Balearics PISA scores trail Spain in every subject
Pupils in the Balearic Islands scored below Spain’s average in maths, reading and science in PISA 2025. In Palma on 8 September, Education and Universities Minister Antoni Vera said the results were “not good”. He blamed fewer teaching hours for maths and languages after the state education law LOMLOE took effect in 2021.
Vera said the curricula brought in under the law gave less weight to those core subjects. Pupils had fewer lessons in them, particularly during bachillerato.
New curricula add maths and language lessons
The Balearic Islands Education Department had already introduced new curricula in the 2025-2026 school year. It says the changes put knowledge at the centre of learning, strengthen basic skills and give pupils a firmer educational base.
The plans increase maths teaching hours and reinforce languages. Vera said they should tackle the weaknesses identified and bring gradual improvement in future international studies.
PISA accepts results despite 7.5% exemption rate
Some 7.5% of Balearic pupils were exempt from taking part in PISA, above the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s 5% guidance threshold used as a check. The report nevertheless considers the islands’ results valid and representative.
Vera said the higher figure reflects the archipelago’s make-up. The Balearic Islands have Spain’s highest share of foreign pupils, at 19%. Exemptions mainly involved pupils in their first year in the education system, those with persistent absence or those two school years behind the curriculum.
Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com