Over 25% Of Students Fail Mathematics O Level

Recent statistics released by MATSEC have revealed that 28.5% of students failed their Mathematics O Level exam in 2025, an increase from the 22% failure rate recorded in 2024.

This comes despite the implementation of a new assessment system aimed at improving student outcomes.

The new format combines the traditional written exam with school-based assessments conducted throughout secondary education.

However, it appears to have had little positive impact on Mathematics results. Out of 4,600 students, 1,315 received an N/A, indicating failure, while 2,560 achieved Level 3, 610 Level 2, and 115 Level 1.

Under the revised system, Level 3 corresponds to grades 1–5, Level 2 to grades 6–7, and Level 1 to grade 8.

Other core subjects saw worse results. 13% of students failed the Maltese O Level, a notable increase from 5% the previous year, while the English O Level failure rate managed to slightly decrease from 15.5% in 2024 to 14% in 2025.

The highest failure rate this year was recorded in Physics, where a staggering 38.6% of students failed—up from 25.7% in 2024—raising further concerns about the new system’s effectiveness across subjects.

#MaltaDaily