Students’ O-level failure rate underscores an urgent need for a more holistic approach to education reform, according to MaltaCAN, a network of organisations dedicated to safeguarding children’s rights.

The worrying results — which showed that 20 per cent of the 36,044 students who sat for their exams got an unclassified ‘U’ grade — demand collective attention to address the challenges students faced on their educational journey, MaltaCAN stressed.

Established in 2019, MaltaCAN is composed of 14 children’s organisations, together advocating child participation and children’s rights and aligns its work with the UN Convention for the Rights of the Child. It works hand in hand with the Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society, chaired by former President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca.

“The decrease in the number of students who passed exams is a matter of grave concern. We firmly believe it is our collective responsibility to ensure that every child is equipped with the tools they need to succeed, both academically and personally,” MaltaCAN said in a statement.

It also pointed out that figures for A-level and intermediate exams could not be overlooked and  highlighted the urgent need for improvements in the education system. 

MaltaCAN is calling for a comprehensive education reform that addresses a number of key areas: education must cater to each child’s diverse needs and abilities; teachers  should be provided with adequate training and continuous professional development; educational institutions should include mental health support services to nurture students’ emotional well-being; while parent-teacher collaboration should be strengthened.

“We call upon policymakers, education authorities, and stakeholders to prioritise and invest in comprehensive education reform that places the well-being and development of every child at its core,” MaltaCAN said.

“This data should be a stepping stone towards real change. We firmly believe that by working together, we can create a transformative education system that empowers our children to become confident, informed, and engaged citizens.