Students will be returning to a nicer environment in 60 state schools next week after €1.6 million was spent on refurbishing and upgrading them over the summer.

An Education Ministry spokesman said the work carried out included an overhaul of the electricity system at the girls' secondary in Ħamrun, formerly known as Maria Assumpta.

A new library and science laboratory at the boys' secondary school in Ħamrun, formerly known as the Ħamrun Lyceum, was also built while the apertures at the Pembroke secondary school were changed.

The Gżira primary school, which forms part of St Clare's College, was given a total revamp with new floor tiles, doors, electrical wiring and whitewashing. A lift was installed at the primary school in Żabbar to make it accessible to the disabled.

Moreover, 900 internet network points were installed in three schools and furniture was replaced in 49. Workers also extended the IT network in 20 schools and upgraded the open areas with landscaping at most of the buildings.

The state schools form part of 10 colleges, nine in Malta and one in Gozo.