Junior College no longer requires passes in all three core subjects

Updated at 4.20pm with MUT reaction

Students applying to enter Junior College will no longer need three passes in the core subjects - Maltese, English, Maths - according to a legal notice published earlier this month. They will also no longer need passes in one of three science subjects.

Previously entrants had to attain passes in all three core subjects, but now only a pass mark in one is required. A University of Malta spokesperson said any student missing a pass in any of the three would then need to obtain it during their two years at Junior College because Maltese, Maths and English are a requisite to join the University. These entry requirements will impact those applying to join Junior College as of this October.

Malta's largest teacher's union, the MUT, said the changes were made without consultation and should be suspended until they are properly discussed.

Early school leavers

The timing of the change raised concerns from the Nationalist Party about whether it was linked to the fact 16-year-olds will be able to vote for the first time in the general election. However Education Minister Clifton Grima said it was a decision made by the University.

He told Times of...