Education and Schools

Public and Private Schools

Gibraltar has both public and private schools. Public schools follow the British curriculum and are free for eligible residents. Private and international schools are also available, offering a range of curricula.

Staying in Southern Spain

Some expats choose to live just over the border in southern Spain, where the cost of living and housing is lower, and commute to Gibraltar for work. However, for families with children, living in Gibraltar itself can provide more consistency in education.

Gibraltar's educational system is structured similarly to the United Kingdom's, operating within a three-tier framework and adhering to the National Curriculum. Education is compulsory for children aged 4 to 15 and is provided free of charge to eligible residents.

Primary Education

Primary education in Gibraltar is divided into two stages: First Schools (ages 4–7) and Middle Schools (ages 8–11).

There are seven First Schools:

• Governor's Meadow First School
• Hebrew Primary School
• Notre Dame First School and Nursery
• St Bernard's First School and Nursery
• St Joseph's First School and Nursery
• St Mary's First School
• St Paul's First School and Nursery

The Middle Schools include:

• Bishop Fitzgerald School
• Gibraltar Hebrew School
• Sacred Heart Middle School
• St Anne's Middle School
• St Joseph's Middle School

Secondary Education

At age 12, students transition to secondary education, which continues until age 16. During this period, they prepare for the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) examinations. The main secondary schools are:

• Bayside Comprehensive School (co-educational)
• Westside School (co-educational)

Both schools offer a range of subjects, and students typically take up to 10 GCSEs, including core subjects like English, Mathematics, and Science.

The Gibraltar Government has invested heavily in new buildings and facilities. Catchment areas generally determine school placement. However, there are no 'bad' schools or areas in Gibraltar. Achievement levels are high across both private and public schools. Social problems are minimal, and the facilities, after school activities, and relationships between schools and parents are strong.

After completing their GCSEs, students may choose to enter the sixth form to pursue A-Level qualifications, usually over two years.

Special Education

Gibraltar provides for students with special educational needs through institutions like St Martin's Special School, which offers tailored support and resources to ensure inclusive education.

Private Education

In addition to public schools, Gibraltar hosts private educational institutions:

• Loreto Convent School: A co-educational school offering nursery to primary education.
• Prior Park School Gibraltar: An independent co-educational secondary school for students aged 12 to 18.

Further and Higher Education

The Gibraltar College, formerly known as the Gibraltar College of Further Education, offers full-time and part-time academic, vocational, and professional programs.

• Full-Time Courses: From pre-GCSE to degree-standard, serving around 400 full-time students.
• Part-Time and Day-Release Courses: Designed for students balancing education with work or family commitments.
• Continuing Education: Additional programs for community development and personal growth.

The college operates as the Examination Centre of Gibraltar in collaboration with UK awarding bodies and professional institutes, ensuring international recognition of qualifications. It also engages with the community through social media.

Gibraltar College plays a crucial role in providing diverse learning opportunities for its population.

https://www.youngenterprisegibraltar.com/

University of Gibraltar

Established in September 2015, the University of Gibraltar offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional courses. Located at Europa Point, the campus combines restored historical military buildings with modern facilities, providing a unique learning environment.

https://www.unigib.edu.gi/

Academic Programs

The university offers a variety of programs across multiple disciplines:

• Undergraduate Degrees: Fields include Business, Nursing, and Maritime Science.
• Postgraduate Degrees: Programs in Business, Education, and Marine Science.
• Research Degrees: Opportunities for doctoral research are offered in various disciplines.
• Professional Development Courses: Short courses and professional development opportunities cater to ongoing education needs.

Quality Assurance and Accreditation

The university aligns its standards with UK higher education frameworks and undergoes regular reviews by UK external examiners. In 2021, it achieved global accreditation from the UK's Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA), recognizing its adherence to international quality standards.

Governance and Leadership

The Chancellor, a ceremonial role, is currently held by Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the UK House of Commons. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Catherine Bachleda, oversees daily operations, supported by an Executive Committee and guided by a Board of Governors responsible for strategic direction.

Research and Scholarship

The university hosts several research hubs focusing on areas such as Natural Sciences, Business, History, Education, Gaming, and Health Sciences. It also offers various scholarships, including the Parasol Scholarships for Business Administration students and the Gibraltar Commonwealth Scholarships, to support both local and international students.

Community Engagement

Engaging with the local and international community, the university maintains an active presence on platforms like Facebook, where it shares updates and interacts with students and the public.

In summary: The University of Gibraltar stands as a modern institution dedicated to providing quality education, fostering research, and contributing to the sustainable development of Gibraltar and the surrounding region.

Gibraltar’s Nursing Education

Gibraltar offers comprehensive nursing education through two primary institutions: the School of Health Studies (SHS) under the Gibraltar Health Authority (GHA) and the School of Health Sciences at the University of Gibraltar.

School of Health Studies (SHS)

The SHS provides education, training, and development tailored to meet current and future healthcare service needs. In collaboration with institutions like St George’s University of London and Kingston University London, the SHS offers programs such as the BSc (Hons) Nursing (Adult) and a Diploma in Higher Education (Nursing). These programs equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge for effective nursing practice.

School of Health Sciences at the University of Gibraltar

The University of Gibraltar's School of Health Sciences offers a BSc (Hons) Adult Nursing program. This three-year, full-time course combines theoretical learning with practical experience, with students spending approximately 50% of their time in clinical settings. The program emphasizes critical, analytical, and reflective skills, preparing students to provide safe and effective evidence-based care. Clinical placements are facilitated through partnerships with the GHA and other healthcare providers, ensuring students gain diverse and relevant hands-on experience.

Both institutions play a crucial role in developing skilled nursing professionals in Gibraltar, offering programs that blend academic rigor with practical application to meet the evolving demands of healthcare.

Overall: Gibraltar's educational system offers a comprehensive range of options, ensuring that both local and expatriate students have access to quality education across various levels.