What are the main factors that contribute to early school leaving in Malta?

Abstract

According to the National Statistics Office (NSO), Early School Leavers are those individuals “between 18 and 24 years of age whose highest level of education or training is ISCED 0, 1, 2 or 3c short, and who are not in education or training in the four weeks preceding the survey as a percentage of the total population of those aged 18 to 24” (NSO, 2013, pg3). This study aims to examine the causes of this phenomenon. Using a qualitative research approach, data was obtained through semi-structured surveys and interviews conducted with Head Teachers, Managers, and the Early School Leavers themselves. This contributed in exploring the perceived experiences of Early School Leavers and their disengagement from the Maltese educational system. Results showed that Early School Leaving is a process. It is the consequence of a lot of factors particularly related to the education system itself, the labour market, characteristics of individual nature, family factors and other aspects related to gender and spatial distribution. The study also offers a number of recommendations that Maltese policy makers can address so as to try to engage students in education. This is especially important in the light of Malta experiencing a relatively high Early School Leaving rate when compared with other European Union countries.