Italy Makes Student Conduct Key to Advancing to the Next Grade

Italy’s Council of Ministers has given final approval to new regulations that will reshape how secondary schools assess students’ behavior and academic performance. Starting in the 2025/2026 school year, the “voto di condotta” (the conduct grade) will take on a central role in determining whether students advance to the next grade.

Under the reform, behavior will be evaluated throughout the year, with particular attention to incidents involving violence or aggression toward teachers or other students. To be admitted to the next grade, students must score above 6 out of 10 in conduct. A score of exactly 6 will suspend promotion and require the student to submit an essay on active citizenship, addressing the reasons for the low grade.

Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara said the move sends “a strong and clear signal” that respect for people and institutions is non-negotiable in Italy’s schools. He described the reform as part of a push for “an authoritative, not authoritarian, school” built on merit, respect, and personal responsibility.

The new rules also replace purely punitive sanctions with educational alternatives. Instead of standard suspensions, students will be assigned research on the consequences of their actions or community service with organizations previously approved by the school.