Cyprus: The share of children aged from 3 years to the compulsory starting age for primary education participating in pre-primary education in Cyprus has surged to 89.2% in 2024, up from 86.7% in 2023. This data, published by Eurostat, highlights a notable increase from 2014 when the participation rate was 68.5%.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the rise in participation rates is part of a broader trend seen across the European Union. In 2024, 95.0% of children in EU countries were enrolled in pre-primary education, a significant increase from 91.2% in 2014. This increase aligns with the EU's strategic framework target, aiming for at least 96% participation in early childhood education and care by 2030.
The report also highlighted gender dynamics in the teaching workforce within pre-primary education. In Cyprus, the proportion of female teachers stood at 98.8% in 2024, slightly down from 99.1% in 2023. At the EU level, women accounted for 95.1% of teaching positions in 2024, compared to 95.3% the previous year.
Among EU member states, France led with a 100% participation rate, followed by Belgium at 98.1%, and Lithuania and Hungary at 97.9% each. Conversely, lower participation rates were observed in Romania (76.5%), Slovakia (81.8%), and Czechia (86.4%).