1. Junior College

G.F. Abela Junior College (JC), located in Msida, is a popular further education institution in Malta among youths. 

Life at Junior College is filled with colourful activities and you’ll be sure to find something suited to your tastes. From Freshers’ week to the Soiree and Christmas concert, JC could certainly add some much needed fun in a time where academics are at the forefront of your mind.

One benefit of studying at JC is the vast array of study programmes that are available. These include; restarting both first and second year if need be, enrolling as 18+ students or adult learners, following a one-year program, as well as following an evening programme/course. 

There is even an option to study an additional A-level, without having to take all three intermediate subjects. Instead, students following this programme will be able to study three A-level subjects and two intermediates along with Systems of Knowledge (SOK).

Transport to the college is not provided, however, a large number of buses pass through Msida, making it relatively easy to access.

Additionally, to apply for JC six passes in the SEC examinations at a Grade 5 or better are required, and of these passes, a minimum of one must be a core subject – Mathematics, English Language or Maltese. 

More information here.

2. St Aloysius College

Another favoured sixth form on the island, St Aloysius College – more commonly referred to as SAC, provides a Jesuit education keeping God alive in mind throughout the school community.

At SAC, sports is a key element for mental and physical well-being, therefore, one and a half hour sports sessions are timetabled weekly. In addition, all sixth form students are entitled to the use of the college sports facilities, which include a running track, football pitch and gym.

To aid students in their personal growth and character formation, the college provides a Personal Development Programme. This programme is designed to make students more resilient, responsible and contributing members of society. Discussions and debates on issues and current affairs which affect daily life are also an integral part of the programme.

Another highly anticipated event at the college every year is the SAC Soiree, a showcase and celebration of the students’ unique talents, involving months of preparation – it is held over three days each May.

Unlike Junior College, SAC is considered more competitive, with a lower amount of applicants accepted per scholastic year and entry requirements being a Grade 3 or better for A-level subjects, with a couple exceptions. For subjects being taken at intermediate level, students are required to obtain a Grade 5 or better, with the exception of Physics and Pure Maths, for which a Grade 3 or better is needed.

More information here.

3. De La Salle Sixth Form College

De La Salle Sixth Form (DLS) is run by the international ‘De La Salle Order’ which was founded in 1684 in France and subsequently established in Malta in 1903. 

DLS is a Roman Catholic Sixth Form College committed to the personal and spiritual growth of all its members based on academic excellence and Christian values.

Every year, the school’s Student Council holds ‘Lasallian Nights’. This annual show is made up of a scripted play which includes songs dances and sketches. 

Along with Lasallian Nights, the college also holds a six-day educational trip to London for the second-year students. During this visit, the students have the opportunity to explore the Science, Natural History and V&A Museums, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Madame Tussauds and the London Dungeons.

Among the opportunities provided at DLS is Euroscola, an immersive experience in the Chamber of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Students from the 27 EU Member States are chosen to become Members of the European Parliament for a day – they take the floor, debating and voting on resolutions regarding current affairs.

Additionally, to apply for a subject at Advanced level, the student will need to be in possession of a pass in that subject, however, there are exceptions so it would be prudent to check the prospectus.

More information here.

4. Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary School 

Boasting a colourful academic life, Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary School (GCHSS) is a great option for many. 

Similar to Junior College, GCHSS offers a course where students can study three subjects at Advanced level, making it perfect for those with their mind set on taking up their studies abroad. A study programme targeted to adult learners is also available .

Higher also offers a diverse range of activities, such as the drama troupe which serves as a platform to hold performances within a safe and supportive environment. Its objective is to organise activities such as Drama Day and the Soirée. 

Moreover, GCHSS is an Erasmus+ accredited institution and is awarded funds to enable students to travel abroad to various partner countries within the Erasmus+ network. Such mobilities enhance student experiences in terms of intercultural awareness, providing them with a better understanding of different educational experiences and a wider network of peers in different countries.

To be accepted into GCHSS, students must be in possession of five passes at SEC level, which must include at least 2 subjects from the following: Maltese, English Language and Mathematics.

More information here.

5. St Edwards College Sixth Form

St Edwards, located in Birgu, is one of the few higher education institutions in Malta that follow the IBDP system – International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. 

IBDP was established in 1968 and it serves as a pre-university programme for students aged between 16 and 19. Its focus is to enhance students’ personal, academic and professional development. It is recognised and respected by universities all around the world. 

IB schools are present in over 156 countries and feedback collected from a wide range of graduates suggests that IB students have an easier time adjusting to university studies. 

In comparison to JC, SAC, DLS and Higher, St Edwards is a whole different ball game. The rigorous education may be too much to handle for some, however, it is a great option for those looking to study abroad due to it being recognised by many foreign universities – these including Harvard, UCLA, and Oxbridge.

Students enrolling for the IBDP Sixth Form course will undergo an entry interview by the Head of the Sixth Form. This interview can either be done face-to-face or via Skype. A good level of English is required as well as 6 passes at O-level or 6 passes in International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSEs).

Students will have to choose six subjects – 3 at a Higher Level and 3 at a Standard Level. Students’ choices will reflect the courses they wish to pursue at tertiary level.

More information here.

6. St Martins College 

In 2007, St Martin’s College inaugurated a new Sixth Form in the belief that there was a niche for a high-quality pre-University education which provides individual attention to its students.

St Martins, which is located in Msida, offers tailored guidance to students and encourages them to choose a combination of subjects that best suits their personal abilities and aspirations. The students are allowed to choose combinations of subjects depending on the institution of higher education they would like to attend.

While the majority of students follow the MATSEC certification course which prepares them for entry into the University of Malta, the school also enables them to apply for universities abroad. 

The sixth form is registered with UCAS – The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service is a company based in Gloucestershire, England, which provides educational support services – so that students may apply online to UK universities through the school. 

Apart from the academic aspect of the college, students are encouraged to participate in a number of activities such as Young Enterprise, Public Speaking Academy, Debating Academy and EuroScola. These activities are a crucial component of the St Martin’s College Sixth Form programme.

The school also boasts a plethora of amenities such as a Multi Purpose Sports Hall, three turf five-a-side Pitches, two Tennis Courts and more.

More information here.

7. MCAST

Although not a sixth form like the rest of the schools mentioned, MCAST offers over 190 full-time courses and over 300 part-time vocational courses ranging from certificates to Doctoral level (MQF Level 1 to Level 8).

There are six institutes across Malta and Gozo: that of Applied Sciences, Creative Arts, Engineering and Transport, Business Management and Commerce, Community Services, ICT, as well as the Gozo Campus.

MCAST’s corporate structure focuses on the needs of students at every level as well as maintaining a relationship with interested stakeholders to provide the best programmes for the needs of the local economy and society. 

Its relationship with the industry is crucial in the College’s success – offering flexible, relevant and practical programmes which are constantly evolving to meet the changing global economy. 

MCAST supports small and medium-sized enterprises through the Apprenticeship Programme, which encourages work-based learning through a multidisciplinary approach.

Entry requirements vary depending on the specific course one is planning to take and its MQF level. 

More information here.

8. Central Mediterranean Business School

Launched in June 2024, CMBS is a new private sixth form located at Birkirkara’s Brewhouse offering “job-focused” courses with leading employers.

The school offers post-secondary courses in Business Management, Computer Science, and Accounting & Finance, all starting in October 2024.

These courses will lead to undergraduate degrees awarded by the business school, Coventry University and ACCA.

Upon successful completion, students will be awarded a globally recognised Advanced Diploma in their chosen area of study, certified at 120 ECTS, and recognised at MQF/EQF Level 4. Students completing this programme will be equipped with the necessary foundation to pursue an undergraduate degree at CMBS in collaboration with Coventry University or ACCA, or at other European institutions of their choice.

More information here.

Will you, or do you know someone who will be attending one of these colleges soon?