Gibraltar's schools follow the English National Curriculum, so children moving from the UK usually settle in quickly. State education is free for eligible residents and compulsory from age 4 to 15.
How the system is organised
Gibraltar uses a three-tier system:
| Stage | Ages | What it's called |
|---|---|---|
| Nursery | Under 4 | Nursery classes at some first schools |
| First school | 4 to 7 | Similar to UK infant school (Reception to Year 2) |
| Middle school | 8 to 11 | Similar to UK junior school (Years 3 to 6) |
| Secondary | 12 to 16 | Comprehensive school, ending with GCSEs |
| Sixth form | 16 to 18 | A-levels, usually over two years |
State schools
First schools: Governor's Meadow, Hebrew Primary, Notre Dame, St Bernard's, St Joseph's, St Mary's and St Paul's. Notre Dame, St Bernard's, St Joseph's and St Paul's also have nursery classes.
Middle schools: Bishop Fitzgerald, Gibraltar Hebrew, Sacred Heart, St Anne's and St Joseph's.
Secondary schools: Bayside Comprehensive and Westside School are both mixed. Pupils normally take around ten GCSEs, including English, maths and science, then can stay on for A-levels.
Special educational needs: St Martin's School supports children with special educational needs.
Private schools
- Loreto Convent School: a private mixed school for nursery and primary ages.
- Prior Park School Gibraltar: an independent mixed secondary school for ages 12 to 18.
College and university
- Gibraltar College offers full-time courses from pre-GCSE to degree level, plus part-time and evening classes. It's also Gibraltar's exam centre for UK exam boards.
- The University of Gibraltar opened in 2015 at Europa Point. It offers degrees in business, nursing and maritime science, postgraduate courses (including teacher training) and professional development courses.
Who can use state schools
Children of parents who live in Gibraltar lawfully and work here are normally eligible for state schools. Contact the Department of Education as soon as you have a move date, because you'll need proof of address and your child's documents to register.
Sources
- Gibraltar.com: education and schools
- Gibraltar.com: living in Gibraltar, residents' guide
- HM Government of Gibraltar
Checked October 2026. School names and admissions rules can change, so confirm with the Department of Education.
