Overview of the General Education System

Gibraltar’s education system has strong British influence due to its colonial history, which began with the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713. In the early years, education was mostly offered by religious institutions, mainly the Roman Catholic Church. However, in the mid-20th century, the education system became more formal and government-led. It closely follows the UK educational framework, but is adapted to meet Gibraltar’s local needs.

In the contemporary era, Gibraltar’s educational system is overseen by the Department of Education, which is responsible for policy development, school inspections, and ensuring compliance with both local and UK Department for Education standards.

Education in Gibraltar is structured into four stages such as the early years, primary, secondary, and tertiary. Early years education begins at age three and includes Nursery and Reception classes. Although not compulsory, the government offers free nursery places across all lower primary schools, such as Notre Dame and St. Bernard’s. Private nurseries are also regulated and inspected jointly with health and safety agencies.

Primary education is compulsory from ages five to 11, and it is provided free of charge. English is the primary language of instruction, but Spanish is introduced formally from Year 3, and informally earlier, which reflects Gibraltar’s proximity to Spain. The primary curriculum mirrors the UK National Curriculum, with local elements tailored to include Religious Education.

Secondary education, for ages 12 to 16, leads to the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) qualifications. Gibraltar's two leading secondary schools, Westside and Bayside, transitioned to co-education in recent reforms. The curriculum covers a broad range of subjects, including sciences, humanities, arts, and vocational options.

In 2023, A-level results showed an overall pass rate of 93% across Westside, Bayside, and Gibraltar College, comparable to the UK's 97.3% pass rate. The primary gross enrollment rate was 123.37% in 2023, while the net enrollment rate was 92.43%, which is higher than the global average of 80.39%. The literacy rate stands at approximately 80%.

Meanwhile, 30.3% of students in 2022-2023 were identified as having Special Educational Needs (SEN), higher than 19.8% in 2014-2015. This also highlights the government’s increasing investment in inclusive education facilities like St. Martin’s School and various Learning Support Facilities.

In Gibraltar, compulsory education spans from ages five to 16, which cover both primary and secondary schooling. Primary education lasts six years and is free, co-educational, and delivered in English, with Spanish introduced as a second language from Year 3.

Secondary education spans five years, and culminates through the GCSE examinations. The curriculum offers a wide range of academic and vocational subjects, and assessments are based on continuous performance and end-of-course exams. Recent policy shifts have promoted inclusivity through co-education and increased focus on Special Educational Needs (SEN).

Furthermore, education pathways in Gibraltar include A-levels, vocational qualifications, and higher education programs. Students achieving strong GCSE results can pursue A-levels at Westside, Bayside, or Gibraltar College, which also offers vocational and technical courses in fields such as business, IT, and engineering.

The University of Gibraltar, established in 2015, provides undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in areas like Business, Marine Science, and Nursing. The University operates under UK quality assurance standards and received full QAA global accreditation in 2021. Many students also opt to study abroad, primarily in UK universities, supported by Gibraltar government scholarships. Locally, qualifications range from GCSE to Higher National Diplomas (HNDs), which accommodate both full-time and part-time learners.