The number of 17-year-olds who are continuing their studies has increased from 43 per cent in 1999 to nearly 70 per cent last year, the Prime Minister said today

Touring the Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary in Naxxar, Dr Gonzi said that thanks to the government’s investment in education, the number of students following courses at post secondary and tertiary institutions doubled in 10 years, rocketing to 22,000.

Dr Gonzi said that there are around 15,000 students who are receiving a stipend, amounting to around €19 million a year.

He said the number of students at the Higher Secondary increased from 800 students in 2001 to 1,700 at present, which he described as an excellent performance. Moreover there are 4,000 students attending the Malta College for Arts Science and Technology.

The government has been investing in education because it believes in giving students the tool they need to be successful, he said.

To this effect, the Prime Minister said that the government had invested €1.4 million at the Higher Secondary and was also investing on a new secondary and post-secondary campus in Rabat, Gozo, as well as further investment at the Junior College.