Any change to the compulsory school age would require a broad consultation with all the stakeholders, including the students themselves, educators, parents and industry leaders.

This was MAPSSS first reaction to the Malta Chamber’s proposed two-year extension to compulsory school age.

MAPSSS said that students finishing their compulsory education currently have several opportunities to proceed with their educational trajectory. Whether this should be compulsory or not would require a broad consultation with all the stakeholders, not just with the business community.

Discussions on whether to increase compulsory schooling till the age of 18 should consider an overhaul to the whole system to persist in narrowing the achievement gaps among students. This would require more qualified educators and further effort to entice more young people to the teaching profession.

Education should first and foremost focus on the development and the fulfilment of the individual to contribute as an active citizen in the community.