As September draws to a close, families across Malta are preparing for the return to the classroom and the beginning of another academic year.
For most students attending Malta’s state schools, the new scholastic year gets underway at the end of September, marking the return to lessons, school activities and familiar routines after the long Mediterranean summer.
For international families living in Malta — or considering making the island their home — the start of the school year is also a useful opportunity to look at how Malta’s academic calendar works and what families can expect throughout the year.
The School Year in Malta
Malta’s scholastic year generally runs from late September until the end of June, followed by the main summer holiday during July, August and much of September.
The year is broken up by several school holidays, giving families regular breaks throughout the academic calendar.
Autumn Term: September to December
The school year begins in late September and continues through the autumn months.
A short mid-term break usually takes place during the autumn, before schools continue through November and into December.
The first major break of the academic year is the Christmas holiday, which typically begins shortly before Christmas and continues into the first week of January.
Winter Term: January to Easter
Students return to school in early January for the second part of the academic year.
One of Malta’s more distinctive school breaks takes place around Carnival, usually in February. Malta has a strong Carnival tradition, with particularly well-known celebrations taking place in Valletta and Gozo.
The next major break is the Easter holiday, which generally provides students with a longer break around the Easter period.
Spring and Summer Term: Easter to June
Following Easter, students return for the final stretch of the academic year.
As summer approaches, state schools traditionally move to shorter school days in June before the academic year finishes towards the end of the month.
This is followed by Malta’s long summer holiday, with students remaining off school through July and August and returning towards the end of September for the next academic year.
Education in Malta
Education in Malta is compulsory from the ages of 5 to 16, with the system extending from kindergarten and primary education through to middle, secondary, post-secondary and tertiary education.
Families can choose between state, Church and independent schools, while Malta is also home to international schools offering alternative curricula.
For families arriving from overseas, this variety provides a number of different educational pathways depending on a child’s age, previous schooling and the family’s longer-term plans.
An English-Speaking Education Environment in Europe
One of Malta’s key advantages for international families is language.
English and Maltese are both official languages of Malta, and English is widely used throughout education, business and everyday life. Teaching materials within state schools may be provided in either Maltese or English depending on the subject, while students study both languages.
For children arriving from overseas, Malta also provides induction support for students who do not yet communicate in Maltese or English, helping them prepare for integration into mainstream education.
Why Education Matters When Choosing Malta
For families considering international relocation, education is often one of the most important factors in deciding where to establish a new home.
Malta offers the combination of an English-speaking environment, a well-established education system and a location at the heart of the Mediterranean.
As a full member of the European Union, Malta can be particularly attractive to internationally mobile families looking for a European base where their children can grow up and study in an environment in which English is part of everyday life.
With another school year beginning, thousands of students across Malta will once again be heading back to the classroom — and for families considering a future on the island, Malta’s education offering remains an important part of its wider appeal.
How Vertex Alliance Can Help
For international families considering making Malta their home, choosing the right education for their children is just one part of planning a successful relocation.
Vertex Alliance supports individuals and families throughout their move to Malta, providing guidance on residence options as well as practical relocation considerations such as property, schooling and settling into life on the island.
Whether Malta is being considered as a new home, a European base or part of a longer-term international plan, our experienced team can provide guidance tailored to each family’s circumstances.
To discuss your plans with a trusted advisor, contact info@valtd.com.
