Searching for a good school in cyprus

cypriot


Joined: 17/04/2007
Posts: 35

Message Posted:
25/05/2007 17:55

Hi all

Friend of mine going to cyprus for good. He has 2 boys 8 and 16 yrs olds.His only consern is schooling in cyprus at the moment. We found a school in Lapta called Sunnylane. Can anyone give us more info about this school please. Like term dates ,costs, school bus service etc...



Thanks

livethedream


Joined: 12/04/2007
Posts: 455

Message Posted:
25/05/2007 18:34

Hi Cypriot. Sunny Lane is Zeytinlak Sokak, Alsancak, we've visited it and it looks good. You friend will need to register his children, although I'm not sure what age they go up to, there is a secondary school but the sixteen year might be too old. Their new term starts on 5 September and I believe the fees are approx. £1500. There is a bus service, which is free at the moment. Their email address is info@sunnylaneschool.net and their website address is http://www.sunnylaneschool.net .



We're moving out in the Summer and both our children are registered, they're 8 and 10, and are quite excited by it, as they have a small farm on site, as well as a swimming pool, football pitch, etc.



We were told that they were getting full, but whether that was flannel or not I'm not sure.



Hope that helps.



Karen

cypriot


Joined: 17/04/2007
Posts: 35

Message Posted:
25/05/2007 19:37

Hi Karen u r a star

very helpfull info thank you

Wilsonian


Joined: 26/05/2007
Posts: 18

Message Posted:
26/05/2007 07:11

dont touch sunny lane with a barge pole, they are thievs and steal peoples money, they ask for ridiculous deposits which you never see again and they keep all the interst for themselves, the school is run as a business for the owners and the children come second. Please have a look at the other options before you sign up . The american university in Girne and the school options in Nicosia both on the Turkish and Greek sides. Ask others about it, and dont be fooled - for every satisfied parent at sunny lane - there are 5 unhappy ones.

livethedream


Joined: 12/04/2007
Posts: 455

Message Posted:
26/05/2007 10:19

What happened to you Wilsonian?

Wilsonian


Joined: 26/05/2007
Posts: 18

Message Posted:
26/05/2007 11:57

Just as i said, put my son into the school paid my deposit as requested (they even had me over on the exchange rate when i paid by UK credit card to the tune of about £30 !) and paid for 2 months fee's, after 3 weeks i had to take him out , gave my months notice as requested and in the end they said that i owed them money still, i worked it all out and they owed me, it went on and on in the end i couldnt be bothered - which is what i generally think they hope.



Just heard of another story where someone put their child in, paid just short of £1000 fees and after 3 weeks took them out, they will not refund 1 penny.

My advice is be careful, get here and ask around.. you pay a book deposit, uniform fees that can only be got from the school, and countless extra charges. Many people are happy there, many more were not.

its all the little things that add up.



I agree when we saw the school we loved it - then the cracks appeared.

livethedream


Joined: 12/04/2007
Posts: 455

Message Posted:
26/05/2007 12:47

What were your reasons for taking your son out of the school in the first place? I must admit, you've got me worried.

cypriot


Joined: 17/04/2007
Posts: 35

Message Posted:
26/05/2007 16:35

WOW !!! is it that bad Wilsonian thanks for the warning! His going to think again now after your reply

Thanks all the replys

livethedream


Joined: 12/04/2007
Posts: 455

Message Posted:
26/05/2007 18:23

After Wilsonian's comments, I have "googled" Sunny Lane, and I couldn't find any bad comments, but I did find this report by a student in Sunny Lane Secondary. I guess the moral of the story is that some people have bad experiences, and some don't and until you try you won't know which you'll have.



http://www.aboutnorthcyprus.com/index.php/feature/m/teenagers-guide-moving-and-living-north-cyprus/



There's always two sides to every story?

eager


Joined: 23/02/2007
Posts: 1272

Message Posted:
28/05/2007 23:30

sunny lane school is owned by the directors of unwins estate agents.

livethedream


Joined: 12/04/2007
Posts: 455

Message Posted:
28/05/2007 23:37

As far as I know they've never hid the fact, and we were certainly told right from the start.

livethedream


Joined: 12/04/2007
Posts: 455

Message Posted:
29/05/2007 23:03

Hi Wilsonian, would love to know why you withdrew you son from Sunny Lane. You obviously had a bad experience. Also, how can you have a son when you've put your age as 7?????!!! Medical expertise has really come a long way!

Wilsonian


Joined: 26/05/2007
Posts: 18

Message Posted:
31/05/2007 13:05

hi there, sorry been out of the country. Well researched about my age, you can tell i wasn't educated there ! To be honest, Northern Cyprus can be a small place and if i were to give all my details, they would find out who i am and make things very awkward for me, like the story of of one of their female employees that was dumped up a mountatin side that someone posted on one of the other sites !! No smoke without fire... and also you never know... you could be a Sunny Lane employee posting great messages about the school etc etc.

Anyway, our child was taken out because it was just too long a day for them, we asked the school if we could reduce to half days only and they refused saying it wasnt fair on the rest of the children and would upset the balance. So we handed our noice in, hat when the fun and games with the money started. But funny, someone started after we handed our notice in that was doing half days.

In fairness i am not overly questioning the teaching of the pupils, the teacher turnover rate is quite high, what you will learn is the business side of the runing - dont know why they have a headmaster at the school - they are not allowed to do anything on their own without the owners say so... does that sound right.?

but please make your mind up when you get here, or make enquiries for the other places. Try not to give them excessive payments up front because you wont get them back.

Notsoboredhw


Joined: 15/03/2007
Posts: 1254

Message Posted:
31/05/2007 15:38

Doesnt sound like Sunny Lane is a bad school after all then???? Wilsonian were you not aware of the long hours before you signed up?

ilovecyprus


Joined: 08/05/2007
Posts: 2880

Message Posted:
31/05/2007 16:29

Whilst staying at the sempati hotel in Lapta, I bumped in to one of the teachers at the school (young English guy). I got the impression he was really enjoying working there, and he told me that he intended on going in to the school during the holiday time, in order to prepare, so that his students could pass their exams

livethedream


Joined: 12/04/2007
Posts: 455

Message Posted:
31/05/2007 18:20

Hi Wilsonian, glad that there wasn't some other reason for you taking your son out, not sure how old he is, but we were aware that the days are longer than over here, because of the extra Turkish curriculum. I don't work for Sunny Lane!, although I do work in a school here in the UK and believe me they aren't as they first appear from the playground! I hope your son is doing well wherever you've sent him and I really think we have to give SL a go and see what happens. Best of luck

kermanfu


Joined: 25/09/2008
Posts: 32

Message Posted:
19/11/2008 14:22

Dear friends my daughter is studying in Sunny Lane. The owners are discusting but the workers are friendly. In a school the education is important. I don't have a strong impression there that they can manage IGCSA. I must tell you next year she will go to JUNIOR SCHOOL in Nicosia which is the best in CYPRUS. She is 8 years old.

pupaden


Joined: 04/05/2008
Posts: 75

Message Posted:
19/11/2008 23:12

hello Cypriot look at the tags on here for schools it will give you past comments on sunny lane ect i had 3 grand children going there thank god not any longer they are now in a state school best move we ever made the prob on here is you will be given a lot of advice about schools ect but those giveing it have no children at school its only what they have been told by others all i would say is the teachers at the school are very good the admin side of it is all about money and profit its best you take a look at the school yoursevles dont be taken in by what you see or are told you will only find out after the children have been there a while but of course its then a little too late keep an open mind

MrAngry


Joined: 17/11/2008
Posts: 47

Message Posted:
19/11/2008 23:31

Our child went there (sunnyLane) and we soon took her out. Teaching was pathetic and we had to teach her at home. Many visits to school to complain. Took a Turkish test after 2 mths being there and beat most of pupils that had been there a year. Not bad for a beginner learning at home. She is now in a local Turkish school and doing well. Even though she hardly speaks any Turkish. Lots of English kids go to these schools.



Bear in mind that even the Head Master cannot even add up a shopping list. To prove it he made a big thing in Cyprus Today newspaper about the cost of shopping and got it all wrong!! His answer to this big mistake was "good job he teaches history".



As far as we are concerned this school is interested in one thing - MONEY!! Not surprising when you consider that its owned buy an estate agent. Look them up on the forum for some idea. Unwins is the name, robbing you blind is the game!!

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
20/11/2008 08:14

My son has been going to Sunny Lane for 3 years and I must say that the feedback I get from him and his teachers is very positive. The school is a business and it must make a profit, but as long as the kids get their education I have no problem with that. Like any business it must do what it says on the tin and you must pay for it.

brian24001


Joined: 23/03/2008
Posts: 606

Message Posted:
20/11/2008 08:38

Cypriot

Click on 'schools' at the bottom of the index page one, or click here:

http://www.cyprus44.com/forums/schools.asp

This subject has been battered about many times, spend a few hours reading, with a pencil and paper to take notes, and form a decision.

Then visit the schools.

However, at 16, the oldest boy will not be catered for in higher education in SL.

twinky


Joined: 10/08/2008
Posts: 74

Message Posted:
20/11/2008 09:13

the new school in girne is excellent, English school of kyriena. Have a look i am pleased with it and so are many others.

http://www.englishschoolkyrenia.org

lulubell


Joined: 18/11/2008
Posts: 595

Message Posted:
05/12/2008 21:50

hi i am moving over next summer and have heard of both sunny lane and gac american school in girne. does anyone have any comments on gac? as have heard many mixed opinions on sunny lane.

thanks

livethedream


Joined: 12/04/2007
Posts: 455

Message Posted:
06/12/2008 00:04

lulubell - it"s GAU - Girne American University. They do have a website, as listed in previous posts. Sunny Lane also have a website. I have heard good reports about the English School in Bellapais, although they only take up to year 6 at the moment, I understand they are having a purpose-built school built at the moment to take up to year 9.

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
06/12/2008 00:28

The school actually runs at a considerable loss and is subsidised by the Unwins.

I think they are probably fed up with people having a pop with out the facts but at least they don't stoop to trying to counter such ill-informed postings as they can't win... damned if they do and dmaned if they don't.



They are trying to put in place good practice to reduce the losses. There is nothing wrong in this.



Claiming that the school is bad because the school day is too long is just plain daft... most people's concern is that other schools are not providing enough education.. this school and its teachers are trying really hard to up their game.



We have two children at Sunny Lane and 99% of the time they love it... of course I'm not saying it's perfect.. what school is?



The set of teachers they have in Secondary Education are top class and deserve all the support they can get.



No it's not a rich school in material terms but I do think the education my children are getting is good.

Harlequin


Joined: 02/10/2008
Posts: 346

Message Posted:
06/12/2008 00:53

Groucho



Why do you assume that people who are critical do not have the facts?



From first hand experience over two years I would say that the school has greatly improved under Mr Leyland in the areas in which he has influence.



The problem seems to me that the people in ultimate control haven't the first idea what a school is about, nor what constitutes a good education and most of all what constitutes a civilised relationship with parents. Parents are treated with the utmost contempt by the school administration.



The point mention about deposits is quite true. The chances of having a deposit returned are just about zero and it seems that any excuse will be used.



It speaks volumes that people are actualy afraid of voicing real criticism for fear of retribution.

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
06/12/2008 07:40

My point was, if you think the school makes a profit then you clearly don't have the facts.... ipso facto you are wrong to make your observation...



The rules regarding deposits are quite clearly stated, they are non-returnable unless you give three "school" months notice. Sunny Lane do allow new starts once the school term has started as this is disruptive to the rest of the class and can upset the dynamics of the tutor group... I think this is a good thing. But is does mean the school would suffer further financial loss if parents for one reason or another decide to up sticks and expect the school to take the hit or take a dim view of it...



Our daughter has not had the easiest ride in the school, if you ask anybody who knows they will confirm this but that does not mean that we feel slagging off the school or the owners on this type of forum is the right path to take. As parents, we have duty to address anything we find below our expectations on behalf of our children...

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
06/12/2008 07:47

Cont...



As you call them "the people in ultimate control" know enough about education to know they don't know enough to be teachers.... that's all that one could expect of them. Under Mr Leyland they have been able to put a lot more reliance on the teaching structure at the school and concentrate on financial stewardship.. That allows the teachers to do what they do best... teach.



They too are parents of children at the school and want the best they can provide.



It would have been a lot cheaper for them to send their children elswhere rather than have the guts to start their own school.... which one must regard as an act of faith.



I find these constant attempts to undermine and bad-mouth the school generally self-serving and ill-informed for the reasons I have stated.

lulubell


Joined: 18/11/2008
Posts: 595

Message Posted:
06/12/2008 10:29

hi live the dream yes thanks for that made a spelling mistake! i have seen both websites and never heard of school in bellapais, also would not be suitable for my daughter.



i wanted to hear if anyone has childen at ' GAU' and if so what they thought.

ladylittle


Joined: 09/03/2008
Posts: 498

Message Posted:
06/12/2008 11:09

Hi could anyone give details of state school??? The only thing when considering a school for me is about the quality of the education. The last thing I want to happen, is for some reason we have to return to the Uk and our son gets put back a year due to his abilities. Therefore the quality of education is key for me.. any help would be appreciated.

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
06/12/2008 11:34

Sorry that sentence should have read "Sunny Lane do NOT generally allow new starts once the school term has started as this is disruptive to the rest of the class and can upset the dynamics of the tutor group... "

negativenick


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 6023

Message Posted:
06/12/2008 19:34

don't want to sound negative, but if you come to the TRNC with children, you are going to impair their chances in the future...



The qualifications they get are not going to be recognised elsewhere, so it may be dificult for them to find a decent job in the uk....



Or if they stay here, it will be hard to earn a decent living - so they might have to live with you for ever !





Nick

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
06/12/2008 20:13

Negativenick... you could not be farther from the truth...



For example they do International GCSEs at Sunny Lane which are set by Cambrdige and Edexcel and are invigilated by those bodies under the auspices of the British High Commission..



IGCSEs are more highly regarded than ordinary GCSEs simply because they are 100% based on examination sat under pressure and course work does not count one jot. So there are no easy rides...



Of course they will need to go on to University in the UK to get the best degree courses... but they have to fly the coop at some stage...



I do not know about other schools.

negativenick


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 6023

Message Posted:
06/12/2008 21:01

Groucho,



i'm not convinced - i had my kids put down before i moved out here...



Nick

Groucho



Joined: 26/04/2008
Posts: 7993

Message Posted:
06/12/2008 21:20

Seems a bit drastic.... Nick I would have thought.. surely they could have tried the school before you had them put down... ;¬)

Cyprusactive


Joined: 20/05/2008
Posts: 128

Message Posted:
07/12/2008 12:54

We have two kids at Sunny Land. I have to say that the education under Jeremy Leyland is first class. The teachers my son has for his GCSEs are excellent, they are mostly retired ex UK professionals, they have done it, know it and have gone back into teaching with a host of experiece , love of teaching. We have one child back in the UK at a boarding school for a mere £18k per year and I do not think that the education back there is any better.

The Unwins have subsidised the school substantialy and are to be applauded for that.

I have to say that the non returned deposits, astonishing 18% surcharges and poor PR with the parents concerning fees certainly are a very annoying and disproportionally negative factor in our dealings with the school.

We feel that our kids have blossomed here, the freedom, easy life, friends and the general ambience has a lot going for it.

You will be hard pressed to find a better school.

Regards

Cyprusactive.

ozankoymum


Joined: 10/01/2009
Posts: 359

Message Posted:
10/01/2009 22:41

I am so confused, we move to Ozankoy in April have a girl of 8 and a boy of 7. We will visit a variety of schools when we come over for a week in feb, but has anybody on here already done that and can help me with your views on the best schools, or ones to avoid.. I know there are lots of posts on here but I only want to hear from parents with experience please.

boswell


Joined: 11/11/2008
Posts: 8

Message Posted:
11/01/2009 00:12

We have a daughter who is in her 3rd year at Sunny Lane and I have to say we are generally very pleased with her progress. The education she is recieving is to a high standard and she is very happy there.

As with most things in life not everyone can be pleased, but on the whole I think the school is doing a good job.

In my opinion most of the critics of the school tend to be people who just enjoy jumping on the 'Unwin Bashing' bandwagon and have no first hand experience of Sunny Lane.

sunnycyprus


Joined: 17/10/2008
Posts: 64

Message Posted:
11/01/2009 00:37

we tried sunny lane for a year, our children are now aged 8 and 7 and attend GAU. we wouldnt go back to sunny lane if you paid us! for a start, my daughter was 'rewarded' in turkish class for good work by being given a pretty hair do...... for goodness sake! i was told by the then headmaster, 'this is the turkish way of teaching'... yeah, right.,





have now done 1 and half years at GAU, both very happy children taught by lovely, kind, knowlegable teachers.



from my piont of view: if you want basic primary education, go for sunny lane, if you want a school which pushes and encourages the children just that little bit more, go for GAU.

Barabus



Joined: 04/01/2009
Posts: 163

Message Posted:
11/01/2009 15:08

What two VERY contrasting posts hey 38 and 39...now i'm really confused !!...i'm goıng to wait a wee bit Ozankoymum and although i'm not looking at you as as test case....it would be very nice to hear your thoughts over the next few months.

girne


Joined: 14/01/2009
Posts: 438

Message Posted:
14/01/2009 09:46

yes, all in this forum is correct the owners are not the best to get on with.

I had 2 boys going to Sunny Lane and took one out last term and am removing the other this term.

He is in the secondary and after being told there is only himself in the middle turkish class and being given a task whilst the teacher is markıng is a waste. Why not put him in with the other class either one above where there is only approx 4 pupils and the lower classs of which there is 3 pupils.

Having also been told by an insider that the school is in difficulty and may be closing.

my decısıon is to remove him this year and send him to GAU.

Aussie


Joined: 17/06/2007
Posts: 657

Message Posted:
14/01/2009 13:19

Whichever school you are interested first check availability for the school years/ age of your children as some classes are at or near capacity.



Aussie

Kitty Kat Jac


Joined: 18/03/2008
Posts: 230

Message Posted:
14/01/2009 16:47

Tyra - Didnt you used to work for Unwins??? Yet another personal vendetta!! Sunny Lane School is not closing!

sparta


Joined: 24/10/2008
Posts: 226

Message Posted:
14/01/2009 17:13

firstly deposits are only taken if you are paying monthly!! i have two children at the school and do not pay any deposits as i pay upfront. the deposit system is in place for parents that pay from month to month to make sure that they pay on time. The school itself has some of the best teaching staff on the island. My son is now speaking brillant Turkish, all the qualifications are internationaly reconised and that is a fact. The school is not closing and this is a stuiped rumour going around by a few expats jumping on the Unwin band wagon. Unwins do own the school and also put out of their own pocket a considerable amount of money to Subsidise the school every year since it opened, and will contuinue to do so until there are enough children in the school for it to be able run at a profit.

The-Wicks


Joined: 27/05/2007
Posts: 2279

Message Posted:
14/01/2009 17:18

Message 44 - just out of curiosity, I see from your profile that your location is "Spain" and yet your children attend Sunny Lane School.

Bit of a long commute every day, isn't it?

J

sparta


Joined: 24/10/2008
Posts: 226

Message Posted:
14/01/2009 17:19

I have a family member who works for the school, who has over 20 years experance in U.K schools, whos qualifications cannot be questioned. The school will hopefully one day have enough children to be state of the art giving all the children a better chance in life.

sparta


Joined: 24/10/2008
Posts: 226

Message Posted:
14/01/2009 17:23

yes Spain is a long way to commute, but the school is worth the commute !!

The-Wicks


Joined: 27/05/2007
Posts: 2279

Message Posted:
14/01/2009 19:14

Message 47 - Sparta, you are obviously a VERY satisfied customer! !

LOL



J

sparta


Joined: 24/10/2008
Posts: 226

Message Posted:
15/01/2009 10:32

my children have never been so happy, and if their happy so am I,

so yes i am a satisfied customer!!