La 2026 maturity reform marks a historic turning point for the Italian scuolaWith the definitive approval of the Chamber of Deputies Law Decree 127/2024, the State Exam officially returns to being called EMaturity examsThe new legislation, desired by the Minister of Education and Merit Joseph Vallettara, redesigns the entire school system with changes that affect every aspect: more targeted exam tests, reduced commissions, new rules for behavior grades, increased safety on school trips, resources for school contracts, extension of the Teacher Card to temporary workers, and the introduction of the 4+2 training program. Let's take a look at all the new features of the reform.
2026 High School Exam Reform: What's New for High School Graduates?
From June 2026, over half a million students will face the new final examThe following remain confirmed: two national written tests, but the oral interview it comes completely renewed and made more relevant to the study path. The discussion will in fact focus on four disciplines characterising, identified every year by the ministry, to which will be added the analysis of skills in Civics and evaluation of school-to-work training experiences, which will permanently replace the old PCTOs. The other subjects will continue to contribute to the final grade through the three-year academic credit, ensuring a balance between the curriculum and the final exam.
So the disappears interdisciplinary interview introduced in 2017, while becoming compulsory take all the tests provided. Who will refuse to participate in the oral exam? or it will be "silent scene" it will be automatically failedMinister Valditara spoke of a "turning point to restore meaning to the final exam and to merit," emphasizing how the oral exam must return to being an authentic moment of discussion and growth. The Maturity bonus up to 3 points for students who obtain at least 90/100.
Reduced commissions and new rules for conduct grading
Another significant change concerns the examination commissions, which will increase from seven to five members: two internal, two external, and a president. All members will be trained through specific courses to ensure consistent and more professional evaluation criteria. At the same time, the vote in conduct acquires weight determinant: those who get a 5 will automatically fail, while those who get a 6 will have to take an active citizenship test. Those who get a 9 or higher will be able to access the maximum score in the final exam. The reform also recognizes the value of extracurricular activities, sports or volunteering, if consistent with the training path, including them in the overall evaluation.
The new 4+2 training program and training for support teachers
From 2026/2027 the 4+2 training chain, which includes four years of high school and two years in the ITS Academy. This model, already successfully tested, aims to offer faster and more specialized technical training, creating a direct connection between school and the world of workThe reform thus stabilizes a path designed to train highly qualified professionals in a shorter timeframe.
The decree also extends until the end of 2026 specialization courses for support teachers, managed by Indire and the universities, opening participation to temporary teachers with at least three years of service in the last eight years. This is an important step towards reducing the shortage of specialized personnel and ensuring inclusion and continuity of teaching.
School contract renewal and new resources
The government has 240 million euros allocated one-off for the renewal of the school contract, to which are added 15 million eurosdestined to extend the supplemental health coverage also al highly specialised precarious with a contract until June 30. These measures are part of a broader plan to enhance teaching and technical staff, accompanied by investments in school building safety and new resources for Southern Agenda schools, with the aim of reducing regional disparities and improving the overall quality of the educational offering.
School-to-work training: goodbye to PCTOs
The reform also marks the end of the PCTOs (Paths for Transversal Skills and Orientation), which take on the new name of "School-to-work trainingThis choice is intended to underline the educational and orientational nature of these experiences, strengthening collaboration between schools and businesses. The agreements will no longer be able to include high-risk activities for students, while INAIL will be committed to promoting awareness campaigns on of your digital ecosystem. at work. Furthermore, insurance coverage is extended to include accidents occurring during the commute, providing students with broader protection.
Address changes and supplementary exams
New provisions concern students who intend to change your course of studyDuring the initial two-year period, they will be able to benefit from personalized support interventions to facilitate the transition without the need for supplementary exams. In the final three-year period, however, those who change their major will have to: take specific tests To ensure the coherence of the educational path. The goal is twofold: to promote educational continuity and combat school dropout, ensuring that each student can find the path best suited to their aptitude.
Educational trips: greater safety and quality
Also change the regulations on educational tripsThe decree amends Article 108 of the Public Procurement Code, establishing that student transportation contracts must be awarded based on the best quality/price ratio, rather than solely on the lowest cost. The economic score cannot exceed 30% of the total, and bids that guarantee vehicle safety, accessibility for students with disabilities, and drivers with proven professional competence will be rewarded. The goal is to raise quality and safety standards for all educational experiences outside the classroom.
Teacher Card 2026: extended to temporary workers and with new rules
From 2025/2026 the 500 Euro Teacher Card It will be extended to 190 temporary teachers, a sign of fairness and appreciation for the work performed by non-tenured staff. The card can be used to purchase books, training courses, university enrollment, master's degrees, cultural events, and transportation services. Hardware and software purchases will be permitted only upon first use and then every four years, to promote a more informed use of public resources and foster ongoing professional development for teachers.
Staff development and measures for the smaller islands
Special attention is given to school staff working on the smaller islands, who are awarded additional points in provincial rankings for substitute teaching positions. This is a sign of recognition for those who work in complex yet strategic areas for the country's social and cultural cohesion. This measure is part of a broader plan to ensure equal educational opportunities throughout the country.
