Preparations are nearly complete for Malta’s state schools as they gear up to receive 35,000 students who will return to classrooms in the following days for the 2024 scholastic year.

Some 7,700 teachers and educators are set to return to state schools on Monday, while students will return to their desks between Wednesday and Monday October 2nd.

A total of 275 new teachers, including kindergarten educators and learning support educators (LSEs) have been newly engaged to work in state schools. Contracts have been extended for a further 566 professionals.

In terms of school children getting around, the Education Ministry released some facts about the free public transport scheme.

Buses will pick up students on 2,410 different routes, 925 of which are solely for state state students.

Some 32,833 students across the islands, from kindergarten age to secondary school will make use of the free bus service. Of this total, 13,774 attend state schools with 19,059 enrolled in Church or independent schools. Sixth form students won’t be able to make use of this.

The ministry also highlighted a €20 million investment into the infrastructure projects across state schools over the summer months, with a further four projects on-going, costing €53 million. However, it did not provide information on this.

Tag someone heading back to school