A Maltese teaching institution with 60 per cent of its students attaining a first class degree in 2008 has been awarded a special 150th Anniversary Award by the University of London External System.

The award was presented to Charles Theuma, Principal of St Martin’s Institute of Information Technology in Malta [pictured far left, with St Martin's students at the 2009 University of London External System graduation ceremony in London], in recognition of its contribution towards the growth and support of the University of London External System.

Presenting the award, Sir Graeme Davies, Vice-Chancellor of the University of London, said: “It is my pleasure as Vice-Chancellor in announcing that St Martin's Institute of IT is one of six Institutes worldwide to receive the 150th Anniversary Award. These awards have been presented to supporting institutions worldwide for their contribution to the growth and success of the University of London External System over the years.”

St Martin's, the only recipient of the award in Europe, has been teaching University of London External System programmes since 2000. The award is a copy of the Royal Charter signed by Queen Victoria in 1858. The Charter paved the way for the development of the University of London External System, which has been offering study programmes worldwide for 150 years and now has 45,000 students in 180 countries.

Charles Theuma, Principal of St Martin's said: "I am delighted to receive this award on behalf of all our staff and of course our students. Since joining forces with the University of London External System in the year 2000, St Martin's has assisted over 100 Maltese and international students to graduate from the University of London, with an average of 50% of its graduates attaining a first class honours and a further 30% achieving an upper second class classification. With close to 400 students reading for the University of London External System programmes, St Martin's has achieved one of the highest penetration rates of 0.1% of any population. These achievements are thus being recognised through this prestigious one-time award.” Professor Jonathan Kydd, Dean of the University of London External System, said the University's relationship with St Martin's is “indeed exemplary in terms of how they deliver our study programmes and the quality and standards that continue to be achieved. The results are very impressive, and both students and staff must be congratulated. We are delighted to be working with St Martin's.”

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