The implementation phase of the education reform Cyprus framework has officially begun, with the Education Minister warning that failure to apply the newly approved legislation would be illegal.
Speaking on the television programme Πρωτοσέλιδο, Education Minister Athina Michaelidou expressed satisfaction over the passage of the education reform bill, describing it as an expected development following a long and systematic process of dialogue.
She said the government had anticipated the outcome, confident that MPs would adopt a responsible stance and approve the legislation- a confidence that was ultimately confirmed in parliament.
A modern framework after 50 years
Ms Michaelidou stressed that work on implementing the reform begins immediately, describing the education reform Cyprus initiative as a plan that brings the island’s education system closer to modern standards for the first time in five decades.
According to the minister, the reform establishes, for the first time in 50 years, a comprehensive framework to support public education, aiming to strengthen and improve quality for both teachers and, above all, pupils.
Teachers’ reactions and parliamentary process
Addressing reactions from teachers’ organisations- particularly POED- the minister said that for approximately 15 months all democratic procedures were followed, including extensive dialogue and a clearly defined timetable, leading up to the submission of the bill to parliament in May.
She thanked MPs of the House Education Committee for the discussions that preceded the vote, noting that arguments from all sides were heard before final decisions were taken.
Ms Michaelidou emphasised that the fact not all positions of the ministry or stakeholders were adopted cannot justify rejection of the overall result, pointing out that this is common practice in legislative processes. She acknowledged that the ministry itself would have preferred some provisions to be different, but stressed the need to move beyond individual disagreements and evaluate the education reform framework in Cyprus as a whole.
Evaluation, transition period and training
Special reference was made to the provision granting school principals a 15% role in teacher evaluations. The minister said that if this issue is the main source of tension, it will ultimately be judged by society.
She confirmed that the ministry remains open to dialogue and that intensive work will begin immediately after the holidays, noting that the transition period has been reduced from five to three years. This, she said, necessitates the rapid completion of several regulatory provisions.
Explaining the transition period, Ms Michaelidou said it serves two purposes: the gradual implementation of the new framework and its continuous evaluation. Specific actions are planned for each year, with immediate priority given to completing service schemes — including those for senior educators — and finalising evaluation criteria through the institutionalised Monitoring Committee, which includes teacher representatives.
Relevant texts must be submitted to parliament within two months, a timeline the minister said does not concern the ministry, as it accelerates necessary procedures.
She also highlighted the institutionalisation of teacher training for the first time, noting that until now participation had been optional. At the same time, she referred to the role of the Evaluation Committee, which will monitor implementation step by step and intervene where adjustments or corrections are required.
Warning over non-implementation
The minister underlined that the new framework makes schools more democratic and pedagogically focused, strengthening openness and cooperation. Teachers, she said, will no longer be isolated in their classrooms or dependent solely on an inspector, but will work in continuous collaboration with principals and colleagues through formative, day-to-day evaluation.
Referring to statements by the president of POED suggesting that the legislation might not be implemented, Ms Michaelidou expressed concern, stressing that such an action would be illegal.
Despite ongoing tensions, she said she remains optimistic that if the genuine objective is to support public education, this can only be achieved through dialogue and consensus, as is the case in all democratic states.
Concluding, the minister said that while the legislation may not be perfect, it must be applied and improved systematically, step by step. The Ministry of Education, she added, remains available to teachers’ organisations, which have a substantive and institutional role in the new committees being formed.
On a personal note, she expressed hope that the spirit of Christmas would help ease tensions and create conditions for positive — rather than negative — developments in the education sector.
Also read: Cyprus launches 2026 EU Presidency education agenda
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