First-generation migrant students outperform Cypriot peers in PISA results

Nicosia, Cyprus. First-generation migrant students outperformed Cypriot students in reading, mathematics and science across socioeconomic levels in the latest PISA survey, according to results presented by the education ministry on Friday.

Results by background

In reading comprehension, first-generation migrant students from higher socioeconomic backgrounds scored 486 points, compared with 424 for second-generation migrant students and 415 for Cypriot students.

Among students from poorer backgrounds, first-generation migrant students scored 369 points. Cypriot and second-generation migrant students each scored 367. First-generation migrant students also outperformed both groups in mathematics and science at every socioeconomic level.

Educational research centre head Yiasemina Karagiorgi said the findings challenged a common assumption in public debate. “Over time this impression prevails that our results are excellent and that immigrants are spoiling them when in fact it is quite the opposite,” she said.

Assessment participation and proficiency

The survey found that 24.9 per cent of students in Cyprus answered exercises in under ten seconds, the highest proportion among participating countries. Research centre officer Modestina Modestou said this suggested many students had not engaged seriously with the assessment. She also pointed to a high proportion of unanswered questions.

Modestou said 43.5 per cent of students in Cyprus scored below level two in all three subjects, compared with an EU average of 21.3 per cent and the European Commission’s 2030 target of 15 per cent. Just 0.7 per cent reached level five, the highest proficiency level, across all three subjects.