Relocating with Family: A Guide to International Schools in Malta
A practical relocation guide for Singapore families moving to Malta — from international school choices and neighbourhoods to appl…
Relocating with Family: A Guide to International Schools in Malta
A practical relocation guide for Singapore families moving to Malta — from international school choices and neighbourhoods to applications, settling-in tips and family-friendly routines.
Malta feels small but European — ideal for families who want easy weekend adventures and schools where teachers know the children by name.
Start school searches early: the best international school places are snapped up months in advance.
Why Malta appeals to Singapore families
For families based in Singapore, Malta can feel like a comfortable next step: English is widely used, the Mediterranean climate is mild, and the pace is more relaxed than the CBD lunch-rush back home. Many expat parents cite the island’s walkable towns, outdoor lifestyle and proximity to Europe for weekend trips as major draws.
Malta’s compact size means shorter school commutes and easier logistics for daily family life compared with sprawling cities. That said, differences in housing, healthcare systems and school structures mean it pays to do groundwork before you move.
- English is an official language — useful for kids and parents transitioning from Singapore.
- Smaller class sizes are common in many international schools.
- Easy access to Italy and southern Europe for family weekends.
- Expect different rhythms: longer school holidays in summer and a siesta-like slow afternoon in some towns.
Understanding the international school landscape
Malta has a mix of international schools offering British, international (IB) and mixed curricula alongside local schools that follow the Maltese system (MATSEC for older students). Popular choices among expats are British-curriculum day schools and a small number of IB providers. If you want continuity with Singapore’s system, look for schools offering Cambridge IGCSEs or the IB Diploma.
Application windows vary: some international schools accept students year-round, but the most sought-after primary places are often filled by mid-year — start researching and booking visits as early as possible. Ask about language support: many schools provide English-as-an-additional-language (EAL) classes for non-native speakers.
- Look for schools offering EAL and pastoral care for new arrivals.
- Check accreditation (CIS, COBIS, IB) and exam pathways (IGCSE, A-levels, IB).
- Ask about extra fees: registration, exam fees, transport and extracurriculars.
- Request recent school reports and speak with other expat parents where possible.
Choosing where to live: family-friendly neighbourhoods
Location matters: Sliema and St Julian’s are popular with expat families for their seafront promenades, international cafes and easy access to private schools; Valletta offers a historic city vibe close to cultural amenities; quieter options like Mosta, Mellieħa or parts of Gozo suit families wanting more space and a slower pace.
Consider travel times — Malta’s peak traffic can make short distances take longer than expected — and the availability of parks and playgroups. For parents used to Singapore’s neighbourhood hubs, look for towns with a weekly market, a family-friendly café or a community centre to recreate that sense of local life.
- Sliema / St Julian’s: best for expat amenities and international schools.
- Valletta: cultural heart, compact living, best if you prioritise city life.
- Mosta / Rabat / Mellieħa: more affordable family homes and green spaces.
- Gozo: excellent for families seeking a rural island lifestyle.
Practical steps: paperwork, visas and settling in
Singapore passport holders fall under different visa/residence rules depending on employment status. If you’re moving on a work contract, your employer will usually sponsor the work permit and residency. For longer stays, look into the ‘Single Permit’ or EU/EEA family routes if applicable. Always confirm requirements with Malta’s Identity Malta agency or your employer’s HR team.
Don’t forget the mundane but essential tasks: arranging international health insurance (Malta has both public and private healthcare), shipping school uniforms and favourite toys to ease the transition, and setting up a local bank account. Pack a small box of comfort foods or familiar ingredients for the first week — a taste of home goes a long way when children are adjusting.
- Start school applications 6–9 months ahead for peak intakes.
- Have certified copies of birth certificates, school reports and vaccination records.
- Arrange international health cover and check how local GPs and hospitals work.
- Join expat Facebook groups and community forums for real-time advice.
Making school life work: routines, transport and community
Once enrolled, focus on routines: staggered school timings, after-school activities, and transport options differ from the MRT and school-bus systems Singapore families know. Many families use organised school transport, private cars or walk if living nearby.
Get the kids involved in local community groups and sports clubs — football, sailing and Scouts are popular and great for making local friends. Encourage kids to try Maltese food at local cafés (pastizzi, ftira) while keeping a few comfort meals from Singapore in the weekly rotation to ease homesickness.
- Ask the school about buddy systems or peer mentoring for new students.
- Explore extracurriculars early — spaces fill up quickly, especially in smaller towns.
- Find family-friendly meetups (library story times, expat parent groups).
- Keep a balance between settling-in activities and preserving a few Singapore rituals (weekend hawker-style meals at home).
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Relocating with Family: A Guide to International Schools in Malta
A practical relocation guide for Singapore families moving to Malta — from international school choices and neighbourhoods to appl…
Relocating with Family: A Guide to International Schools in Malta
A practical relocation guide for Singapore families moving to Malta — from international school choices and neighbourhoods to appl…
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