The education system in Gibraltar is very similar to that in the UK. Children as young as 3 can attend nursery or preschool, although this is not compulsory. Children begin at primary school at between the ages of 4 and 5 and when they reach the age of 12 they begin secondary education.

Secondary education is compulsory to the age of 16, when all students take public examinations. Then there is the option of two further years of study at school, when students are able to sit AS and A2 examinations. Grants and funding are available for those who wish to study for a degree at university, as this will involve studying abroad, usually in the UK. University students who attend UK universities are eligible for the UK student loan scheme.

All teachers in Gibraltar have been trained in the UK. They must have a UK registration number and have qualified teacher status in order to obtain a teaching job in Gibraltar. There are 15 state schools in Gibraltar and a number of private schools too. There are several private nurseries as well as state-run establishments, all of which are strictly monitored for health and safety and to ensure that the staff are properly qualified.

When children begin primary school, they do so on a part-time basis at first in order to ease them in. Primary schools follow the UK national curriculum and all pupils will begin learning Spanish while they are in primary education.

The secondary schools in Gibraltar are single sex and follow the UK national curriculum. Students study a wide variety of subjects, which they then narrow down for examinations at the age of 16. Compulsory subjects include English, mathematics, sciences, religious studies and physical education. Qualifications that can be taken include GCSEs and A Levels.

St Martin's school was purpose-built in the 1970s for providing education for pupils with special needs between the ages of 5 and 16. Each secondary school is equipped with a special needs unit as well.

All schools in Gibraltar are available to the children of Gibraltar residents though those who do not wish to follow the UK curriculum can attend a private international school just across the border in Spain.

There is a college which can be attended by those seeking qualifications in areas such as marketing and accounting, as well as NVQ and BTEC certificates. Students can attend day release courses and there are a number of evening courses available to adults.