Compare SEN / Special Education International Schools in Nicosia, Cyprus

Located in Strovolos, Nicosia, Cyprus. The English School sits on a 10-acre landscaped campus in the Strovolos area of the capital. The address is 0 Presidential Palace Road and Kyriacou Matsi, Strovolos 1082 Nicosia, Cyprus.

Primary and secondary education. The school broadly follows the British national curriculum, with I/GCSEs at the end of Year 5 and A levels at the end of Year 7. It operates a thirteen-year primary and secondary program.

Independent private day school

The English School is dedicated to inclusion and provides support for students with Special Educational Needs (SEN).

Cyprus; curriculum based on the United Kingdom national curriculum.

07:30–14:30, Monday–Friday.

The English School uses Summer and Winter Uniforms with periods announced by the School according to weather conditions. All uniform items are badged with The English School colours and logos, and items from the official supplier are required; shoes or trainers must meet the School's specifications.

Deliyard is the School Canteen, offering fresh, nutritious meals with a variety of options to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Vegetarian and allergy-friendly options are available, and meals can be ordered online.

The School has a House system that organizes both competitive and non-competitive sporting activities to engage pupils of all abilities.

The English School is governed by The Board of Management, which is appointed by the Council of Ministers of the Government of Cyprus.

The curriculum is based on the English National Curriculum. Years 1–3 provide a broad foundation across English, Greek/Turkish, Mathematics, Sciences, Humanities, ICT, Drama, Art, Music, a Modern European Language, PSHCE, and weekly Games. Years 4–5 begin the IGCSE programme with English Language and Literature, Mathematics and Greek/Turkish as core subjects, plus five additional subjects chosen from Humanities and Science, with at least one from Humanities and Science. Years 6–7 follow A-level programmes; most students take four IAS subjects in Year 6 and three or four A-levels in Year 7, with PSHCE continuing and an updated focus on Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) in line with Cyprus law. The Teaching and Learning Community (TLC) supports teaching and learning through staff development and collaboration. The school is inclusive of students with Special Educational Needs and those identified as gifted and talented.

Average class sizes vary by year and subject. In Year 4, English Language and Literature averaged 23, Mathematics 26, Greek 21, Turkish 17, and Physical Education 17; in Year 7, PSHCE averaged 18.

The school is an approved exam centre for Pearson/Edexcel, AQA and Cambridge International examinations. Exam statistics are published for A-Level, AS-Level and IGCSE. In 2024, students earned Pearson Learner Awards across 19 categories, including top honours in Cyprus and globally. Historical results include 95% of A-Level grades being A-C in 2019, 91% of IGCSE grades being A-C in 2019, 89% of IAL grades being A-C in 2024, and about 80% of graduates headed to Russell Group universities.

Year 7 receives the Apolytirion certificate; approximately 70% of students receive at least one university offer that includes the Apolytirion. The Careers and Higher Education Department provides impartial guidance and experiences to support university applications, including psychometric testing, university course search workshops, internships, and an Internship Support Programme. About 80% of graduates head to Russell Group universities.

The English School is committed to supporting all learners, including those identified as gifted and talented. The Maths Enrichment Programme supports high-achieving students with national and European competitions and the Mathletes Club, which won 33 national awards in 2023–2024. A Sports Programme for elite athletes launched in 2025, and a Super-Curricular Programme encourages engagement with university lectures, competitions, and other advanced study beyond the standard curriculum.

The school delivers social, emotional, and wellbeing education through the PSHCE programme. The PSHCE programme promotes wellbeing through practical tools and techniques for daily life. A full wellbeing support network is available within the pastoral system, including Form Tutors, Heads of Year, a professional Counsellor, and a School Nurse, with access to outside professionals when needed. The School Counselling Service offers Drop-In sessions and scheduled appointments, with confidentiality and referrals through form tutors, subject teachers, Heads of Department, or Heads of Year. The aim is to develop resilience, self-awareness, and healthy relationships across the whole school community.

The English School is dedicated to supporting all learners, including students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and those identified as gifted and talented. The inclusion process is coordinated by the Assistant Head in charge of Exams and Inclusion, Ms. Maria Rousou. When a student requires SEN support, relevant information and a Specialist's Report are reviewed, and the Inclusion Team coordinates involvement from Subject Teachers, Form Tutor, Heads of Year, Counsellor, Nurse, Exams Office, and Careers Office to ensure needs are met. SEND provisions are delivered by both specialist staff and mainstream teachers. Parents are invited to discuss needs and start the inclusion process.

Most pupils speak English as an additional language (EAL). The language of instruction is English for all lessons, with Greek and Turkish taught as modern languages. The curriculum is based on the English National Curriculum, aligning with a UK educational framework. A significant EAL population is noted among the pupil body.

Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing are addressed through a formal policy and the PSHCE programme, which promotes wellbeing through practical tools and techniques. The wellbeing support network includes Form Tutors, Heads of Year, Assistant Heads, the School Nurse, and a professional Counsellor; outside professionals can be connected when needed. The School Counselling Service offers drop-in and scheduled sessions with confidentiality, and staff can refer students for counselling; parental involvement is possible with consent for students under 18. If longer-term or specialist care is needed, the Counsellor guides families to external resources. The aim is to nurture resilience, self-awareness, and emotional wellbeing in every member of the school community.

The safeguarding policy is a cornerstone of the safe learning environment and is regularly reviewed and updated to align with the latest best practices and legal standards. The school invites all community members—parents, staff, and students—to familiarise themselves with the policy. The Safeguarding Team includes a Designated Safeguarding Lead (Ms. Elena Ignatiou), a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (Dr. Eva Polyviou), and a Counsellor (Ms. Maria Papachristodoulou), with contact details provided on the safeguarding resources. Safeguarding Leaflets are available in English, Greek, and Turkish for visitors. The policy outlines clear guidelines and procedures to protect students from harm and to maintain a safe school environment.

1. Entry into Year 1: Students who have completed their primary education may sit The English School Entrance Examination for Entry into Year 1. The exam tests Mathematics and English/Greek/Turkish, plus Non-Verbal Reasoning, with language placement considerations based on paper-based assessments. 2. How to apply for Year 1: Applications can be submitted online from 20 January to 14 February, and all required documentation must be sent by 14 February at 2:00 PM. 3. Year 1 entrance exams and key dates: Registrations open 8 January; Special Access Arrangement deadline 26 January; registrations close 2 February; Entrance Exam begins 7 February; results released 9 February; Orientation Evening 11 February; Sports programme 16–17 February; successful candidates notified 19 February; registrations close 25–27 February; a diagnostic English/Greek exam occurs on 18 March. 4. Additional language diagnostics: Greek and Turkish paper candidates take an English diagnostic test if extra English help is needed, while English-paper candidates take a Greek diagnostic test to determine language placement. 5. Open Day and visits: An Open Day occurs in October; personalised tours are offered November to January; admissions staff can arrange visits and answer questions. 6. Mid-programme entry (Year 2, 3, 4, 6): Mid-programme entry exams take place in late May or as scheduled; candidates are assessed in English, Mathematics, and Non-Verbal Reasoning and may attend a short interview with senior leaders; entry is subject to space and performance in the exam. 7. Registration and outcomes for mid-programme entries: All candidates must register to sit the Mid-Programme Entrance Exam and upload required documents; results and offers are communicated by email, with instructions to accept or decline. 8. Entry into Year 6 (A Level): Admission is based on academic achievement, subject suitability, and space within A Level subject blocks; applications for 2026–2027 are highly competitive with very few spots available. 9.

The English School offers scholarships to entrants based on Entrance Examination performance: First Place receives 100% of Year 1 tuition fees; Second Place and Third Place each receive 50% of Year 1 tuition fees. No application is required for these scholarships; all candidates taking the Entrance Examinations are automatically considered. In addition, the Dr. Andreas Mavrides Distinguished Achievement Scholarship provides €5,000 annually towards tuition fees (renewable each year) and is awarded to a Year 2 student who demonstrates academic excellence and leadership; there is no separate application process. The Petros Markou Scholarship provides a 7-year bursary (no application process) to support students. Financial Aid offers bursaries for families facing economic hardship and requires an application form. These scholarships and financial aid options are detailed on the School Fees, Scholarships & Financial Aid page, including contact information for the finance team for assistance.

The Junior School is at Kyriakou Matsi Avenue, Ayioi Omoloyites, Nicosia (PO Box 23903, 1687 Nicosia, Cyprus). The Senior School is at 2 Romanou Street, Latsia, Nicosia (PO Box 25445, 2237 Nicosia, Cyprus). The two campuses are in the Nicosia area of Cyprus. A door-to-door bus service is provided by Hadjilykos & Sons Limited, with a Senior School shuttle service also available for students.

Junior School for ages 3 to 12, following the National Curriculum for England for the Early Years Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1 and 2. Senior School for Key Stages 3 to 5, following the English National Curriculum; students are prepared for IGCSE and A Level examinations as well as the Apolytirion.

Private, not-for-profit school.

The Junior and Senior School provide SEN and Inclusion support for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEN/SEND) or English as an Additional Language (EAL). A SEN Coordinator is based at the Junior School and an Inclusions Manager at the Senior School, supported by Learning Support Assistants and liaison with external agencies. Admissions consider individual needs and provide appropriate adjustments in line with Cyprus and UK legislation.

Cyprus

Door-to-door bus service provided by Hadjilykos & Sons Limited; Senior School shuttle bus service also available. Bus information for 2025-26 and related booking forms are provided to applicants.

Uniform is required at The Junior & Senior School for both campuses. The Junior School uniform includes summer and winter options with grey/black bottoms and white polo shirts or dark green tops bearing the school logo, plus a P.E. kit; the Senior School uniform requires charcoal grey trousers/shorts for boys and skirts/trousers for girls, with a white polo shirt or formal shirt and the school logo; leadership roles may require a school blazer, and a Senior School blazer with white shirt and tie is not compulsory but may be required for special occasions.

Fresh, healthy food is available daily from the school canteens, with options including sandwiches and bakes, salads and sushi, pots with tops, savoury snacks, soups, and fresh fruit smoothies. The Kanpla app is used for ordering; EY–Year 1 orders are delivered to the classroom, while Years 2–13 orders are ready for pickup; pre-orders can be placed up to seven weeks in advance; allergy warnings can be added to accounts.

The House System has four houses: Christodoulides (green), Gayford (yellow), Kenny (blue), and Stone (red). The system fosters individual strengths within a group and coordinates House sporting and charity events, encouraging leadership and cross-age collaboration.

The Junior & Senior School is a not-for-profit organisation, run by a board of parent governors who are elected by parents.

The Junior School follows the National Curriculum for England for the Early Years Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1 and 2, for children aged 3 to 12. The Senior School continues with a programme based on the English National Curriculum for Key Stages 3, 4 and 5, and prepares students for IGCSE and A Level examinations as well as the Apolytirion. The Junior & Senior School is an IB World School authorised to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme from September 2025. The Senior School Sports School was introduced in 2022, offering a curriculum that combines fitness and sports skills with academics and pastoral care in Cyprus. The school is a Microsoft Showcase School since 2018, and staff use technology in the classroom to differentiate lessons. The school provides an all-through education from ages 3 to 19.

The school's students thrive in international as well as national examinations and competitions, achieving excellent results and receiving prestigious awards, enabling entrance to highly ranked universities and competitive courses across the UK, Europe and North America.

Leavers move on to universities around the world, including the United Kingdom, Europe and North America.

Pastoral care is central to The Junior and Senior School, emphasising relationships, well-being and personal, spiritual and moral development. In the Junior School, class teachers are supported by classroom assistants and Year Leaders who monitor each child's progress and wellbeing. In the Senior School, a Head of Year 7 ensures a smooth transition to secondary education, with Heads of Year, Form Tutors and the School Counsellor providing ongoing support through Year 13. The pastoral team works to ensure every student achieves their full potential in a safe and nurturing environment. The school also emphasises a community ethos through its house system, wide range of activities and commitment to safeguarding and wellbeing.

The Junior and Senior School is an equal opportunities establishment welcoming pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities or English as an Additional Language. The Junior School has a Special Educational Needs Coordinator and the Senior School has an Inclusions Manager who oversee Learning Support Assistants, liaise with external agencies and provide support, advice and in-house training to staff. Admission information requests and the assessment process include provision to accommodate SEN or EAL and to ensure appropriate educational opportunities. Provision for SEN(D) and EAL aligns with Cyprus and UK legislation.

Children with English as an Additional Language are welcomed. Booster sessions in English are provided as part of induction for pupils with prior EAL needs. The school maintains dedicated SEN and Inclusions departments to support EAL and other needs and to ensure inclusive learning, in line with Cyprus and UK frameworks.

The Junior and Senior School is committed to promoting mental health and wellbeing for the whole school community. Counselling services are provided by two licensed school psychologists on both sites, and there are School Counsellor Guidelines. A Mental Health and Wellbeing policy and related policies (including Anti-Bullying, Self-Harm, Suicide prevention and others) guide practice and safeguarding of students.

The school has safeguarding arrangements with a defined safeguarding framework, including a Deputy Headteacher Pastoral and Designated Safeguarding Lead and a dedicated safeguarding team, plus a School Counsellor to support pupils. The Pastoral Care page details the safeguarding leads and safeguarding team responsible for keeping students safe in a nurturing environment.

1. Entry points and eligibility: The Junior & Senior School accepts applications for all year groups at any time of the year. Entry points by age (as of 1 September) are Early Years 2 (3 years old), Early Years 3 (4 years old), Reception (5 years old), Year 1 (6 years old), and Year 7 (11/12 years old). Deviation from these groups is considered only when transferring from another education system to ensure continuity or for particular academic reasons; written permission from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports may be required for placements outside the official guidelines. Applications may be accepted for entry at non-standard points depending on availability and the year-group admission criteria. 2. Application process: The school admits 96 children in each year group with four form groups of maximum 24; Early Years 2 has two form groups of maximum 20 and Early Years 3 has three form groups of maximum 24. Applicants must complete and return the application form with the relevant documentation and the non-refundable registration fee. Due to high demand, early submission is advisable, and families with siblings should apply by June 30th of the preceding academic year (for Early Years and Reception). In Year 7, external candidates should submit their applications at least one week before the entrance examination. 3. Assessment criteria: Early Years 2, 3 and Reception are assessed via an Autumn-term interview with an Early Years staff member, plus activities to profile attainment and aptitude, and a school report from the current school; a selection committee determines offers. Years 1–6 involve individual assessments including an interview and tests in English, Mathematics and non-verbal reasoning, plus a school report and reference. Year 7 external candidates take a computer-based entrance examination (usually held towards the end of March) comprising English Literacy, Quantitative Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning; the examination lasts about two hours. 4. Offers, acceptance, and terms: Offers are made in writing; the school is not obliged to state reasons for rejection or disclose examination marks. Acceptance must be confirmed within two weeks; if fees are not paid by the deadline, the offer may be withdrawn and reoffered to another applicant from the waiting list. The acceptance deposit is non-refundable; deferrals require a written request at least one month before the Autumn term. The school welcomes overseas applicants; submission of an up-to-date school report electronically is advised, with remaining documents provided upon arrival; additional assessments may be required for transfers from non-British systems. Oversubscription leads to a waiting list in order of application date, with priority given to siblings already at the School and other criteria considered as part of the assessment process. The School reserves a place for children of overseas embassy staff until May 1st of the preceding academic year if not claimed earlier. The School is inclusive of Children with Special Educational Needs/English as an Additional Language, with appropriate provisions and accommodations arranged as needed; all SEN/EAL/medical needs must be disclosed on the application form. 5. Additional notes: Applicants' SEN/EAL/medical needs must be disclosed; the School may request resources to meet needs, and if information is not disclosed and later discovered, the School may request withdrawal. Contact the Registrar for further details.

Scholarships are discretionary and awarded to high achieving students as they join the Senior School in Year 7 or later; the programme recognises excellence in music, arts, sport and other extracurricular activities and social engagement through the Sursum Corda for internal candidates, as well as academic excellence through scholarships for internal and external candidates based on ranking from exams. Bursaries are means-tested financial support for eligible families, available to existing students who meet the academic standards for entry and usually awarded for a short period.

If oversubscribed, a waiting list is used in order of date of application to allocate places. Priority is given to applicants with siblings already at the School, and this prioritisation takes into account the assessment status and other criteria. The School may reserve places for overseas embassy staff until May 1 of the preceding academic year if not claimed earlier.