Stella Maris College

Stella Maris College is a Catholic school in Gżira, run by the Brothers of the Christian Schools, better known as the De La Salle Brothers. It teaches children from the earliest school years through primary and secondary level, and it forms one half of the La Salle Malta network of Lasallian colleges, alongside De La Salle College in Birgu. For British families looking at schools in this part of Malta, it is listed in our directory of international schools in Malta.

History of the college

The Brothers of the Christian Schools arrived in Malta in August 1903. Their first school opened on the feast of the Immaculate Conception, 8 December 1903, in a house called Villa Schinas on Rudolph Street in Sliema, and lessons began on 15 September 1904 with seven Brothers. They named the school after the Stella Maris parish church.

As the school grew too small for the house, the Director, Brother Augustine Mifsud, bought the present site in Gżira. The move was made formally in 1938, and the college has stood there since. That makes it a school with well over a century of Maltese history behind it, which is something many families moving to the island value when they compare options.

The Lasallian approach

A Lasallian school, as the college describes the idea, is about people more than buildings or programmes. Everyone from teachers to office staff is expected to set an example, and the aim is a caring community of Brothers, staff, parents and pupils working together. The college wants an inclusive and enriching setting that supports each child's academic, social, psychological and spiritual development.

The school motto is Memor et Fidelis, meaning mindful and true. Pupils are expected to live as faithful Christians and good citizens, and the crest carries the colours of the Maltese flag. The star stands for Mary, the Blessed Virgin, and the waves stand for the sea and the troubles of life, with Mary as guide and protector. Families should expect a school where faith and values run through the day, so it suits those who want a Catholic education for their children.

Early years, primary and secondary

The college is organised in three parts: an Early Years section called St Benild School, a primary school and a secondary school. St Benild is a small church school in Sliema with around 144 pupils in Grade 1 and Grade 2 and about 23 educators. When pupils finish Grade 2 they move automatically to the Stella Maris Junior School in Gżira.

St Benild's facilities are described in some detail. There is a Grade 1 playground with basketball rings and painted hopscotch, a number grid and an alphabet snake, and a Grade 2 turf pitch on the highest open space, with views across Sliema and Valletta. Indoors there is an art room, an ICT room with fourteen computers, a Discovery Room for hands-on science, and a prayer room. Art, computing and science lessons run in small groups every fortnight.

The five core Lasallian principles guide teaching at every level: the presence of God, concern for the poor and social justice, respect for all persons, quality education and an inclusive community. Families moving from the UK can read more about settling in our Malta relocation guide, and our digital nomad guide is useful for parents working remotely.

Where it is and how to ask

Stella Maris College sits in Gżira, and the view from St Benild's pitch takes in Sliema and Valletta, which you can explore in our Valletta guide. The sister school, De La Salle College, is in the heart of Birgu, and our Vittoriosa guide covers that part of the Three Cities. For general background on the islands, see about Malta.

The school does not publish fees or admissions details on the pages we hold, so ask about places, year groups and visits directly. Use the VisitMalta.co.uk enquiry form on this page and we will pass your message to the college.