Lumio Private School officially opens in Paphos

Lumio Private School, a new not-for-profit international school, has opened in Acheleia, Paphos.

Having opened for Grades 1 - 9 on 17 September 2024, the school has been officially licensed by the Cyprus Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth.

The school, located at the former American Academy complex, was acquired in 2023 by Bright Era Education, a British privately owned non-profit organisation. Construction work began in the spring of 2024, after securing all the necessary permits, and the campus has since undergone major renovations to create a modern and dynamic learning environment.

Bright Era Education expressed their gratitude in a statement saying, “We would like to extend our sincere thanks to the Cyprus Ministry of Education, Sport, and Youth for their unwavering support throughout the 18-month journey to establish our school. We are also deeply grateful to the local authorities and public services, whose dedication has been invaluable at every stage of the project.”

A Balanced Approach to Education

According to the same statement, Lumio's vision is to prepare students to become lifelong learners and responsible citizens, ready to face future challenges. In partnership with families and the local community, Lumio aims to create meaningful learning opportunities for students — both inside and outside the classroom — helping them develop the skills and character needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving, technology-driven world.

The school is built on core values of mutual respect, kindness, compassion, and charity, and is committed to fostering a child-centred, inclusive international learning community. Lumio’s education will focus on mental health and wellbeing while encouraging independence, curiosity, creativity, and innovation. By embedding critical thinking and problem-solving through an enquiry-based curriculum, the school will nurture personal growth and development, allowing students to explore their passions and expand their interests.

The school’s mission is to provide a holistic, inclusive education that promotes these values for every child within the Lumio community, the announcement also notes.

The school aims to provide a bespoke Cambridge International Curriculum for Grades 1-10, with plans to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme for Grades 11-12, and has started the licensing and accreditation process for both programmes. The language of instruction is English, with experienced English as a Second Language (ESL) and Inclusion teams to support our diverse international cohort of students. Lumio will place a strong emphasis on inquiry-based and project-based learning, setting a new standard for forward-thinking, holistic education. The programmes are designed to give students a solid academic foundation and provide pathways to further education both locally and internationally.

The After-School Programme will offer students a chance to enrich their learning and grow holistically. With a wide range of disciplines and educational support available, Lumio aims to help students discover and pursue their individual interests. The programme will include activities in mathematics, art, music, science and entrepreneurship, as well as robotics, sports, and craftsmanship.

Experienced Faculty

Lumio has assembled an international team of experienced educators and support staff who share the school’s vision and values. The English-speaking teaching staff come from diverse global backgrounds, enriching the learning experience for students and fostering a culturally diverse, inclusive environment.

The Head of School, Colin Sinclair commented, “The aim of the Lumio staff community is to create a school where your children are happy and enjoy school every day. A school where children from different nationalities, cultures and experiences come together and learn how to care for each other. Where they will make and develop friendships, engage in a wide range of activities, expand their interests and passions, flourish academically and become more confident in how they interact and communicate as part of a holistic school community.”

Development and Facilities

With the official opening on 17 September, Phase A of Lumio’s development included the renovation of the primary school building, which will house primary and secondary classrooms for the current academic year. It also features specialised rooms for music, art, and ceramics, along with a library and an internal courtyard.

In the coming months, Lumio will continue to develop its campus with upgrades to outdoor sports facilities including padel courts, a multipurpose pitch and half-size 4G astro football pitch, learning spaces, wellbeing areas, and a vegetable and herb garden. These aim to create an engaging environment where students learn through interaction with their surroundings.

Phase B, which is already underway, will focus on developing secondary school facilities, outdoor learning areas, and sports facilities, including a full size football pitch, athletics track, and a second library. Once completed, the school will accommodate 480 students, with a maximum of 20 students per class to ensure personalised learning.

The final phase, planned for the 2025/26 academic year, will include a multi-purpose sports hall, and social areas for parents and visitors.

Community Engagement

Lumio Private School is dedicated to becoming a vital part of the community through various after-school programmes, events, and collaborations with local organisations. By offering both free and paid activities for students, parents, and external participants, the school aims to foster cognitive, emotional, and physical growth for all. Additionally, Lumio will contribute to the region’s development by creating jobs, providing adult education, and hosting events that bring the community together. Through partnerships with local institutions, the school will also support a range of social and cultural initiatives, further enhancing its role in the community.

Contact Information

For more details please visit www.lumio.school or contact the Lumio team at info@lumio.school.