Crisis at Bekirpaşa High School as Principal Locks Classrooms Over Exam Dispute

The conflict arose after the ministry decided to hold makeup exams for three subjects that were missed during the midterm period, scheduling them ahead of the final exams set for next week.

Teachers and parents opposed the ministry’s decision, insisting on adherence to the academic calendar. In response, School Principal Ayşe Bayırlı reportedly attempted to implement the directive by locking classrooms, effectively disrupting the school day.

Speaking to Kıbrıs Postası, Tahir Gökçebel, Secretary General of the Cyprus Turkish Secondary Education Teachers’ Union (KTOÖS), called the ministry’s actions a “top-down imposition.” He criticized the exam schedule sent without consultation, saying, “The Disciplinary Regulation is being imposed on us despite widespread opposition. The Ministry suddenly sent exam instructions to schools. This is unacceptable.”

Gökçebel also questioned the educational value of the exams, pointing out that students had already forgotten the material. “This approach is not pedagogically sound,” he said. “Even parents agreed with us on this point. The principal, however, acted on instructions and locked the classrooms. The education rights of 800 to 900 students are now seriously in jeopardy.”

In protest, the teachers’ union announced plans to stage a symbolic action. Today, Wednesday, 14 May 2025, at 2:30 p.m., union members will place a black wreath in front of the Turkish Embassy in Nicosia to draw attention to the issue.