Education
The Local Government School System
Gibraltar's education system comprises 14 schools and one college of further education. Teacher training is conducted in UK universities and colleges, and teachers are required to hold a registration number issued by the UK's Department for Education.
Pre-school education
Gibraltar's government offers nursery places for pre-school children at several institutions, including Varyl Begg Nursery, St Paul's Nursery, St Mary's Nursery, Governor's Meadow Nursery, St Bernard's Nursery, Notre Dame Nursery, and St Joseph's Nursery. St Martin's Special School also has a nursery attachment. In addition, there are private nurseries and playgroups operating in Gibraltar, with 10 currently registered with the Department of Education. These private providers undergo regular inspections by the Department of Education, the Environmental Agency, and the City Fire Brigade to ensure they meet minimum standards.
Primary education
Primary education in Gibraltar is free, full-time, and compulsory. Schools are co-educational and teach in English, with Spanish formally introduced in Year 4, although it may be used earlier as a teaching aid. The curriculum follows the English national model, adapted to meet local needs, including Spanish and Religious Education.
Children typically start primary school in the autumn term if they will be five years old during the academic year. To ease the transition, they initially attend morning sessions only, with afternoon sessions added later in the year at the school's discretion.
Secondary education
Secondary education in Gibraltar is free, full-time, and compulsory for residents aged 12-15. The national curriculum defines the framework, which includes:
In years 8-9, students study a broad range of compulsory subjects, including English, Mathematics, Science, French or European studies, Spanish, History, Geography, Art, Music, Religious Education, Physical Education, Design and Technology, and Information and Communications Technology.
In years 10-11, students select subjects from various disciplines while continuing core studies in English, Mathematics, Science, Religious Education, and Physical Education. Additionally, vocational education options are available.
Special education
St Martin's School offers specialist education for children aged 5-16 with a range of special needs. Additionally, Notre Dame School and Bishop Fitzgerald School are designated as Learning Support Facilities (LSFs), providing extra support for primary school-aged children who require specialized care that may not be met at St Martin's. Furthermore, each secondary school has its own LSF, and Bayside School is home to an Alternative Learning Centre that delivers tailored support for students who disaffected.
Gibraltar College
Gibraltar's further education sector offers a range of intermediate and advanced courses in subjects such as information technology, business and finance, and built environment studies. The college is also seeing significant growth in professional qualifications, with tuition support available for industry-recognized certifications like ACCA, ILEX, ICSA, AAT, and the Institute of Bankers. Students can pursue various qualifications, from GCSEs to AS/A levels, and also benefit from part-time evening courses, available to both full-time and part-time students.
Higher education
Students from Gibraltar often study for degrees and higher national diplomas at UK universities. To support these studies, the Gibraltar government provides scholarships for eligible students.
*The above information has been taken from the Government website – www.gibraltar.gov.gi
In addition there are two private schools, see details below:
Loreto Convent School
Junior School upto the age of 12 - www.loreto.gi
Prior Park School
Secondary Education for children aged between 12 to 18 - www.priorparkgibraltar.com
