A number of state schools will start to be phased out next year as new schools start to be built and delivered, the Education Ministry said yesterday.

However, no school would close suddenly, it said in response to an opposition statement that expressed concern over plans to close down 13 schools in the coming years.

Parents and teachers had still not been informed of alternative arrangements, Labour spokesman Evarist Bartolo said, adding that a lack of consultation was creating anxiety and demoralisation.

He said plans were in hand to close the girls’ secondary schools at Cospicua, Tarxien, Ħamrun, St Andrews and Rabat, as well as the boys’ secondary schools in Vittoriosa, Floriana, Marsa, Żebbuġ, Gżira, Mtarfa, Birkirkara and Paola. No one was being told where the new schools to replace them would be.

The ministry accused Mr Bartolo of misleading the public, as information sessions had already started with heads of schools and would start with parents in the coming weeks.

Students would also be informed and prepared for the changes by the school’s career guidance team.

After extensive and in-depth reflection of the available spaces, the facilities required, population trends and other relevant factors, the ministry and the Education Directorates had finalised the composition of secondary schools.

There would be a gradual phasing out of the old schools and phasing in with new buildings or with refurbished schools. “As new schools are built, old schools can be phased out.”