The Maltese government has approved a €27 million investment over five years to assist independent schools and prevent significant increases in tuition fees for families. This decision responds to concerns raised by the Association of Independent Schools about potential fee hikes of up to 24% due to recent salary adjustments for educators. Education Minister Clifton Grima emphasized that this funding will limit annual fee increases to between 6% and 12%, ensuring the financial stability of independent schools and preserving parental choice in education. The agreement includes one-time allowances of €1,000 for each educator and covers all arrears from the recent sectoral agreement. With over 8,000 students and 967 educators in independent schools, this initiative aims to enhance working conditions without imposing excessive financial burdens on families. The financial aid will be distributed based on projected student populations and school governance, ensuring fair allocation.