Bold investments made in educational infrastructure

The Foundation for Tomorrow’s Schools (FTS), with an €88 million funding allocation through a combination of national and EU funds, is leading the way for a revolutionary transformation in Malta’s school infrastructures.

This year was a pivotal point in the FTS’s history; it marked a dual focus: the renovation of current educational and sporting facilities, as well as the construction of completely new schools that meet the changing needs of students and educators.

Major capital projects that are building a better future

Over the past year, FTS has initiated some of its most ambitious capital projects to date. At the forefront is the construction of two new primary schools in Naxxar and Mellieħa.

Rather than extending into outside development zones, FTS has chosen to rebuild these schools within their current boundaries.

Construction works under way at Naxxar primary school.

Artist’s impression of the completed Naxxar primary.

The designs of both projects pay careful attention to the post-war modernist architecture of the original structures. Their distinctive façades will be preserved and sensitively integrated into entirely new school buildings.

Together, the two projects represent an investment of €42 million. The Naxxar primary school is being co-funded by the European Union through ERDF funds (ERDF.03.280), while the Mellieħa primary school is being financed through national funds.

Artist’s impression of the new Mellieħa primary.

A breakthrough for inclusive education

During the past year, FTS initiated construction works on an innovative sensory hydrotherapy and aquatic complex at San Miguel Primary Education Resource Centre in Pembroke, a facility that supports primary schoolchildren with disabilities and individual educational needs.

Artist’s impression of the San Miguel Primary Education Resource Centre in Pembroke.

San Miguel serves pupils aged three to 11 from state, Church and independent schools, many of whom have complex needs that require a sensory-based approach to learning.

Backed by an investment of €5.7 million, the new state-of-the-art centre is expected to significantly strengthen the support available to some of the country’s most vulnerable students.

A revolutionary transformation in Malta’s school infrastructures

Revitalising schools in Gozo

With the construction and opening of Victoria primary school and the renovation of Victoria middle school in Gozo complete, work is now under way to implement significant upgrades to the primary school sector throughout the island.

Victoria primary and middle schools.

The initial stage of this large-scale programme of work involves the comprehensive redevelopment of Ta’ Kerċem primary school, which is well ahead of schedule and due to be completed by 2026.

Artist’s impression of the redeveloped Kerċem primary.

Once the initial stages are completed, the next phases of the programme will include the upgrading of Żebbuġ primary school and the refurbishment of Għarb primary school.

Overall, the three major education sectors that FTS is undertaking represent an overall investment of €10.6 million in the educational infrastructure of Gozo.

Advancing sports infrastructure

Last summer, FTS completed the construction phase of the new football complex at Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary School in Naxxar.  The development includes a full-sized football pitch, spectator stands and a two-level underground car park with space for 500 vehicles. With structural works now completed, the project has entered its mechanical and electrical installation phase.

New football complex at Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary School in Naxxar

The €27 million project also features a pedestrian-friendly campus layout, and will provide sports facilities accessible to the wider community outside school hours.

At Dingli secondary school, FTS has installed a permanent, motorised retractable canopy, enabling the school to host outdoor activities throughout the year, irrespective of weather conditions. This project represents an investment of €1.6 million.

Dingli secondary school’s motorised retractable canopy.

Additionally, FTS has continued its programme to upgrade school sports grounds by replacing ageing rubber surfaces with modern synthetic turf. These improvements have enhanced both the safety and appearance of the facilities, representing an investment of €1.4 million.

Hamrun secondary school's upgraded sports facilities.

On course for A total investment of over €88m

These transformative initiatives represent only the beginning. FTS is on course to invest more than €88 million in educational infrastructure through a combination of national and European funding.

As these projects progress towards completion, FTS remains steadfast in its mission to elevate the quality, accessibility and sustainability of educational environments across Malta.

Neville Young is CEO of the Foundation for Tomorrow’s Schools.