Gibraltar has a three-tier system of education which is followed in England. Students begin their compulsory education in a primary school and then go on to receive secondary education in a middle school before they move to a high school. This British Overseas Territory has around 16 state schools, one private school, and a college. The teachers are trained in UK universities and colleges and they are issued a registration number by the Department for Education (UK).
Preschool Education
The first year of education in Gibraltar begins in pre-schools. Apart from government nurseries, there are several privately run playgroups that cater to pupils in the the age group of 3-4 years. St Paul’s Nursery, St Mary’s Nursery, Governor’s Meadow Nursery, St Bernard’s Nursery, and Notre Dame Nursery are some of the institutions for preschool education.
Primary Education: First and Middle Schools
Primary education in Gibraltar is free and compulsory. All schools are co-educational and English is the medium of instruction. Children, who turn five during the academic year, are enrolled. The first year in a primary (or First) school is known as Reception. The curricula followed in this schools are along the lines of the national curriculum for England. St Joseph’s First School, Notre Dame First School, and St. Mary’s First School are some of the renowned first schools in Gibraltar.
The first half of primary education lasts for four years (5-8) before the students switch to middle schools. Some of the reputed middle schools in Gibraltar are:
- Bishop Fitzgerald Middle School
- St Anne’s Middle School
- St Joseph’s Middle School
- Sacred Heart Middle School
Secondary Education
The students between 12+ and 15+ years are entitled to get free secondary education in Gibraltar. In the first two years of secondary education, the students have to cover a broad curriculum including English, History, Geography, Mathematics, Science, French, Physical Education, and others. For the next two years, they have the option to choose from a range of disciplines apart from the five core subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, Spanish, and Religious Studies. On completing the four-year course, the students appear for the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) at the age of 16.
Presently, Gibraltar has two secondary schools:
- Bayside Comprehensive School (boys)
- Westside School (girls)
Special Education
There are schools in Gibraltar that take care of the special needs for children between the ages of 5 and 16. St Martin’s School is a name to reckon with. Further, Notre Dame School and Bishop Fitzgerald schools provide Learning Support Facilities (LSFs), which cater to children who are not completely fit for mainstream education. There is an Alternative Learning Centre at Bayside School that provides support for such students.
Gibraltar College
Here, the students undergo a two-year A-Level course appearing for Advanced Subsidiary (AS) examinations at the end of the first year and Advanced 2 (A2) examinations in the following year. The Gibraltar College also offers vocational and professional courses apart from intermediate and advanced courses in business and finance, information technology, etc.
Further Education
In absence of an institute on higher education, the students at degree level are compelled to study abroad. The government has a system in place to sponsor education of students studying in the UK. Lot many Gibraltarian students are enrolled in British universities.
University of Gibraltar
It was only in the last week of May 2015 that the Government of Gibraltar formally launched plans for the establishment of the University of Gibraltar. The government also confirmed that the university will be operational from September 1, 2015. Modeled on the University of Seychelles, this institute for higher education will offer undergraduate and post-graduate programs in following disciplines:
- Business (with specialization in Accounting and Finance, Law, and ICT)
- Health Studies and Sports Science
- Life and Earth Sciences and Gibraltar/Mediterranean Studies
- Tourism and Hospitality
This first university in the territory has plans to collaborate with internationally recognized universities and become a center for research in domains relevant to Gibraltar.