For the first time, Italy’s early school leaving rate fell below 10% in 2024, standing at 9.8%. This meets the European target set for 2020 and approaches the 9% goal for 2030.

According to Openpolis, the trend is positive, but the data captures only the most visible part of the problem: students leaving school with at most a lower secondary diploma. Implicit dropout, reflected in insufficient competencies, remains high.

INVALSI tests reveal marked regional differences: dropout rates are higher in large cities and rural areas. In Sicily, more than 15% of students leave school early, while central and northern provinces fare better. Openpolis emphasizes the lack of detailed local data and the need for more precise monitoring tools. Competency gaps are significant: nearly 30% of third-year middle school students in Prato finish with inadequate skills, compared to 8% in cities like Siena, Macerata, Avellino, Perugia, and Belluno.