Church Schools Welcome 20,000 Students and Educators for 2025-2026 Academic Year

Around 17,000 students and over 3,000 educators have begun the 2025-2026 academic year across Malta and Gozo in Church-run schools, spanning kindergarten, primary, secondary, and post-secondary levels.

Following a thanksgiving Mass, speakers, including Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Galea-Curmi, highlighted the importance of holistic education in Church schools nurturing not just the mind, but also the spirit. Emphasis was placed on fostering critical thinking, creativity, and innovation, especially in a world of rapidly expanding access to information and artificial intelligence.

During the summer, many schools underwent improvements to their educational environments, and the Secretariat for Catholic Education relocated its new office to Ħal Balzan, part of the Bon Pastur Sisters’ complex, with official inauguration planned for this school year.

Additional measures benefiting students and staff have continued, including the integration of continuous assessment in the SEC/O’ Levels, which proved successful last year. Work is also ongoing on staff salary adjustments following government agreements with trade unions.

In a message to students and educators, Archbishop Charles Scicluna wished for a year filled with hard work and holistic development, citing St. George Preca, “Education is the fountain of every good.” The Archbishop stressed that education should be inclusive, value-driven, and foster discipline, responsibility, and compassion.

#MaltaDaily