**Retirement Age Forces 310 Teachers Off Cyprus Appointment List**
*Cyprus, September 4, 2026* – The Educational Service Commission (EEY) of Cyprus has reported that a total of 310 teaching candidates have been removed from the public school appointment list due to reaching the retirement age. This decision has sparked discussions regarding the teacher appointment system in the country.
According to the EEY, the retirement age is set at 65 for secondary education teachers and 62 for primary education teachers. Over the past three years, the commission has seen a significant number of candidates struck off the list, with 279 from the secondary education category and 31 from primary education. These figures highlight the ongoing challenges faced by the education sector in Cyprus, particularly in relation to staffing and the appointment process for teachers.
Interestingly, some of the candidates who have been removed from the list submitted their degrees as far back as 1983, indicating that they have been waiting for a teaching position for as long as 43 years. This raises concerns about the efficiency and effectiveness of the current appointment system, which has been a topic of debate among educators and stakeholders.
The EEY's data also reveals that each year, as candidates reach the retirement age, the commission assesses how many have never received an appointment. Many candidates nearing the age limit tend to accept a posting if they have even one year of service remaining. However, others, often those who have found alternative employment, may decline an appointment in their final years before retirement. The decision to accept or decline an appointment ultimately depends on individual circumstances.
In a recent interview on ANT1’s midday programme “Mera Mesimeri,” EEY president Panayiotis Antoniou discussed the current staffing levels in schools as the new academic year approaches. He noted that the remaining vacancies are largely due to teachers declining appointments. As of the latest report, 40 teachers had turned down offers, with only one case involving candidates from the immediate-appointment list. The majority of the declines were from candidates on the general appointment list.
“It’s logical,” Antoniou stated, explaining that after waiting for so many years, many candidates have likely found employment in other sectors. This situation highlights the need for a more streamlined and responsive appointment system that can better meet the needs of both educators and the educational institutions.
Antoniou also addressed concerns regarding school leadership, which is an annual issue raised by teaching unions. He pointed out that the most significant shortfall exists in pre-primary education, where many kindergartens are managed by officers-in-charge rather than appointed principals.
In light of the ongoing discussions about the appointment system, Antoniou expressed his personal view that introducing an examination to rank candidates by score could be beneficial. He suggested that such a system could be followed by a preparatory program before candidates enter the classroom, potentially improving the quality of education in Cyprus.
As the new school year approaches, the EEY is prepared to fill any vacancies that arise, ensuring that schools are adequately staffed to meet the educational needs of students. The removal of the 310 teachers from the appointment list serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the education sector and the need for ongoing reforms to address these issues.
The conversation surrounding teacher appointments in Cyprus reflects broader concerns about workforce management in education and the importance of creating an efficient system that supports both teachers and students. As the situation evolves, stakeholders will be closely monitoring developments to ensure that the educational landscape in Cyprus remains robust and responsive to the needs of the community.