Navigating the School System in Malta: A Guide for Expats and Newcomers

Thinking of moving to Malta with kids, and would love to learn more about Malta’s school system? Or perhaps you’re Maltese and your child is just about to start school? We’ve created this short guide to the Maltese educational system just for you – to let you know what to expect from Malta’s school system over the years, from early primary all the way up to post-secondary education.

Malta’s education system is highly regarded and deeply rooted in British standards due to the influence exerted while the island was under British rule. As kids progress up the years, subjects can get quite challenging, so being prepared and having adequate help can make a huge difference in ensuring that your children keep up.

From understanding the difference between “Church schools” to decoding the MATSEC exam system, here is a simple, straightforward guide to what you can expect if you intend to send your child to school in Malta and Gozo.

From Which Age is School Compulsory in Malta?

In Malta, education is compulsory for all children between the ages of 5 and 16. 

The school system is broken down into four main blocks:

• Childcare (Ages 0–3): Optional. The government offers a “Free Childcare Scheme” for working or studying parents. The scheme is available at both government-operated centers as well as at other registered private facilities across Malta and Gozo.

• Kindergarten (Ages 3–4): This is also optional to attend, but around 98% of children in Malta are sent to a kindergarten class. It’s a great way for kids to socialize and to get started with some basic and informal learning, such as getting introduced to letters, numbers and learning through games and storytelling. 

• Primary School (Ages 5–11): Compulsory. Primary school lasts for six years, from Years 1 to 6. The main subjects taught at primary level are English, Mathematics and Maltese, as well as other secondary subjects like Social Studies, Art and General Science.
  Parents can choose whether their child should follow Religious Studies (based on Roman-Catholic teaching) or Ethics, an alternative to Religion which was introduced in 2014 for non-religious families or students belonging to other religions besides Roman Catholic.

• Secondary School (Ages 11–16): Compulsory. It begins with two years of “Middle School” (Years 7 and 8) before transitioning into Senior Secondary School (Years 9 to 11). In Years 7 and 8, students start with Mathematics, English, Maltese, General Science and a foreign language (with Spanish, Italian, French and German being the most popular languages chosen).
  Before going up to Year 9, students choose optional subjects such as Chemistry, Biology, Accounts, Economics, Art or an additional Foreign Language, depending on their aspirations for post-secondary education. At the end of Year 11, students sit for Ordinary Level examinations in their chosen subjects.

• Post-Secondary / Sixth Form (Ages 16–18): Optional, academic or vocational pathways preparing students either to pursue a University course or to pursue a career in a specific sector.

Note for expats: expect a considerable amount of homework as from the early primary years! The Maltese education system focuses heavily on homework to help students integrate their knowledge and gain practice in different subjects, especially when it comes to core subjects like Maths, English and Maltese. From reading comprehensions and essays to more complex projects, homework can get quite demanding in Malta, especially during secondary years!

Maltese Language Exemptions: If your child is joining the system at an older age, state and independent schools often offer flexibility or introductory classes so your child isn’t unfairly graded on a completely new language. Always ask the school administration about their policy for international learners.

When does School Start in Malta?

The scholastic year in Malta kicks off in late September and wraps up by the end of June. School annual exams typically start in mid-June, and students need to sit for an exam in every subject being taught.

University courses start a bit later, at the beginning of October. Summers are long and hot, but summer schools or camps are typically organized for kids in primary or secondary years. Lessons are more informal during summer schools, but for the more senior years, summer revision classes are typically offered. These focus on past papers to help students stay on track and improve their grades ahead of the next scholastic year.

The 3 Types of Schools in Malta

When choosing a school, you will pick from three distinct sectors, each with its own admission rules and dynamics:

1. State Schools

State or government schools in Malta are entirely free of charge (including tuition, textbooks, and daily school transport). Primary state schools are located in almost every town across Malta and Gozo, whereas secondary state schools take in students residing in multiple towns in the same region.

• Language: State schools use a bilingual system, with equal importance being given to both English and Maltese. While Maths and Science subjects are typically taught in English, everyday communication and subjects like History sometimes lean heavily on Maltese.

• Note for Expats: Children of expats working in Malta have a right to free state education, but keep in mind that learning both English and Maltese is standard curriculum at state schools.

2. Church Schools

Historically single-sex but increasingly co-educational, Church schools are administered by the Catholic Church but are heavily subsidised by the government, making them practically free (parents are usually asked for an annual voluntary donation to cover upkeep).

• The Catch: Admission is notoriously competitive and decided by a national lottery system held early in the year. Preference is given to children whose parents work already in the said school or who have siblings who already attend that school.

• Religious values: As the name implies, church schools focus on fostering religious values and traditions. Although your child doesn’t need to be strictly Catholic to attend, daily school routine will include Catholic prayers, mass on special occasions, and religious imagery.

3. Private Schools

Private schools in Malta involve tuition fees and are run independently.

• Language: English is the primary language of instruction and daily communication between kids. The Maltese language is still taught, but foreign students can often opt for a “Maltese as a Foreign Language” track or an alternative language altogether.

• Curriculum: Many independent schools follow the Maltese national curriculum, but some international schools offer British IGCSEs or the International Baccalaureate (IB).

• Tuition fees can be quite steep. Although facilities at private schools may be of a higher standard, it’s worth keeping in mind that teachers at private schools have the same qualifications as those teaching at public schools.

Understanding the MATSEC Examination System

If your children are entering the older years (ages 14 to 18), you will constantly hear the word MATSEC thrown around. This stands for the Matriculation and Secondary Education Certificate Examinations Board, which is the official national examination body run by the University of Malta.

Think of MATSEC as the Maltese equivalent of the British GCSE and A-Level system. It is divided into two distinct levels:

1. SEC Levels (O-Levels) – Ages 15-16

At the end of secondary school (Year 11), students sit for their Secondary Education Certificate (SEC) exams, locally referred to as O-Levels.

• Students typically take core subjects (English, Maltese, Maths, and a Science subject) alongside elective options they chose in Year 8 (like Physics, Computing, Business, or a foreign language).

• Passes in core subjects are often required for admission into Sixth Form and some other post-secondary courses.

2. Matriculation Certificate (A-Levels & Intermediates) – Ages 17-18

If your teenager wishes to attend the University of Malta or another foreign University, they will spend two years at a Sixth Form college (like Junior College, Higher Secondary, or church-run Sixth Forms, such as St Aloysius), preparing them for the attainment of a Matriculation Certificate.

Instead of just taking 3 A-Levels like in the UK, Malta uses a broader system. To pass the Matriculation Certificate, a student must sit for:

• 2 subjects at Advanced Level (A-Levels)

• 3 subjects at Intermediate Level

• Systems of Knowledge (SOK): A compulsory cross-disciplinary subject covering culture, history, science, and politics.

Passes at Grade C or better in specific subjects are generally required for admission into specific University courses. For example, for admission into the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, a grade C or better in Pure Mathematics and/or Physics is required. For admission into the Bachelor of Education course, a grade C or better is generally required in the subjects that students want to teach.

As students apply to sit for Matsec examinations, many parents opt to send their kids for private tuition in core subjects or in the subjects that they may be finding particularly challenging. One-on-one private tuition is becoming increasingly popular, to help kids get more personalized and tailored attention and to help address their individual learning difficulties.

Vocational Alternatives

If the highly academic MATSEC route doesn’t suit your child, Malta has an excellent vocational college system called MCAST (Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology) accessible from age 16.

MCAST offers a diverse range of courses, from Business Administration and Marketing to the creative Arts and more skills-based courses. It is divided into six distinct institutes, focusing on specific career sectors:

1. Institute of Applied Sciences: Prepares students for careers in health sciences, nursing, pharmaceuticals, environmental technology, and food science. It also includes an agricultural and animal science campus in Qormi.

2. Institute for the Creative Arts (Mosta Campus): The creative hub covering fine art, graphic design, fashion, journalism, performing arts, and media/film production.

3. Institute of Engineering and Transport: One of the largest institutes, covering mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering, automotive repair, aviation maintenance, and maritime studies.

4. Institute of Business Management and Commerce: Focused on accounting, marketing, human resources, logistics, and retail management.

5. Institute of Community Services: Prepares students for roles in early childhood education, social care, sports, hairdressing, and beauty therapy.

6. Institute of Information and Communication Technology: Focuses on software development, computer systems, networking, web design, and multimedia.

Ready for the journey? Trusted Tutors can help you or your child stay on track!

Malta’s welcoming community and high standard of education make it a fantastic place for kids to grow up. Admittedly, the educational system in Malta can get demanding at times, and homework can be a headache – however, for those students who stay committed, the entire experience can be incredibly rewarding. By the time they sit their A-levels, students are typically very well-prepared to deal with the high standards upheld by Universities, both locally and abroad.

If your child is about to enter the Maltese school system and you’re feeling a bit apprehensive, this is totally understandable. Sometimes, a little bit of extra support is needed, and that’s what private tuition is for.

Trusted Tutors can help you deal with the headaches of homework or upcoming examinations by pairing your child up with a qualified tutor in every subject. Check out the subjects on offer here, and don’t hesitate in getting in touch. Studying in Malta should feel rewarding, not frightening!