The Education System in Italy Explained

Italy's education system offers a structured path from early childhood to higher education. It begins with optional education for ages 3-6, followed by compulsory education from ages 6 to 16, covering primary and lower secondary levels. Students then choose between academic, technical, and vocational upper secondary schools, with various higher education options available afterward. This article provides a concise overview of each stage and the grading system, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of Italy's education system. Join us as we explore its key components and unique aspects.

How Does the Education System Work in Italy?

Italy’s education system is structured to provide a comprehensive education from early childhood to higher education. The system is divided into several stages:

• Early Childhood Education: For children aged 3-6 years, this stage is optional but widely attended, with over 90% enrolment.
• Primary Education: Compulsory education starts at age six and lasts for ten years, focusing on fundamental skills such as reading, writing, and mathematics.
• Lower Secondary Education: For ages 11-14, this stage continues the general education and introduces more subjects.
• Upper Secondary Education: For students aged 14-19, including:
  • Liceo: Focused on theoretical and academic subjects.
  • Technical Institutes: Offering both theoretical and practical education.
  • Vocational Institutes: Emphasising practical skills for specific trades. The regional vocational training system provides structured training programs through accredited agencies or schools, offering qualifications that allow students to progress to more advanced vocational courses or higher education options.

Education is mandatory up to the age of 16, ensuring that all children receive at least a lower secondary education. The Italian Ministry of Education oversees the curriculum, which includes a mix of academic and practical subjects to prepare students for various career paths.

• Tertiary Education: After secondary education, students can pursue higher education at universities and other institutions, which offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, along with specialised courses in fields such as art and music.

According to the OECD, Italy spends approximately 4.1% of its GDP on education, highlighting its commitment to maintaining a robust educational framework. Expert opinions suggest that while the system is comprehensive, there is ongoing debate about the need for reforms to address regional disparities and modernise the curriculum.

Image showing the structure of the Italian education system

Primary Education in Italy

Primary education in Italy, known as “scuola primaria” or "elementary school", is compulsory for children aged 6 to 11 years. This stage aims to provide foundational knowledge in core subjects, including Italian, mathematics, science, history, and geography. According to the OECD, Italy boasts a high enrolment rate in primary education, with nearly 100% of eligible children attending school.

Key features of primary education in Italy include:

• Curriculum: Emphasises literacy, numeracy, and basic scientific principles. Art, music, and physical education are also integral parts of the curriculum.
• School Hours: Typically, students attend school for about 30 hours per week.
• Class Sizes: The average class size in primary schools is around 19 students, which is below the OECD average, ensuring more individual attention for each student.

Primary school teachers receive their training at professional institutions, which focus on developing pedagogical skills necessary for teaching young children.

Expert opinions highlight that Italy’s primary education system effectively establishes a strong educational foundation. However, challenges such as regional disparities in resource allocation persist. Schools in northern regions tend to be better funded compared to those in the south, according to the European Commission’s National Reform Programme​.

Lower Secondary and Higher Secondary Education in Italy

Lower secondary education in Italy, known as “scuola secondaria di primo grado” or "middle school", caters to students aged 11 to 14. This stage builds on primary education and introduces more diverse subjects. Students study Italian, mathematics, science, history, geography, a foreign language, and physical education. According to the OECD, the completion rate for lower secondary education is high, with over 90% of students successfully advancing to upper secondary education.

Key features include:

• Curriculum: Expands to include technology, art, and music.
• Assessment: Students are assessed through continuous evaluation and final exams.
• Class Sizes: Average around 20 students per class, allowing for focused teaching.
• Timetable: Lower secondary schools typically organize classes from 8:00 to 13:00, with some schools operating on a Monday to Saturday schedule.

Higher secondary education, or “scuola secondaria di secondo grado” (high school) is for students aged 14 to 19 and includes different types of schools catering to various interests and career paths:

• Liceo: Focuses on academic subjects, preparing students for university.
• Technical Institutes: Combine theoretical and practical education, aimed at specific technical professions.
• Vocational Institutes: Provide practical training for specific trades and crafts.

According to the European Commission, Italy has a high participation rate in upper secondary education, with significant enrolment in vocational programmes designed to meet the needs of the labour market. This structure ensures that students have multiple pathways to success, whether they choose to enter the workforce or continue with higher education.

Higher Education in Italy

Higher education in Italy is offered through universities and higher education institutions. According to the European Commission, Italy has a higher education participation rate of approximately 27% among young adults. The system includes:

• Undergraduate Degrees: Typically three years for a bachelor's degree.
• Postgraduate Degrees: One to two years for a master's degree, followed by doctoral programs.

Italy's higher education system is renowned for its high-quality research output, though regional disparities and funding issues remain challenges​. Italian universities, such as the University of Bologna and the University of Milan, are well-regarded internationally, especially in fields like engineering, medicine, and the humanities. The Italian government has been working to increase internationalisation within its universities, offering numerous programmes in English to attract foreign students.

Image showing the University of Bologna

Additionally, Italian universities are increasingly participating in the Erasmus+ programme, which promotes student exchanges across Europe, enhancing the global experience of Italian students. However, experts note that despite these advancements, there are significant disparities in the quality of education and resources available between northern and southern Italy. Investment in higher education as a percentage of GDP remains below the OECD average, and there is a continuous call for reforms to address these inequities and improve overall funding for educational institutions.

Grading System and Examinations

Italy's grading system and examinations are integral to assessing student performance and readiness for progression. The grading scale typically ranges from 1 to 10, with 6 being the minimum passing grade. Grades are awarded based on continuous assessment, classroom participation, and examinations.

Key points include:

• Primary and Lower Secondary Education: Continuous assessment is used, with formal examinations at the end of each term. Students receive a report card ("pagella") each term, reflecting their performance.
• Upper Secondary Education: Students face more formalised testing, including mid-term and final exams. The "Esame di Stato" (State Exam) at the end of upper secondary education is crucial for university admission.
• Higher Education: University grading systems typically use a 30-point scale, with 18 as the minimum passing grade. Exams are both oral and written, assessing a range of competencies.

The "Esame di Stato" is a pivotal examination, determining students' futures. According to the Ministry of Education, approximately 96% of students pass the State Exam annually, demonstrating the rigour and effectiveness of Italy's education system.

Role of the Italian Ministry of Education

The Italian Ministry of Education, officially known as the Ministero dell'Istruzione, plays a pivotal role in shaping and regulating the education system across the country. It oversees all educational levels, from primary to higher education, ensuring consistency and quality in curricula, teaching standards, and assessment methods.

Key responsibilities include:

• Curriculum Development: Designing and updating the national curriculum to meet educational goals and standards.
• Teacher Training and Development: Implementing professional development programs and setting qualification requirements for teachers.
• Funding and Resource Allocation: Distributing financial resources to schools and monitoring their use to ensure equitable access to education.
• Policy Implementation: Enforcing educational policies and reforms, such as the National Plan for Digital Education, aimed at integrating technology into classrooms.

According to the European Commission, the Ministry has been instrumental in reducing regional disparities in education and promoting inclusive education policies. Despite challenges, such as budget constraints and regional inequalities, the Ministry continues to strive for a cohesive and high-quality education system.

Private vs. Public Schools in Italy

Italy’s education system includes both public and private schools, each with distinct characteristics and outcomes. Public schools, funded by the government, dominate the educational landscape, accounting for approximately 90% of student enrolment. They offer free education, ensuring accessibility for all students.

Key points include:

• Funding and Resources: Public schools receive state funding, which covers teacher salaries, infrastructure, and learning materials. Private schools rely on tuition fees and private funding.
• Curriculum and Regulation: Both public and private schools follow the national curriculum set by the Ministry of Education. However, private schools often offer additional programmes and extracurricular activities.
• Performance and Outcomes: According to the OECD, students in private schools generally achieve higher academic outcomes compared to their public school counterparts. This is attributed to smaller class sizes and more personalised attention.

Expert opinions highlight that while public schools provide widespread access to education, private schools often attract families seeking specialised programmes and enhanced educational experiences.

Challenges and Reforms in the Italian Education System

The Italian education system faces several challenges, including regional disparities, outdated curricula, and funding issues. According to the OECD, significant differences in educational outcomes exist between northern and southern regions, with the south generally lagging behind in terms of resources and student performance.

Key challenges include:

• Regional Disparities: Schools in northern Italy tend to have better facilities and higher student performance compared to those in the south. For instance, PISA 2022 results indicate that students in northern regions score significantly higher in reading and mathematics than their southern counterparts.
• Outdated Curricula: Many experts argue that the current curriculum needs modernisation to better prepare students for the globalised economy. The European Commission highlights the necessity for curriculum reforms to include more digital skills and critical thinking components.
• Funding Issues: Public expenditure on education in Italy is lower than the OECD average, with only 4.1% of GDP spent on education. This underfunding impacts the quality of education, particularly in less affluent areas.

Efforts to address these issues are ongoing, with various reforms aimed at improving equity and quality in the Italian education system.

Is the School System Good in Italy?

The Italian school system has its strengths and weaknesses, offering a balanced perspective.

Strengths:

• High Enrolment Rates: Italy boasts near-universal enrolment in primary and lower secondary education, with over 90% of students advancing to upper secondary education.
• Quality of Education: The "Esame di Stato" pass rate is around 96%, indicating robust academic standards and effective teaching methods.
• Comprehensive Curriculum: Students receive a well-rounded education, including humanities, sciences, arts, and physical education, preparing them for diverse career paths.

Challenges:

• Regional Disparities: Significant differences in educational quality and resources exist between the northern and southern regions, impacting student outcomes.
• Funding Issues: Italy spends approximately 4.1% of its GDP on education, slightly below the OECD average, leading to challenges in maintaining infrastructure and resources.

Overall, while the Italian school system provides a strong educational foundation, addressing regional disparities and funding concerns could further enhance its effectiveness​. However, due to the disparity in education resources in Italy, students and parents increasingly consider international education options. As an expert SAT tutor in Rome once said:

"The quality of education in Italy is deeply rooted in a rich historical and cultural context, which provides students with a strong foundational knowledge. However, to excel in standardized tests like the SAT, it’s essential for students to supplement their education with targeted practice and strategies that align with international standards."

International Education Options in Italy

Italy hosts numerous international schools that follow American, British, and other national curricula, providing a variety of international education options which caters to students seeking a globally recognised curriculum. Key options include the International Baccalaureate (IB) and the SAT, both of which provide pathways to prestigious universities worldwide.

Key features include:

• International Baccalaureate (IB): The IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) is available in several international schools across Italy. This rigorous programme includes subjects like mathematics, sciences, and humanities, and is complemented by the core components of Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), and the Extended Essay. IB tutoring is widely available to support students in achieving their best results.
• SAT: Many schools and private institutions offer SAT preparation courses to help students excel in this standardised test, which is crucial for college admissions in the United States. These courses typically cover critical reading, mathematics, and writing skills. A SAT tutor in Italy can provide additional support for this rigorous curriculum.

An expert IB tutor in Milan said:

"As an IB tutor in Milan, I see the benefits of Italy's education system firsthand. The blend of rigorous academic standards and cultural enrichment here prepares students exceptionally well for both university and life beyond. The emphasis on critical thinking and creativity in Italian schools helps students develop a well-rounded perspective, essential for the challenges of the IB curriculum."

Conclusion

The Italian education system, with its structured approach from early childhood to tertiary education, ensures a comprehensive learning experience for students. Despite the regional disparities and funding challenges, Italy maintains high standards in education, demonstrated by a high completion rate of over 90% for lower secondary education and significant participation in upper secondary education. Expert opinions from the OECD and the European Commission underline the need for ongoing reforms to address regional inequalities and modernise curricula to better prepare students for the future​