Education Minister Byron Camilleri has acknowledged that Malta's performance in the latest PISA assessment is unsatisfactory, as he outlined a series of budget measures aimed at improving literacy, upgrading schools and strengthening support for students and educators.
Speaking on Friday, Camilleri said Malta had scored below the OECD average in mathematics, science and reading, but stressed that the results reflected a longstanding problem rather than a recent development.
The 2025 PISA assessment, involving 91 countries, found that only 52% of Maltese students achieved at least baseline proficiency in reading, compared with the OECD average of 69%. In mathematics, the figure stood at 56%, against 65% across the OECD, while in science it was 63%, compared with 74%.
Malta's performance also deteriorated compared with 2022 in all three subjects, with reading and science scores falling below those recorded in any assessment before 2022.
Camilleri said improving the country's reading culture would be one of the government's priorities, arguing that efforts should extend beyond schools and involve society as a whole.
Reading programmes for children up to 12 and their parents will continue in public gardens, libraries, schools and local council facilities. The National Literacy Agency will also establish around 20 additional open-air libraries, while the Aqra d-Dar service, which provides free book loans delivered to homes or workplaces, will be strengthened and made available to families with children up to 17.
One of the largest investments announced concerns air-conditioning in State schools, with around €6 million earmarked for installations and related infrastructure.
Currently, slightly more than 30 schools have air-conditioning. Ten additional schools have been identified for installations, including those in Baħrija, Pembroke, Ħal Luqa, l-Imġarr, ix-Xagħra, Żebbuġ in Gozo, Naxxar and Qormi. Some projects could be completed by summer, although the programme will extend over a full year.
The ministry intends to have 20 more schools equipped by the 2027/2028 scholastic year, before repeating the exercise in subsequent years until all schools are covered.
Camilleri explained that the work involves more than installing air-conditioning units, since electricity systems often need upgrading and some schools require new substations. These additional works can cost more than the units themselves.
The investment will be supported through three initiatives: air-conditioning in every new or renovated school, direct installations in 10 schools, and a call for private investors to install photovoltaic panels on unused school roofs. Part of the investors' payment will go towards funding air-conditioning in other schools.
The ministry is also considering holding examinations, particularly September resits, in existing air-conditioned halls.
On school infrastructure, Camilleri highlighted several ongoing projects. The first phase of the €15 million San Ġorġ school in Qormi is expected to open next scholastic year, with the second phase following a year later. The €21.5 million reconstruction of Naxxar primary school, which retained its original façade, is scheduled for 2027/2028.
Work has also started on the €4 million Żebbuġ primary school in Gozo, while excavation for the new Mellieħa primary school has been completed. The main planning permit is expected in the coming months. Preparatory work has also begun on the Guardian Angel school in Ħamrun.
The Kerċem school in Gozo has been completed and is due to be inaugurated shortly. Students have already moved into the new Valletta school, while the San Miguel primary school is expected to complete its hydropool this year.
The separate Edu Infrastructure programme, which upgrades existing schools, will see its budget increase from €6 million to €8 million. Projects include improvements at Blata l-Bajda Middle School, Birkirkara and Sliema primary schools, the second phase of the Valletta school and the Żurrieq primary school hall.
On educators' conditions, Camilleri said negotiations were guided by the need to balance fairness towards employees with responsibility towards taxpayers. The Junior College collective agreement has been signed, while an agreement has also been reached with a group of MCAST employees. Talks covering MCAST administrative staff are advanced, with negotiations continuing with other groups.
Learning support educators will receive additional training from next year. The government will also recruit more professionals to assess and support students with specific learning difficulties and introduce a rapid-response psychosocial service to assist schools following incidents requiring immediate intervention.
Student stipends will increase in line with the cost-of-living adjustment. A new stipend for maritime students and those training for pilot licences will also be introduced during 2027.
Other measures include calming spaces in schools, noise-cancelling headphones for neurodivergent students sensitive to their surroundings, and an extension of the free gym scheme.
Camilleri identified new schools, air-conditioning, improved conditions for educators, additional training and increased student support through stipends as his five main priorities.
He also pointed to the government's decision to increase student stipends, contrasting it with protests by students in other countries over their financial conditions.