Schooling in Malta

Our Services

What support can you expect?

Our Global Mobility team connects you with expert consultants to help find the right school in Malta, local or international.

You'll receive guidance on curricula, enrolment, and timelines to ensure a smooth, confident transition for your children.

Moving to Malta with your family? 

Malta offers quality education in both English and Maltese, helping families settle in with ease.

Choose from State, Church, Private, or international schools—all in a safe, supportive environment.

Types of schools

    • These are free of charge.

    • State schools are taught mainly in English (Maltese is also used) and follow the national curriculum.

    • These are fee paying

    • Private schools offer more international style education and modern facilities.

    • Often follow British or Maltese Curriculum.

    • Class sizes are smaller and you will find that there are more extracurricular options.

    • Run by religious institutions (mostly Catholic)

    • Free but highly competitive

    • Mostly taught in English but with a strong religious focus.

  • International Schools

    • Follow UK, IB, or other international curricula.

    • International Schools are ideal for short-term expats or those planning university abroad.

    • Fully taught in English and culturally diverse.

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How to Enrol

State Schools

  • Register through the Ministry of Education.

  • NOTE: If you want to enrol your child in a public school, you must first finalise your local residency. This will determine which public schools are available in your area.

Church Schools

  • Lottery application or selection process.

Private and International Schools

  • Apply directly through the school. It's best to apply early.

  • You’ll usually need these documents:

  1. ·         Child’s passport

  2. ·         Residence permit or ID

  3. ·         Birth certificate

  4. ·         Immunization record

  5. ·         Previous school reports (some schools)

  • When booking an appointment, you’ll need to give your child’s birthdate so the Admissions Officer can check if there’s a seat available for that school year. If there’s no space, then you can be placed on the waiting list.

  • During the school tour, the Admissions Officer will explain the full admissions process, school program, and fees. A place is only guaranteed once the registration fee and refundable deposit are paid..

Expat Preferred Schools

Insight - San Andrea School

GianLuca D’Anna provides a quick view of San Andrea School, one of the schools you may wish to consider if you are moving to Malta with children

What do you need to know about the education system?

  • The school year runs from September to June.

    School starts mid September and ends in late June.
    There are breaks for Christmas, Easter and Summer.

  • Uniforms and school rules are common.

    Most schools require uniforms and follow a structured schedule.

    School days typically run from 08:00am - 2:00pm.

  • Homework is a big part of school life.

    Homework is taken seriously and some schools assign up to 2 hours per day, even at primary level.

  • Exams begin around age 11.

    Students sit national exams at ages 11,16 (SEC), and 18 (A-Levels or MATSEC) if continuing on to university.

  • School is compulsory from ages 4 to 16.

    Children must attend school from the age of 4, (Kindergarten Year 1) up to age 16 (end of secondary school). s here

FAQs

  • English is the primary language of teaching in most schools.

    Maltese is a compulsory subject in state schools however exemptions may be made for non - Maltese children.

    International schools usually only teach in English.

  • The academic year typically starts in early October and ends in late June. There are breaks for Christmas, Easter, and summer holidays. Kindergartens and schools usually operate Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM

  • Malta follows a structured national examination system known as MATSEC (Matriculation and Secondary Education Certificate), which is overseen by the University of Malta.

  • MATSEC stands for Matriculation and Secondary Education Certificate. It is the national examination system in Malta, established by the University of Malta. It includes assessments at both secondary and post-secondary levels.

    • SEC (Secondary Education Certificate):
      Taken at the end of compulsory schooling (around age 16, Year 11). It is similar to the UK's GCSEs. Students typically sit for exams in core subjects like English, Maltese, Mathematics, and Science, along with optional subjects.

    • Matriculation Certificate:
      Taken at the end of sixth form (around age 18). It includes:

      • Advanced Matriculation (AM) subjects

      • Intermediate Matriculation (IM) subjects
        This is required for university entrance in Malta and is similar to the UK's A-level