A total of €43 million is being spent on 28 educational projects, most of which would be finished or will be finalised in summer, Education Minister Evarist Bartolo said during a site visit to Rabat's Secondary School.

The sum, which did not include 2013 works and minor works under €80,000 across the 10 colleges, was being spent on different projects consisting of new schools, refurbishment and upgrades, sport and artistic facilities as well as youth hubs.

Mr Bartolo said work at the new sports hall and facilities as part of the Sports School at Pembroke was at an advanced stage while preparatory work has started on the Kirkop, Swatar limits of Rabat and Marsascala projects for the construction of new schools.

Initial planning work for the new schools in Mosta and St Paul's Bay was also taking place.

Mr Bartolo o thanked the Foundation for Tomorrow's Schools and the directorates for making these projects a reality.

He said mega-schools no longer fit a modern educational approach, and stressed the importance of smaller schools with a community-feel, leading to better learning and improved behaviour.

Construction works were important for students and staff, but what happened between the four walls of the class was what truly counts, he said.