School History
Our roots, our growth, and the milestones that shaped St Francis School.
St Francis School, Cospicua, is one of four primary schools on the Maltese Islands run by the Franciscan Sisters of the Heart of Jesus. This Congregation was founded in 1876 through the vision of Rev. Fr Joseph Diacono and the dedication of Rev. Mother Margherita De Brincat. The tireless and faithful work of Mother Margherita helped the Congregation flourish and expand its mission worldwide.
Rev. Fr Joseph Diacono named the Association he established It-Tnax-il Stilla tal-Qalb ta’ Ġesu’ (The Twelve Stars of the Heart of Jesus). Virginja De Brincat, born in Kerċem, Gozo on 28th November 1862, joined this Association at age 18 on 5th February 1881, taking the religious name Mother Margherita. An intelligent and academically trained woman (rare for her time), she was appointed Secretary-General and served closely alongside Fr Joseph Diacono. In 1889, she became the leader of the Congregation.
Today, the Franciscan Sisters of the Heart of Jesus continue their dedicated work across the world — including Corfu, Ethiopia, Kenya, Italy, Australia, Pakistan, Brazil, Jerusalem, the Philippines, and Malta & Gozo.
In 1889, the Congregation established a school in Cospicua to educate young girls in reading, writing, arithmetic and Catholic doctrine. This was warmly welcomed by the local community. However, with the outbreak of the Second World War in 1940, Cottonera suffered great destruction, and the school temporarily closed while the Sisters served in other schools.
From 1944–45 the Sisters returned. Around 1951, works to reopen the school resumed. After building expansions and temporary classrooms, the Primary Government School reopened and continued to grow; by 1965, classes extended to Grade 6, and over time the school expanded into the current two-storey building.
Further enhancements included a hall, gymnasium, computer lab, and new classrooms. Recent upgrades include two modern classrooms, a multipurpose room, a turf ground and a multisensory room — all supporting an inclusive, engaging learning environment.