More students taking up post-secondary education

The number of fifth formers who moved into post-secondary education increased by six per cent over five years, according to new data.

The latest Tracer Study, carried out by the Directorate for Education Services in February 2015, “traced” teenagers who had completed compulsory education in June of 2014. Of the 93 per cent that took part in the study, 87 per cent had furthered their education, while seven per cent had found employment.

Despite the increase, the amount of students who continued their studies at MQF level three or less is worrying, according to Education Minister Evarist Bartolo.Nearly a third – or 31 per cent – continued post-secondary education at MQF level one, two or three. This means that these students did not reach the level of education expected of fifth formers.

“This is unacceptable, and what is more worrying is the gender gap, with a larger percentage of male students in the lower levels,” he said, adding that boys had lost their male role models within the education sector as most of the staff was female.

“We cannot allow such a gender gap, as this is detrimental also within the social context… it has been proven that the incidence in domestic violence...