Maltese students may not be continuing their education after the age of 16 because they do not have the skills to continue their studies, the PL's education spokesman, Evarist Bartolo said.

Addressing a news conference following the publication of a report by Brussels which noted that with the highest number of early school leavers in the EU, Malta was risking missing its end of decade thresholds.

Mr Bartolo quoted a Pisa international studyon student progress at age 15, held among 72 countries.

Tis showed that only 64 to 66 per cent of Maltese children had the basic skills in literacy, mathematics and sciences. The needs of the remaining student were not being addressed.

These included children with learning difficulties and disabilities.

Mr Bartolo pointed out that throughout these three subjects girls consistently did better than boys consistently. This highlighted a gender gap which was not being addressed in the curriculum. Such a gap existed all over the world but was higher in Malta. It could be the result of generally female staff leaving boys without role models.

Mr Bartolo said it was time to explore whether there should be more mixed gender schools. The government seemed to be planning one such school within the Sta Clara College, he said adding he believed pilot projects in education mades sense.

He spoke about the need for early intervention for children who were not succeeding to be helped at the early stages.

Mr Bartolo said he was concerned that although in Malta there was a good student per class ratio, schools were too large. Having smaller schools would help create better relationships and prevent bullying.