Historic Shift: Malta’s Elite St Aloysius College Ends 118-Year Boys-Only Tradition

# St Aloysius College Breaks 118-Year Tradition: Girls Welcome in 2025

Birkirkara’s iconic Jesuit college will open its doors to female students for the first time since 1907, marking a seismic shift in Malta’s educational landscape that has left alumni both celebrating and questioning the end of an era.

The announcement, made by the school’s administration on Tuesday morning, will see St Aloysius College transition from an all-boys institution to a co-educational secondary school starting September 2025. The decision affects approximately 800 students and represents one of the most significant changes in the college’s 118-year history.

“We’re not just opening doors; we’re opening minds,” declared Rector Fr Jimmy Bartolo SJ, addressing assembled students, parents, and media in the college’s historic quadrangle. “This decision reflects our Jesuit commitment to forming men and women for others in the 21st century.”

The move places St Aloysius in line with other prestigious Catholic schools worldwide that have embraced co-education, including Rome’s Gregorian University and various Jesuit institutions across Europe. However, locally, it represents a dramatic departure from tradition in a country where single-sex education has deep cultural roots.

## A Bastion of Maltese Masculinity

Founded in 1907 by the Society of Jesus, St Aloysius has long been synonymous with Malta’s male educational elite. The college’s distinctive blue uniform has graced the corridors of power for generations, counting among its alumni two prime ministers, numerous cabinet ministers, judges, and business leaders who have shaped Malta’s post-independence narrative.

“Growing up in Birkirkara, St Aloysius was like this mythical place where only boys went,” recalls Maria Camilleri, 45, whose son currently attends the college. “It was part of Malta’s fabric – you knew the St Aloysius boys by their confidence, their debating skills, that certain way they carried themselves.”

The school’s reputation for academic excellence and its role in forming Malta’s professional class has made it a rite of passage for many Maltese families. Generations of fathers and sons have walked its halls, creating a legacy that extends far beyond academics into business networks and social connections that have influenced Maltese society.

## Community Reactions: Pride, Nostalgia, and Progress

The announcement has triggered passionate responses across Malta’s educational community. While many celebrate the progressive step, others mourn the loss of a unique educational environment.

Dr Andrew Azzopardi, former student and social policy lecturer, acknowledges mixed feelings: “There’s something special about single-sex education during those formative years. But we can’t let nostalgia prevent progress. Malta needs to prepare all its young people – boys and girls – for a diverse society.”

The decision follows extensive consultation with parents, alumni, and educational experts. A survey conducted by the college found that 67% of current parents supported the transition, while alumni responses were more divided, with 52% expressing reservations about maintaining the college’s distinctive character.

## Economic and Social Implications

From Birkirkara’s perspective, the change promises economic benefits. Local businesses anticipate increased activity as families with daughters consider the area for relocation. Property agents report preliminary inquiries from parents eager to secure spots in the college’s catchment area.

“It’s already happening,” confirms Pauline Vella, who runs a nearby stationery shop. “Parents are asking about uniforms, books, what the area’s like for girls. It’s bringing new energy to Birkirkara.”

The transition also addresses a practical concern: declining enrollment. Like many private schools, St Aloysius has faced demographic challenges as Maltese families have fewer children. Opening to girls effectively doubles the potential student pool, ensuring the college’s sustainability.

## Looking Forward

The college plans a phased introduction, accepting 25 girls into Year 7 initially, with full co-education across all years by 2029. Facilities will be upgraded, including new bathroom facilities and changing rooms, while maintaining the historic character of the Birkirkara campus.

As Malta continues to evolve, St Aloysius College’s decision reflects broader societal changes. The island nation, which only introduced divorce in 2011 and legalised same-sex marriage in 2017, is increasingly embracing progressive reforms while grappling with its traditional Catholic identity.

For current students like 14-year-old Luke Zahra, the change represents opportunity: “My little sister’s really smart. Now she might have the same chances I had. That’s pretty cool.”

As the sun sets on 118 years of all-male education at St Aloysius, Malta witnesses another chapter in its ongoing transformation – one that promises to shape future generations of Maltese leaders, regardless of gender.