British, IB or American Curriculum: Choosing an International School in Cyprus

In Cyprus the choice is mostly between two routes: the British one, with IGCSEs at 16 and A levels at 18, which most international schools follow, and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, now taught at a growing number of schools in Nicosia, Larnaca and Limassol. A full American programme with a US high school diploma is rarer, and is offered by one school in the Republic.

Below we explain how each system works, which schools offer it (October 2026), and the Cyprus-specific points families often miss, such as the Apolytirion and Greek. For a school-by-school guide with fees, see our international schools in Cyprus guide.

How do the three curricula compare?

How does the British route work in Cyprus?

Most English-language private schools in Cyprus follow a British-style curriculum. Pupils take IGCSEs or GCSEs at around 15–16, often eight to ten subjects, then AS and A levels over the final two years, usually in three or four subjects. Cambridge International describes A levels as a two-year course for ages 16 to 19, accepted by all UK universities and many in the US.

Local schools often number their secondary years differently from England: a "Year 4" or "Class 4" in Cyprus may be the IGCSE year. Ask each school which year your child would join.

Schools in the Republic that teach this route include:

The English School is the most competitive: entry to its first year is by exam in Language, Maths and non-verbal reasoning, for about 160 places a year.

Which schools offer the IB?

The IB Diploma Programme (DP) asks pupils to take six subjects, three or four at Higher Level, plus Theory of Knowledge, an Extended Essay and CAS (creativity, activity, service). Each subject is marked out of 7 and the core adds up to 3 points, for a maximum of 45; a pupil needs at least 24 points, with minimum scores at Higher and Standard Level, to pass. Some schools also teach the IB's younger programmes, the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP).

These schools in the Republic of Cyprus are IB-authorised:

The Island Private School is the only school in Cyprus authorised for all four IB programmes, and Trinity teaches its MYP in English and Russian. PASCAL lets pupils choose between A levels and the IB for their final two years, which is useful if you are undecided. The list is growing quickly, so check the IB school finder for the latest.

Is there an American curriculum school?

The American International School in Cyprus (AISC) in Nicosia teaches an American programme from KG3 to Grade 12, based on US standards, and is accredited by the Middle States Association, the Council of International Schools and the IB. Pupils can graduate with the American High School Diploma, the IB Diploma or both. It is the only American-diploma school in the Republic.

Despite their names, the American Academy schools follow a British-style curriculum with GCSEs and A levels.

If your child is aiming for US universities, note that AP exams are scored from 1 to 5 and that each US college decides what credit to give. A levels and the IB are also widely accepted in the US.

What about French and other systems?

The École franco-chypriote, with sites in Nicosia and Limassol, follows the French national curriculum for ages 2 to 18 and is part of the French AEFE network. Trinity in Limassol offers bilingual English–Russian streams.

The Apolytirion and Greek: why they matter in Cyprus

Private schools in Cyprus are licensed by the Ministry of Education under the Private Schools Law of 2019. A school following another country's system is registered as a "different type" school. Only schools approved by the Ministry can award the Apolytirion, the Cypriot school-leaving certificate. Many British-curriculum schools, including The English School, Foley's, The Grammar School, TJSS, PASCAL and the American Academy, award it alongside IGCSEs and A levels.

If your child may stay in Cyprus, check:

• Employers and the public sector often ask for the Apolytirion. The American Academy notes that a Greek proficiency certificate is required of private school graduates who seek government employment.
• The University of Cyprus admits most students through the Pancyprian exams. For 2026–27 it ran a separate route for GCE holders and certain groups such as foreign nationals, with limited places, requiring three A levels and a Modern Greek GCE, plus a certificate of good Greek for foreigners. Applicants on that route cannot also sit the Pancyprian exams.
• Greek lessons vary by school. At The Grammar School Greek is compulsory for pupils with a Greek Cypriot parent; at The English School, Greek or Turkish is one of the compulsory IGCSE subjects.

How do you choose?

Ask yourself four questions:

1. Where is your child likely to go to university? UK universities accept both A levels and the IB, and many make offers in grades. For the US, AISC's diploma or the IB is the most direct; for Cyprus or Greece, think about the Apolytirion and Greek.
2. Is your child a specialist or an all-rounder? A strong scientist or artist may do better with three A levels; a pupil who enjoys everything may prefer the IB.
3. Will you move again? The IB and British systems are taught worldwide, so switching schools abroad is easier.
4. Which city? IB options are clustered in Nicosia and Limassol; Paphos families mostly choose between British-curriculum schools. Our area finder helps you live near the school.

Demand is high. As of January 2026, foreign pupils in private secondary schools had risen from about 1,100 to over 4,200 in a decade, and 13 of the 28 schools applying for a planning incentive scheme were in Limassol. Apply early and visit before you decide.

What does it cost?

Fees depend more on the school than the curriculum. For 2026–27, The English School in Nicosia publishes €9,550 a year, and Foley's in Limassol €11,700 (Forms 1–3) to €12,600 (Forms 4 to Upper 6) for secondary, with a one-off €1,800 deposit. Exam entry fees for IGCSE, A level or IB are usually charged on top. Ask every school for its official fee sheet.

What to do next

• Shortlist schools by curriculum and city from the tables above.
• Ask each school about entrance assessments, Greek, the Apolytirion and waiting lists.
• Compare fees and schools in our international schools guide, or read about public schools.
• Plan family time around the Cyprus school holidays for 2026–27.