Italy caps number of foreign pupils
A new Italian education measure limits the make-up of transition classes and requires additional language support.
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The Italian government has approved rules capping the proportion of certain foreign pupils in new primary-school classes from the 2027-2028 school year. The measure is part of a broader package on integration, language teaching and visible religious clothing at school.
According to Italian government information, pupils with a non-Italian nationality who were not born in Italy and have not completed at least two years of pre-school education may make up no more than 30 per cent of a new primary-school class from 2027-2028. The rule applies when first-year classes are formed and is not the same as a general ceiling for all pupils with a migration background.
The government links the limit to language development in the classroom. According to the explanatory notes, schools can organise additional groups or preparatory programmes for pupils who do not yet have sufficient command of Italian. Rome also wants to be able to make language lessons compulsory for parents when, according to the government, their children have serious difficulties integrating into the education system.
The package also includes a ban on face-covering clothing at school. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni previously announced a ban on burqas and niqabs. The government presents this as a rule for communication and equality within the school. The measure does not automatically cover all forms of head covering.
The decision is a government decree and must be converted into law or confirmed under the normal parliamentary procedure. As a result, the precise wording and implementing rules may still change. It is also unclear how many schools would actually exceed the new limit and how much additional staff or classroom space would be needed.
Education organisations and critics will focus above all on the effect on individual pupils. A ceiling can affect the distribution of language levels within classes, but on its own it does not resolve shortages of language teachers, support staff or classrooms. The key question is whether the measure leads to better support or mainly to the separation of pupils.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- Italy has announced a 30 per cent limit for a specific group of pupils in new primary-school classes.
- Under the current wording, the scheme will take effect from the 2027-2028 school year.
- The government links the measure to language teaching and integration.
Left
Arguments A quota can unfairly treat pupils with a migration background as a problem. Investment in language support, smaller classes and specialised teachers is fairer and pedagogically stronger.
Values Equal opportunities, inclusion and protection against discrimination.
Consequences More resources are needed, but pupils continue learning together and schools are not made responsible for a problem also caused by policy shortfalls.
Centre
Arguments Schools must be able to accommodate different language levels without overburdening a single class or neighbourhood. A temporary limit can be justified only if it is accompanied by additional staff, transparent admissions and evaluation.
Values Educational quality, feasibility and equal treatment.
Consequences The measure may spread the pressure, but it could also create new differences between schools and municipalities.
Right
Arguments Integration begins with mastering the national language and with clear rules for everyone. Schools must be able to carry out their core task without major language differences slowing education for the entire class.
Values Language, shared institutions, order and national cohesion.
Consequences A limit can bring calm to classrooms, but it requires consistent enforcement and could increase the flow into separate facilities.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
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The measure has been confirmed by an Italian government portal and by AP. The article makes clear which elements have already been approved and which consequences still depend on parliamentary and implementing decisions.
- confirmed From the 2027-2028 school year, certain first-year primary-school classes will have a 30 per cent limit for pupils with a non-Italian nationality. — Stated in the explanatory notes of the Italian government portal. source
- confirmed The Italian government links the measure to integration and language teaching. — Described in government information and AP reporting. source
- confirmed The package includes a ban on burqas and niqabs at school. — Mentioned in Meloni's announcement and the subsequent government explanation. source
Editor's note
The 30 per cent limit and the start date come from the Italian government. The precise parliamentary process and the practical consequences have not yet been finalised.Sources
- DL Scuola: tetto del 30% di alunni stranieri — Italiaans overheidsportaal voor integratie
- Meloni plans to cap foreign students in classrooms — Associated Press
More on this in Dutch media
- NU.nl — „italië onderwijs”
- De Telegraaf — „italië onderwijs”
- AD — „italië onderwijs”