First Girls Join Year 1 At De La Salle College And St Benild School

On Wednesday 24th September 2025, as the new academic year began, De La Salle College Junior School in Birgu and St Benild School in Sliema, part of Stella Maris College, welcomed girls for the first time in Year 1. This marks a historic step towards full co-education in Malta’s Lasallian schools.

The introduction of girls in Year 1 is the first stage of an 11-year transition that will gradually transform De La Salle College and Stella Maris College into fully co-educational schools.

This year, the Year 1 intake is evenly split between boys and girls, with entry determined through the national Church School ballot organised by the Secretariat for Catholic Education.

Students in older year groups will continue in boys-only classes until the co-educational model is phased in year by year. By 2026/27, the first co-educational Year 2 classes will be introduced, and girls will join the senior schools at Year 7/Form 1 in 2031/32, with full co-education expected by 2035/36.

The decision followed wide consultation with staff, parents, and students. Lasallian schools have always focused on holistic education, preparing students for family, civic, and human responsibilities. The move to co-education reflects the Church’s call for authentic, inclusive dialogue and ensures boys and girls grow together in an environment that fosters mutual respect, inclusion, and Christian values.

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