended for students with verified educational or health requirements, describing them as “an important institutionalised process which ensures the equal participation of candidates with documented educational or other needs”.
The ministry added that the system is based on equal treatment and merit.
Current examination process
For this year’s examinations, the ministry said additional time was approved for candidates following assessment by district special education committees and, in a small number of cases, following review of medical documentation for students with serious health conditions.
