Yes to homework set in the diary, and no more than one test on the same day

Homework must be set by the end of the school day using the paper diary, and entries should not be made in the electronic register late in the afternoon, in the evening or at the weekend, as this would force pupils and families to constantly check for updates. In this regard, the diary serves as a tool to gradually empower pupils to manage their own school commitments independently. Headteachers are urged to ensure compliance with the guidelines set out in this note and to take steps to guarantee the use of the paper diary alongside the electronic register.

This is set out in a circular sent to schools for the 2026/2027 academic year, in which the Ministry reiterates and clarifies the guidance already provided on the setting of homework, the scheduling of assessments and the use of the electronic register.

The note also highlights the need for a collaborative approach to planning assessments, whilst respecting teachers’ pedagogical autonomy, so as to avoid scheduling multiple assessments on the same day and to ensure a balanced distribution of the workload throughout the week. Headteachers are invited to encourage the teaching staff to reflect, within their staff meetings, on the organisation of homework and assessments based on criteria of reasonableness, fairness and proportionality, whilst also encouraging pupils to take a break from digital devices. Schools may therefore incorporate the Educational Pact on Shared Responsibility and the School Regulations to govern this matter, whilst at the same time strengthening dialogue and collaboration between the school and families.

‘Homework is an important tool for consolidating what has been learnt in class, encouraging personal reflection and developing pupils’ independence. Precisely for this reason, it must be set in a balanced way and with proper time management, avoiding excessive workloads or last-minute notifications that risk undermining its educational purpose. ‘We want a school system that teaches pupils to study methodically, responsibly and calmly, whilst respecting both their own pace and that of their families,’ said the Minister for Education and Merit, Giuseppe Valditara.”