Education in Italy

At present the Italian school system is divided into three parts: 

• primary school (scuole elementare)

• lower secondary (scuola media)

• upper secondary school (scuola superiore)

State school in Italy is free until the end of primary education. School in Italy is compulsory until the age of 16. 

The Ministry of Education, Universities and Research (Ministero dell'Università e della Ricerca) is responsible for administration of state schools in Italy. 

The period of compulsory education lasts for nine years and consists of primary school and secondary school in all regions.

The Italian school year usually runs from mid-September to the end of June. School hours can vary from region to region and can be five or six, full or half days.

Enrolment of Children in an Italian School

Under Italian law, Italian schools have to accept all children under the age of 18 even if the necessary documents have not all been provided. In this instance the enrolment is "a temporary enrolment", until the parents or guardian have been able to produce the necessary documentation. During this time they have to produce a written proof of intention to substitute the missing documents.

Special Needs Education

Italy has had an inclusive education policy since the 1970s and disabled children are educated in mainstream schools. Additional support is provided to mainstream schools in the form of special-needs teachers and reduced class size.