Estonia tops Europe in PISA tests with digital and hands-on early learning: report

Estland leads Europe in PISA test performance, with first-grade classrooms blending digital engagement and hands-on learning, according to a report from Jüri, Estonia. Students there begin with interactive activities like an Angry Birds game before transitioning to structured tasks such as measuring objects and identifying colors, showcasing a balanced approach to early education .
In Portugal, early school dropout rates reached 6.1% in 2025, with around 40,000 students leaving education prematurely, according to the National Institute of Statistics. The data also reveals broader deficits in science, math, and civic education, despite a 45% higher education enrollment rate. Critics argue that governments prioritize collective evaluation metrics over individual progress and intellectual development, masking systemic flaws in the education system .
In Italy, the Council of Ministers approved a school decree on Sept. 24 introducing a 30% cap on foreign students per classroom. Meanwhile, community networks in Rome’s Torpignattara district, where 18% of residents are foreign-born, continue to address linguistic and academic gaps through free after-school programs. Patrizia Sentinelli, president of the Altramente association, reported rising demand, with over 50 primary and 80 middle school students attending weekly sessions. She emphasized that diverse student backgrounds enrich classrooms rather than burden them .
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