St. Aloysius College Malta welcomes its first female students and a laywoman Rector after 118 years

A historic day for the Institute and for the entire Euro-Mediterranean Province 

In a moment that speaks of both change and continuity, St. Aloysius College in Malta has written a new page in its history: for the first time in 118 years, the Secondary School has opened its doors to girls. At the same time, Dr. Maria Montebello has been appointed as the College’s first lay and female Rector. These milestones are accompanied by a renewal within the College board, with the appointment of Fr Michael Bugeja SJ as the new Legal Representative and Chairperson.

These developments together send a strong signal: the Jesuit institution recognizes the need to evolve and to accompany its educational community towards a model that is increasingly inclusive. On the arrival of the first-year students (Form 1), the school rolled out a symbolic red carpet, welcoming about 50 girls in the new cohort alongside 106 boys.

Preparing for change 

Behind this milestone lies not a sudden decision, but years of preparation. The school had planned the introduction of co-education for the past seven years, starting from the Primary School — already open to girls — and gradually moving up to the Secondary School.

Faculty and school organization have also adapted: activities such as dance and gymnastics have been added alongside traditional male-oriented sports, to provide a wider range of interests. Special attention has been given to the different pace of maturity between girls and boys, in order to ensure equity in their educational paths.

A symbol for Jesuit education

St. Aloysius College is among the oldest Jesuit schools in Malta, with a historically central role in the country’s higher education. Over the years, the Institute has educated prime ministers and presidents, and today it is called to demonstrate that the Ignatian tradition is not static, but alive, capable of adaptation and attentive to the needs of the present.

The appointment of a laywoman as Rector is further proof of the school’s commitment to walk alongside the new times, without losing its pedagogical identity.

An invitation to reflection

For Fondazione Gesuiti Educazione, this event offers both inspiration and encouragement: educational institutions can remain guardians of their tradition while being animated by courage and openness. In an increasingly complex educational landscape, the ability to read transformations and accompany them with discernment is part of the mission that we hold dear: to form free, committed, and compassionate individuals.