Comparing 4 schools side by side in USD.
Tombs of the Kings Avenue, Paphos 8046, Cyprus.
Infants (4–7); Juniors (7–11); Lower Seniors (11–14); Upper Seniors (14–16); Sixth Form (16–18).
Independent private school delivering the British National Curriculum.
English language support across all ages; Junior English Booster lessons; ESL groups for Seniors (Year 7–11) and Sixth Form; IELTS preparation in Sixth Form.
Cyprus
A public bus stop is outside the School Reception; students can use routes with Aspire student cards for half-price tickets. A private door-to-door bus service operates with pick-up areas including Aphrodite's Hills/Secret Valley, Geroskipou, Paphos, Kissonerga, Chlorakas, Tsada, Tala, Pegia, Coral Bay and Polis.
The school uses a uniform. Parents are invited to purchase the uniform before starting at school.
There is a house system with house competitions and quizzes. After-school activities include house-based events as part of the extracurricular programme.
The school is an independent, academically selective school. It delivers the British National Curriculum.
Delivers the British National Curriculum to children from the age of four, leading to GCSE, IGCSE and International A level qualifications while also offering the Cyprus Apolyterio School Leaving Certificate.
Small class sizes.
Outstanding GCSE/IGCSE, A level and International A level results; the school has received Pearson Learner Award (OPLA) and other awards.
Graduates go on to study at universities around the world, including University of Nottingham, UCL, Lancaster University, University of Nicosia, University of Edinburgh, University of Sussex, University of the Arts London, European University Cyprus, University of Surrey, University of Exeter, University of Winchester, Queen Mary, Swansea University, University of Essex, and Birmingham City University.
Pastoral support is integrated into daily school life. The environment is supportive and aims to help students reach personal, social and academic goals. In primary, the class teacher is the first contact; in secondary, the form tutor monitors students' progress and social well-being. New students receive a buddy to ease their transition. Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education and Citizenship lessons address topics such as bullying, prejudice and internet safety, as well as revision techniques, exam strategies, positive personal image, healthy relationships, and career pathways. The school is UCAS registered, enabling guidance and applications to British universities.
With students originating from all over the globe, Aspire Private British School has clear strategies to manage language acquisition for those who require extra support to grasp or develop English. The Infants are immersed in daily phonological exercises and have opportunities to develop language skills within the curriculum. In the Juniors, English lessons include literature and language skills and booster English for students for whom English is a second or additional language. In the Seniors, Year 7 provides small-group ESL booster classes; Years 8 and 9 group pupils by needs and abilities as the path to IGCSE; native speakers attend mainstream classes while ESL students join ESL groups. In Years 10-11, all students prepare for First Language English or ESL examinations, and in Sixth Form ESL students prepare for IELTS. All students are prepared for life beyond school.
Pastoral support is not separate; it is integral to everything Aspire does. A supportive environment helps students feel secure and cared for, with the form tutor in secondary years monitoring their progress and social well-being. New students receive a buddy to ease the transition. Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education and Citizenship lessons guide students in developing life skills, including topics such as bullying, internet safety and forming positive relationships. Open evenings, talks, workshops and university fairs provide practical guidance on future pathways and careers.
1. Apply Online and arrange the assessment. The school is independent and academically selective for ages 4-18. Entry into the Infants, Juniors and Seniors is by assessment, while Sixth Form admission is based on GCSE results or equivalent assessment. The school aims for September entry and encourages parents to apply as early as January, as spaces are limited; admissions may occur at other times if spaces are available. Parents can fill in an application form online and the Admissions Officer will contact you to arrange the assessment. 2. Infant assessment. The Reception Class is for children from age 4. The activity-based assessment for entry into Infant classes lasts about 30 minutes and involves activities designed to assess potential in a relaxed environment. For general enquiries, contact the Admissions Officer or submit a general enquiry. To start the process, complete an application form. 3. Junior assessment. The assessment for entry into Junior classes lasts about 2 hours and consists of a Maths and an English Reading and Writing test. If you require further information, you can make a general enquiry or call the Admissions Officer. To apply, complete an application form. 4. Senior assessment. The assessment for entry into Senior classes lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes and consists of Mathematics and an English Reading and Writing test. There are more opportunities to join in the Seniors; contact the Admissions Officer for details. To apply, complete an application form. 5. Sixth Form admission. Admission to the Sixth Form is by interview and a minimum entry requirement of 5 GCSEs at grades A-C (9-4) or equivalent are required; alternatively entrance assessments may be taken. Students may join Sixth Form from the Senior School or from other schools. Students must submit their A Level subject choices when registering, their most recent school report, a letter of recommendation from the Head Teacher, and their predicted GCSE grades. 6. Place notification, deposits and getting started. You will be notified of your child's performance. If successful and a place is available you will be offered a space; if there is not a space available you will be offered a waiting list place. To secure a place, the deposit should be returned as soon as possible. A pack with information for starting will be issued and uniforms can be purchased in advance. 7. Getting started. After everything is in place a pack with information for starting in the relevant year group will be issued and your child's uniform can be purchased in preparation for the start of school.
If there is not a space available, a waiting list place is offered.
TLC Private School is in Peyia, near Paphos, Cyprus. TLC Primary is at 193 St. Georges Road, Peyia, 8560 Paphos, and TLC Secondary is at The Parkland Estate, 47 St. Georges Road, Peyia, 8560, Paphos. The school is located in Agios Georgios near Paphos, on the edge of the Akamas, close to Paphos Zoo. There is a church within walking distance along the road.
Early Years (Kindergarten/Reception), Primary, Secondary, Sixth Form
Private day school
TLC+ provides services for students with additional learning needs, including individualized education plans (IEPs) and targeted support. The program is multidisciplinary and includes two Educational Psychologists; three classrooms are dedicated to learners on the autistic spectrum. TLC+ aims to promote inclusion within mainstream education.
The Primary and Secondary day runs 7:30am–3:00pm. An Extended Day Programme is available for after-school support and activities.
The school operates a dedicated transport service using a single minibus driven by a fully qualified PSV driver and regularly serviced. A private bus company offers home pick-up and drop-off services at a daily charge.
The school has a formal uniform. An online uniform shop is available to purchase items.
Lunch is provided. A lunch menu is available online.
Ian and Laura Wells became directors in 2018. They have been shareholders since 2010.
The curriculum is based on the English National Curriculum from Kindergarten through Sixth Form, with a broad and balanced programme that includes sport and the arts. The Curriculum follows the National Curriculum for England, enhanced by 21st Century learning elements, and is delivered from Key Stage 1 through Key Stage 5, leading to IGCSE/GCSE in years 10–11 and AS/A Level in the Sixth Form. Primary uses Pearson iPrimary assessments to support progression to secondary, and English language support is provided through English as an Additional Language (EAL) programmes. The Sixth Form offers AS and A Levels and the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). The TLC School Apolytirion is awarded on leaving Year 13 and can support university applications overseas, with a University/Career Advisor to assist progression.
Classes are limited to 20 pupils; in the Sixth Form, A Level classes are no more than ten to ensure close personal tuition.
Exam results are published for Pearson/Edexcel in August: GCE (A2/AS Level) and IAL results on August 15, and IGCSE/GCSE results on August 22, with results accessible to students via the Results Plus portal.
AS and A Level study are offered in the Sixth Form, with a comprehensive subject range. A Levels are recognised worldwide and are used as entry criteria for universities in the UK, Europe and America, including Oxford and Cambridge. The TLC School Apolytirion supports university applications in Greece, Cyprus and overseas, and a University/Career Advisor assists with progression.
The school offers Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) as a project-based route, with EPQ delivered over 13–14 weeks and UCAS points attached. The A Level pathway is delivered with small classes (no more than ten) to enable close tuition and personalized study. The Duke of Edinburgh Award is available, and TLC Private Institute provides additional Anglia English as an Additional Language (EAL) courses and other externally certificated options to challenge high-achieving students.
The school emphasizes social and emotional development as a core part of learning. Personal Development Goals guide students in Thoughtfulness, Morality, Enquiry, Adaptability, Cooperation, Communication, Honesty, Respect, Encouragement, Challenge, Responsibility, Tolerance, Friendship and Independence. The community focuses on happiness, safety and security for students and staff, and will introduce International Baccalaureate Learner Profiles to support well-rounded development.
The school has a dedicated special needs department with access arrangements to support assessments and inclusive practice led by an Inclusion Coordinator. TLC+ provides inclusive education with a multidisciplinary team and Individual Education Plans to match each learner's needs and to support inclusion into mainstream education. There are specialist facilities for autism spectrum disorder, including dedicated classrooms and a sensory/playroom, with a pathway to external specialist support if required.
The curriculum uses an English-system approach to teaching. English-language programmes include Activity Programmes, Combined Activity/English Programmes and English-Only Programmes, with options for 1:1 or 2:1 English lessons.
Mental wellbeing is integrated into the school's ethos, with a focus on preparing students to be socially confident and resilient. The Personal Development Goals and the IB Learner Profile initiative contribute to students' emotional and social development within the school community.
A Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy exists alongside a Health and Safety Policy to protect students and staff. The school is licensed by the Ministry of Education & Culture, reflecting formal oversight of safety and welfare standards.
1. Enquiry and initial contact. TLC's Academic Registrar supports you from the first enquiry to admission. The school is fully licensed by the Ministry of Education and Culture, Cyprus, and the curriculum is based on the English system, with a focus on preparing students socially and emotionally as well as academically. Initial inquiries can be made through the Admissions Enquiry channel. 2. Interview with parents and students. An interview ensures mutual expectations are clear. The interview helps the school understand the child's needs and discuss potential entry arrangements. The date for any required evaluation is agreed with parents. 3. Evaluation of the student. The school identifies a child's needs before a discussion about an individual entry programme. Feedback with recommendations is provided soon after the evaluation. The process may determine a tailored entry plan or indicate that the student can join with standard provisions. 4. Admission decision and spaces. Students can be admitted at any stage in the year; offers can be conditional for reasons such as the need for a skills-building programme (for example in English), attainment levels not matching peers, no space in the year group (classes are limited to 20), or specific learning needs requiring third-party referral or additional resources. Most pupils join full-time with no additional requirements. 5. Fees and securing a place. Following approval, a registration fee and a deposit are payable to secure the place. The school will purchase resources and staff to meet the child's needs, and parents complete a fee agreement which is legally binding to pay the full fee for the year (or the remainder if joining after the start of the school year). Non-payment, unless agreed by the Directors, leads to suspension of the place; suspension does not suspend the obligation for fees during the suspension period. Late payments incur 5% interest one month after the agreed date. 6. Attendance and additional educational needs. Absences impact learning, and long-term illness should be discussed with the Principal to explore potential support. Attendance and progress are monitored to support students. If parents do not disclose a previously diagnosed education difficulty, the school may ask for removal if appropriate provision cannot be made.
Waiting list. Class sizes are limited to 20; if a year group is full, a waiting list may apply.
Acheleia, Paphos, 8503, Cyprus
Grades 1–9 (2024/25)
Not-for-profit international school
15 nationalities represented
SEN support; Individualised Education Programme (IEP); reports such as psychology, speech and occupational therapy can be provided and translated
Cyprus
Gates open 07:45; gates close 08:10; Registration 08:00–08:15; Primary lessons 08:15–14:30; Break 09:55–10:20; Lunch 12:00–12:50; Secondary lessons 08:00–15:20; After-School Programme 14:30–18:00
House system with four houses: Air, Earth, Water, and Fire. The Eco Advocates programme includes house-based activities and competitions such as Paper Recycling Days.
Lumio Private School is a Bright Era Education project. Bright Era Education is a British privately owned non-profit organisation dedicated to creating educational opportunities for a brighter future.
Primary Cambridge and IB MYP & DP curriculums; Grades 1–9 (2024/25); Bespoke International Curriculum; Personalised learning approach; developing towards a full K–12 offering with the implementation of the IB Diploma Programme.
The Diploma Programme prepares students for university and beyond.
STEM & Robotics programme for talented high school and first-year university students aged 15–18.
The school provides a holistic and inclusive education that supports the intellectual, emotional, social, and ethical growth of each student. The BRIGHT values—Belonging, Resilience, Innovation, Growth, Heart, and Thinking—embed social and emotional learning into school life, fostering a caring, globally minded community. The Behaviour for Learning Framework promotes positive learning behaviours through restorative conversations, fostering empathy, respect, and mutual understanding.
Lumio places emphasis on emotional and mental wellbeing as part of its holistic approach to education. Events such as Child Wellbeing Week highlight the focus on emotional, social, and mental health.
Lumio Private School is a not-for-profit, licensed international school in Paphos, Cyprus. The curriculum combines Cambridge Primary with IB MYP and DP, and for the 2026–27 academic year offers Grades 1–11 (ages 6–16). Admissions are open for 2026/27. The admissions process includes booking a visit, applying online via the Admissions Portal, and undergoing assessments, after which the school may issue an offer, place you on a wait list, or decline. The school does not charge application or enrolment fees. Key steps include: book a visit to learn about the school; submit an online application with mandatory documentation; and complete assessments (see below) before an offer or wait‑list decision is made. The school's admissions materials list the required documents as: passports for parents/guardians and child, official English translations of birth certificates, up-to-date immunisation documentation translated into English, the last two years of report cards translated into English, plus any reports relating to learning needs (with translations), and, for DP/MYP, a conduct/behaviour report; the English language proficiency certificate for non‑native speakers is optional for DP. Grade 1 applicants participate in an observation plus an interview, while other grades may include on-site English assessments, language checks, CAT4 (Grades 3–5), and IDAT (Grades 6–11). Assessments take place on campus and may be followed by an interview. Offers are not guaranteed and are determined by the Admissions Committee. A deposit of €500 per child is payable at the time of signing the enrolment agreement to secure a seat; the deposit is set off against the third‑term tuition fees. Registration occurs after tuition fees are paid according to the fee schedule, with details in the Tuition Fees section. Admissions policies for 2025–26 and 2026–27 are published on the site.
Lumio offers an International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme scholarship. Scholarships begin in the first year of the two-year IB Diploma Programme and cover 10%–90% of tuition fees. Up to five scholarships may be awarded per academic year. Applications for scholarships are online (paper applications are not accepted). The 2025–26 cycle is closed. For 2026–27, the process runs online from February 3–27, 2026, with English language and mathematics assessments (March 2–13, 2026), interviews (March 16–27, 2026), and final decisions (March 31, 2026). Offers are issued April 1, 2026, with acceptance and a €500 deposit due by April 3, 2026 to confirm the scholarship. Scholarships apply to tuition only, are not combinable with other discounts, and continuation into year 2 depends on meeting required academic and behavioural standards. Lumio is a candidate IB World School for the IB Diploma Programme and related requirements are noted in the scholarship policy (2026–27).
If an applicant is not offered a place, they may be placed on a wait list. Offers, wait lists, or declines are communicated by email after the admissions review process.
100 Aristotelous Savva Ave., 8025 Anavargos, Paphos, Cyprus (Postal: P.O. Box 62018, 8060, Paphos, Cyprus). The campus is in Anavargos, a suburb of Paphos, and offers a purpose-built environment with facilities described as state-of-the-art.
Early Years (Kindergarten, Pre-Reception, Reception); Primary School; Secondary School; Private Institute
Private, co-educational boarding school; follows the English National Curriculum.
Over 40 nationalities represented.
Enhancement Centre provides additional academic support to students who may have particular learning and assessment requirements.
Cyprus
Boarding is provided. ISOP operates a Boarding House for its students. Boarders are supervised by House Parents and participate in weekend activities, such as visits to local Cypriot families and cultural experiences.
The school has its own uniform shop offering a bespoke uniform and sportswear for Pre-Reception to Year 13. The Summer Uniform starts after Easter and the Winter Uniform starts after the autumn half-term in November.
The Cafeteria offers a daily selection of freshly prepared meals, snacks, and drinks with a regularly updated daily menu. Pre-orders are available; food service runs Monday to Friday from 12:00 to 14:30; snacks and coffee service run from 07:00 to 14:30.
ISOP uses a house system for boarders; boarders are assigned to houses and are supported by House Parents.
The International School of Paphos is a proud member of Globeducate, a leading K-12 education group. The school follows Globeducate policies as part of its governance.
The Primary School (Year 1–Year 6) is based on the English National Curriculum and themes are adapted for a multilingual community. A cross-curricular approach develops skills across year groups and ensures progression and variety. Subjects include English, Mathematics, Science, Greek (Natives and Non-Natives), Information Technology, Geography, History, Citizenship, Physical Education, Art, Music, and Topic for Years 1–2. English education blends the English National Curriculum with elements of the National Framework, with a focus on language development and varied writing styles. Early reading is supported by the Letters and Sounds phonics resource and Monster Phonics.
Graduates go on to study at universities around the world, including Imperial College London, Newcastle University, Durham University, University of Bristol, University of Bath, University of Greenwich, European University Cyprus, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, The Hague University, Hotel Institute Montreux, Deakin University, University of Vienna, TU Wien, University of Toronto and the American University of Beirut. Graduates pursue degrees in medicine, engineering, business, psychology, law, architecture, design, science and humanities. Destinations span the UK, Cyprus, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, the USA and Canada.
The Enhancement Centre provides extension activities and enrichment for students with above-average abilities to widen their learning and reach their full potential. It also offers curriculum support and SEN/EAL provisions to ensure access for all students, including Gifted and Talented learners.
Pastoral care at ISOP extends beyond welfare to foster students' personal development as much as their academic progress. Each year group has a Form Tutor or Class Teacher who monitors wellbeing, behaviour, attendance, and academic demands, with a Leader overseeing year‑level progress. A School Counsellor provides a confidential space for students to discuss concerns, and parents can request meetings with the counsellor. Designated safeguarding leaders support students, and staff are trained to respond to safeguarding needs.
The Enhancement Centre provides additional academic support within the school to students who may have particular learning and assessment requirements. It supports both SEN and EAL, with SEN providing support for specific diagnosed learning difficulties across all subjects and EAL assisting students in specific subjects where language presents a barrier. EAL support includes simplifying material, slower-paced revision, and greater emphasis on subject‑specific vocabulary to enable full curriculum access. Curriculum support and enrichment are offered to meet diverse needs and to extend learning where appropriate.
The Enhancement Centre provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support to help students access the curriculum. EAL support includes simplifying material, slower-paced revision, and a strong emphasis on subject‑specific vocabulary across relevant subjects. EAL assistance is designed to reduce language barriers and enable students to participate fully in lessons. ISOP follows the English National Curriculum.
ISOP provides mental wellbeing support through its pastoral care program. A School Counsellor is available for students who need to talk about concerns; there is a safe space where worries can be discussed and a plan formed to help with difficulties or anxiety. Heads of Year and class tutors monitor wellbeing, behaviour, attendance, and academic demands to address issues early. The pastoral team supports personal development alongside academic progress.
The School's Child Safeguarding Policy outlines measures to protect and support students at school and at home. The policy aligns with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the European Convention on the exercise of Children's Rights, Cyprus law, and UK NSPCC guidelines. The welfare of the child and a culture of vigilance are central to the policy, and all staff are duty-bound to safeguard students. Contact ISOP at 100, Aristotelous Savva Av., 8025 Anavargos, P.O. Box 62018, 8060 Paphos, Cyprus; telephone +357 26 821700; info@isop-ed.org.
The school has an age-based admissions process with varying assessment requirements by year. Kindergarten admission is based on age eligibility (over 2 years 6 months) and the ability to participate independently in daily routines; no formal assessments are required. Pre-Reception and Reception admissions are guided by age eligibility with no formal admissions assessment. Primary School admissions: Year 1 are by age eligibility with no formal assessment; Year 2 requires an informal interview and a cognitive entrance assessment (CAT4). Years 3 to 6 require an informal interview, a short written assessment, and CAT4. Secondary School admissions: Years 7–10 include an informal interview and CAT4; Year 10 applicants may also need additional subject-specific assessments; Year 12 requires formal written examinations in the subjects to be studied, plus an interview and CAT4. For all Primary School applicants, the required documentation includes copies of recent school reports and a reference letter from the current school; for all Secondary School applicants, the same documents apply. The admissions process also includes submitting an Enquiry Form and, when ready to apply, an Application Form with all required documents. Registrations for Academic Year 2026-27 will be open in February 2026; apply by completing the Application Form. CAT4 details: CAT4 assesses Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning and Spatial Reasoning; the test is fully digital and takes about 1.5–2 hours.
The ISOP Scholarships are offered as part of the school's awards (ISOP Scholarships). The Papacleovoulou Scholarship for Greek Studies is awarded in connection with the school's Academic Excellence Awards, referred to as the Papacleovoulou Law Firm Scholarship Award for Greek Studies.
