Early school leaving rates fall below EU average for first-ever time
Malta drops below the EU average in 'historic turning point'
Malta has recorded its lowest-ever early school leaving rate, the Education Ministry said on Wednesday, quoting Eurostat figures.
It said the latest figures showed Malta has dropped below the EU average for the first time.
Malta's rate of early leaving from education and training stood at 8.6%. The EU average is 9.1%.
This, the ministry said, was a turning point in the country’s education sector.
Education Minister Clifton Grima said in a statement that the milestone meant Malta has achieved its national EU target almost five years ahead of schedule.
“This achievement reflects sustained commitment, clear strategic direction and coordinated action across the education sector,” he said, attributing the progress to direct investment in educators and students, as well as proactive prevention strategies outlined in the National Education Strategy 2024–2030.
The minister also pointed to reforms in school-based assessment methods, which have allowed educators to better identify and support students who previously struggled academically.
He thanked school administrators, teachers, students, families and communities for their collective efforts in delivering what he described as a “highly positive result”, while pledging that the government would continue to invest in transforming the education sector.
Malta’s performance now compares favourably with several EU countries, including Germany, Spain, Denmark, Estonia, Austria and Finland, which currently record higher rates of early school leaving, the ministry said.