31,000 students back to school

Over 31,000 pupils returned to school this morning with 19,131 attending primary and 11,923 attending secondary schools.

A total of 3,542 teaching staff welcomed the students and no major issues were reported.

Today also marked the beginning of the co-education concept at St Claire's College Seconday, a state school, in Pembroke.

Mixed gender pupils in Form 1 at the school attended lessons together for the first time in a landmark change for secondary education schools in Malta.

The introduction of co-education in the school was backed by €500,000 renovation works at the school with improved classrooms and sports facilities.

The middle school concept was also introduced today whereby students in Form 1 and Form 2 receive specialised attention and a gradual changeover from Primary and Secondary education.

Education Minister Evarist Bartolo toured a number of schools and thanked the staff for their dedication and hard work.

Bartolo however did note that some students were being picked up as early as 6:30am, a situation he said was unacceptable.

Parents, school workers and members of the public are requested to refer any relevant issues to the Ministry for Education and Employment on [email protected]