Everything You Need To Know About Malta’s Primary School System
Moving to a new country is a daunting enough experience, but when you add the stress of having to make sure your child gets the best education they possibly can – #PanicAttack
Don’t let it get to that point. Have a look at this instead – it’s a breakdown of how Malta’s primary school system works. Just name your next child after us and we’ll call it even.
1. There are 3 main categories of schools in Malta
These are state schools, Church schools, and independent schools. State schools in Malta are fully funded by the state, so education is free in these schools from ages 5 to 16.
Non-state schools in Malta are either fully funded privately, or partially funded by the state. Church Schools, which have a mainly Catholic religious connection, and independent schools both offer pre-primary to upper secondary education and are regulated by the Ministry for Education and Employment. There are no fees for Church schools (aside from donations), but there are for private schools.
2. Primary education (ages 5 to 11) in Malta covers…
Core subjects such as Mathematics, English, Maltese, Social Studies and Religious Education are covered by all schools. Although parents can choose not to have their children participate in religion classes.
In state schools children are required to sit a national exam in order to enter a secondary school.
3. State school is taught in Maltese
Most subjects are taught in Maltese at state schools, although English lessons are part of the curriculum. Church and independent schools predominantly teach in English.
4. Malta has a mix of co-ed and single-sex schools
State schools have been co-ed since 1980 and many private establishments accept both boys and girls. Church schools still tend to be single-sex except in a few schools which do both accept boys and girls at primary level.
5. Enrolling into the different types of primary schools is unique for each
1. State schools
All children can get into state schools, but there’s a more than a bit of admin involved. Parents should contact their Local Council to find out if there’s an available school in their locality. They may be asked to present their child’s birth certificate, immunisation records, parent IDs, and proof of residence. Aside from contacting the school directly, parents should also visit the Education Department in Floriana. Hint: make a call first to ask what to bring.
2. Church schools
The Church school entry system is a bit different and more selective. You have to sign your child up for a ballot, unless they have a sibling that’s already attending a Church school, or a parent that works for one. Places in Church schools tend to be pretty limited. You’re going to want to contact the Malta Diocese for more information on how to apply to have your child on the ballot.
3. Independent schools
Getting your child into an independent schools is unique according to which one you choose. You’ll need to visit your chosen school directly to start the admission process. Most schools will need you to show vaccination cards, ID for parents and students, and in some cases report cards from previous schools. The biggest difference is that with independent schools you have a fee to pay. How much does it cost? Every school and every year is different so speaking directly to the schools’ admission office is your safest bet.
6. There are also specialist schools in Malta
Four special needs centres are available in Malta, with specialist teachers and equipment for children with learning difficulties. They also work with the children to try and integrate them into mainstream schooling at varying ages.
7. Most schools have uniforms
Get ready for years of complaints from your kids.
BONUS: Our summer holidays are long
In Malta the scholastic year runs from September to June, which means that summer holidays are three months long – cue unprecedented levels of elation for the kids. Christmas and Easter holidays are around two weeks long and mid-terms are only about two days long. We also have a crazy amount of public holidays. #Xalata
