The paper describes the educational system of Malta which is regulated by the 1964 constitution, a 1974 Education Act, and a Malta Development Plan for the period 1973-80. These documents state that education in Malta will be free to all students, compulsory from ages six to 16, administered by a Minister of Education and a Commission for the Development of Higher Education, and should include non-compulsory religious instruction in Maltese and English up to the secondary level. The period 1974-76 was one of significant educational change in Malta due to the passing of the 1974 Education Act. Major developments include the introduction of kindergarten classes for four-year-olds, addition of Arabic as a compulsory subject in the secondary curriculum, and provision of summer activities and employment for students. The number of trade schools was increased from ten to 15 during the period and the annual timetables of primary, secondary, and technical schools were synchronized. Findings from studies by the University of Malta and the Malta Union of Teachers indicate that research on attainment levels and learning attitudes is needed as part of a general government documentation service. (Author/DB)