Building the future
Over the past six years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Robert Abela, Malta has pursued a clear and consistent vision for national development – one that places people, opportunity and long-term investment at its core. In both education and sport, these six years have been defined by strategic reform, sustained investment and a commitment to inclusion and well-being.
Education remains one of the most powerful investments a country can make. Malta has embarked on a comprehensive transformation of its education system, guided by a clear objective: to ensure that every learner, regardless of background or ability, can thrive in a system that values well-being, inclusion, innovation and excellence.
A clear, long-term vision for education
In 2024, we launched the National Education Strategy 2024-2030, a milestone in education policymaking. For the first time, Malta has a single, coherent framework spanning early childhood education through to lifelong learning, supported by a long-term vision extending to 2050.
The strategy is built on three pillars: well-being, growth and empowerment, and equity and inclusion. Principles that are translated into concrete measures that place students and educators at the centre of the system, strengthen skills for a changing economy and giving students more opportunities.
Another strategy, The Digital Education Strategy 2024-2030, recognises that digital competence is no longer optional. By investing in digital tools, content and training, we are equipping students to become responsible digital citizens while supporting educators to teach confidently in a rapidly evolving environment.
At the moment, we are also in the process of drawing up from scratch The Homework Policy.
Leaving no one behind
Reducing early leaving from education and training remains a national priority. Our Early Leaving from Education and Training Strategy adopts a holistic approach based on prevention, early intervention and compensation.
By strengthening links between schools, families and communities and by identifying risks earlier we are working to ensure that every young person has a genuine opportunity to succeed. Education does not exist in isolation and our policies reflect that reality.
Our approach is giving results. Initiatives include stronger family engagement, data-driven early identification of risk, alternative learning pathways and second-chance education. Programmes such as the Family-Community-School Link (FCSL) have been piloted to strengthen collaboration between schools, families and communities.
Malta has continued to reduce its rate of early leaving from education and training (ELET), reaching 9.6% in 2024. This marks a notable improvement from 18.1% in 2012 and a sharp decline from a peak of 33% in 2005. Malta is now just 0.6 percentage points away from the EU’s 2030 target of reducing ELET to 9% and only 0.3 points below the current EU average.
Modern schools for modern learning
Reform cannot take place in outdated spaces. This is why we launched the EDU Infrastructure Programme, a €91 million investment to modernise Malta’s school infrastructure over 13 years. It is a programme that looks to create environments that support learning, inclusion and well-being.
Our investments in this sector through the Foundation for Tomorrow Schools is seeing major projects, such as the new Msida primary school and new educational facilities in Gozo, to upgrades nationwide.
Sustainability is also central to this effort, with renewable energy installations, green outdoor learning spaces and energy-efficient designs increasingly becoming standard features.
Investing in people and outcomes
At the heart of education are our educators. We continue to invest in educators through professional development aligned with new pedagogical, digital and well-being priorities. Sectoral agreements in the sector bring about substantial improvements in educators’ income and working conditions.
We are also strengthening vocational education, research and lifelong learning to ensure closer alignment with Malta’s social and economic needs.
Education remains one of the most powerful investments a country can make
The results are encouraging. Malta has one of the highest employment rates for tertiary graduates in Europe and has surpassed EU targets for tertiary attainment.
Early childhood education has also seen renewed focus, supporting children at the earliest and most critical stage of development.
Transforming the sport sector
Sport also plays an equally vital role in Maltese society. It brings people together, strengthens communities, promotes health and well-being and instils values such as discipline, resilience and ambition.
In recent years, Malta made a determined effort to transform its sport sector, ensuring it is modern, inclusive and capable of supporting excellence at every level. It is about participation, talent development, infrastructure, governance and recognising sport as a pillar of national well-being.
Strengthening the foundations of Maltese sport
Central to this journey has been the strengthening of the strategic and institutional framework governing sport. Through SportMalta, in close collaboration with federations and clubs, we have worked to modernise governance, improve accountability and ensure that public investment delivers lasting value.
Greater emphasis has been placed on long-term planning, evidence-based funding and professional administration, while safeguarding the voluntary spirit that remains the backbone of Maltese sport.
Facilities, athletes and participation
A modern sport sector requires modern facilities. Substantial investment has been directed towards upgrading sports infrastructure across Malta and Gozo.
These projects serve both competitive sport and community participation, in facilities upgraded to international levels.
Programmes promoting sport for all have expanded, ensuring participation regardless of age, gender, ability or background.
Stronger links between schools and sport, as well as targeted initiatives for children, older persons and persons with disabilities, continue to support physical health, mental well-being and social inclusion.
A shared legacy for education and sport
The transformation of education and sport is a continuous process that requires foresight, collaboration and long-term commitment.
Across both sectors, the direction is clear: investing in people, modernising infrastructure, strengthening governance and widening opportunity.
Education and sport are not separate policy areas – together, they shape character, well-being, skills and national identity.
The legacy we are building is one of opportunity, resilience and inclusion; a legacy that empowers learners and athletes, strengthens communities and equips Malta to face the future with confidence and ambition.
Clifton Grima is Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation.
