The Maltese government, in collaboration with the Independent Schools Association (ISA), has reached a landmark agreement that will invest €26,875,940 into independent schools, ensuring stability in the sector.

Following concerns raised by the ISA in July regarding potential significant fee increases for parents, the agreement was approved by the Cabinet.

The anticipated fee hikes were driven by recent salary adjustments under a sectoral agreement for educators in public schools, negotiated with the Malta Union of Teachers (MUT).

Without intervention, independent schools would have faced abnormal fee increases at the start of the academic year.

Currently, independent schools serve 8,244 students and employ 967 educators. Through this agreement, the government will provide financial assistance to these schools until 2029, ensuring that fee increases remain between 6% and 12% annually, thus protecting families from sudden financial strain.

This assistance also covers a one-time €1,000 allowance for each educator and retroactive payments from January 2023, as well as a substantial increase in per capita funding for the next five years.

Education Minister Clifton Grima emphasised the government’s commitment to maintaining free educational choice for Maltese and Gozitan students while supporting educators. This move ensures continued parity between public and independent school educators’ working conditions.

#MaltaDaily