More than 61,000 students have begun the new scholastic year in Malta and Gozo, supported by nearly 13,000 educators across state, church and independent schools.
Figures published on Thursday show that 8,574 educators reported for duty in state schools on Monday, with another 2,913 in church schools and 1,497 in independent schools, bringing the total to 12,984 educators up to secondary level.
By Wednesday, 28,873 primary and secondary students had started lessons in state schools, with a further 5,906 kindergarten pupils set to join on September 29. This brings total attendance in state schools to 34,779 students.
Church schools welcomed 17,238 students, while independent schools opened their doors to 9,206 students – for a nationwide total of 61,223 pupils this academic year.
Education Minister Clifton Grima said preparations for the scholastic year began immediately after the last one ended to ensure everything would be in place.
State schools also engaged 245 new professionals for the year.
Over the summer, government invested around half a million euros in 160 maintenance projects, including major renovations at the Adrian Borg and Oliver Friggieri primary schools in Birkirkara, as well as upgrades in schools in Mrieħel, Gżira and San Ġwann.
Grima emphasised that “a huge effort” had been made to ensure every class across every year group has a dedicated teacher for each subject. He added that the investment was not only infrastructural but also digital and technological, aimed at “continuing to improve the educational experience.”