The new primary school year began on Monday for 51,590 students and 5,044 teachers in 329 public schools.

A total of 274 nursery schools also opened their doors across Cyprus for 13,117 toddlers and preschoolers and 1,033 teachers.

Nine special schools and 145 special units will also be operating this year.

Schools opened for Greek Cypriots in the north as well, with the Rizokarpaso primary and nursery schools welcoming 18 and 11 children, respectively.

Education Minister Athena Michaelidou visited schools in the remote village of Pyrgos Tyllirias in the Nicosia district on Monday, saying that the aim of her ministry was for all children to be able to take exams and have a future in high school.

Michaelidou pledged to support Pyrgos Tyllirias in the education sector, adding that the views of the community and its people would be taken into account.

She said efforts were being made to facilitate teaching and learning and that all children would have equal access to education and opportunities.