HMGoG’s third coeducational cohort in Bayside and Westside Schools have today received their GCSE / Level 2 results. Headteachers of Bayside and Westside Schools were overjoyed to share in the many personal achievements of Year 11 learners as they completed their first public examinations.

Headteacher of Bayside School, Gaynor Lester, exuded pride over the many successes celebrated today: “I am extremely proud of all our students’ achievements. They worked hard, were very ably guided by their teachers, and their persistent efforts, especially during the immediate build-up to their exams when they participated in an intensive revision programme, have all paid dividends. More importantly, the lessons that they have learnt from their efforts are valuable life lessons which will bode well for their future endeavours.”

Headteacher of Westside School, Sonia Lopez, was immensely proud of Westside’s Year 11 cohort’s results, sharing: “This year group’s achievements are as diverse as they are: from the debates in classrooms and the laughter on the playground to the quiet determination in revision. Today we celebrate not just their grades, but the futures and confidence they carry forward, thanks to the dedication of our staff and the steadfast support of their families every step of the way.”

It is important to remember that this cohort of Year 11 students concluded their Upper Primary years in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, making the significant and often daunting transition to secondary school during a period of lockdowns, home learning, widespread disruption and uncertainty for all. Their successful completion of Level 2 and GCSE courses is a testament to the grit, determination, and resilience they demonstrated during those unprecedented times and beyond, supported throughout by their families and dedicated school staff. These young people have faced challenges we hope no other year group will ever experience, and their achievements today stand as a powerful success story in Gibraltar’s post-Covid recovery.

Staff and pupils alike have once more shown their capacity to succeed under pressure, with a remarkable total of 672 grades at levels 9, 8 and 7 (the top grades attainable at GCSE which replaced the previous letter grades A* and A) being obtained, 336 at Bayside and 336 at Westside.

Equally impressive are the 3110 grades 9-1 (and A*-G and Distinction*- Pass outcomes) obtained by pupils at Bayside and Westside Schools out of a maximum of 3140 grades awarded, representing a 9-1 (and A*-G and Distinction*-Pass outcomes) pass rate of 99% across these 2 institutions.

Recognition is also due to Gibraltar College pupils and the staff who support them. The Gibraltar College provides valuable opportunities for young people to continue building on their education. Through the variety of Level 2 courses on offer at the Gibraltar College, young people can enrich their learning experiences further, with both academic and vocational routes providing valuable opportunities to strengthen their qualification profile. Principal of the Gibraltar College, Daniel Benrimoj, expressed the following reflections: “Today marks a significant milestone for learners across Gibraltar College. While GCSE and vocational results represent important achievements, we firmly believe they do not define the individual. Learners are much more than the numbers or letters they receive on a page. What truly matters is how they embrace future opportunities, continue to invest in personal growth, and enjoy the journey of learning. The potential of each individual far exceeds what can be captured on a results sheet.”

This year marks the second academic cycle in which the Gibraltar College has managed, exclusively, the programme that gives young people the chance to enhance their Level 2 and GCSE qualifications before moving on to the next stage of their journey - whatever that may be. We are very proud of the young people who have embraced the opportunity offered at the Gibraltar College to improve the number of Level 2 and GCSE qualifications they hold. The achievement of these young people in securing more qualifications brings significant benefits. Their success has strengthened their academic foundations, opened doors to a wider range of post-16 pathways and ensured that they have developed the transferable skills that educators and employers value most. These achievements give our young people greater choice and flexibility for the future, ensuring that they are well prepared to progress into further education and future careers.

This year, learners at the Gibraltar College have received 427 pass grades out of a possible 498, representing a 86% 9-1 (and A*-G and Distinction*-Pass outcomes) pass rate.

The Gibraltar College remains committed to meeting the educational needs of all learners by embedding the principle of lifelong learning as a cornerstone of personal and professional development. The College’s dedicated staff are committed to supporting all learners, regardless of background or stage in life, by making education accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of our community.

The Department of Education is also proud to report on the results of two new vocational courses that have certified for the first time this year: the City and Guilds Level 2 Certificate in Design and Craft - Fashion (Fashion Wear) offered at both secondary schools; and the BTEC Level 1/2 Technical Award in Travel and Tourism offered at the Gibraltar College. In addition, the introduction of other new courses, such as Support Work in Schools, and expanded daytime adult classes at the Gibraltar College have opened further opportunities for individuals to gain vital qualifications. These programmes particularly benefit adult learners who may not have had access to education earlier in life due to personal or professional circumstances.

Principal Daniel Benrimoj continued: “Learners of all ages have received their results at the Gibraltar College today, highlighting the importance of inclusive and lifelong learning. The College continues to deliver a strong and varied vocational curriculum, with core programmes in Health and Social Care, Engineering, Enterprise and Marketing, and Information Technology. These pathways equip individuals with the academic knowledge and practical skills needed to succeed in today’s evolving workforce.”

Today also sees the second cohort of adult learners from The Care Agency successfully achieve their qualifications in Health and Social Care. This professional development is essential for those working in critical front-line roles within our community, and we are proud to support their continued growth.

The Department of Education recognises the importance of pathways that help equip learners with practical skills, industry insight, and readiness for future study or employment, reaffirming our commitment to offering even more opportunities. The Department of Education remains mindful of the important role it plays within the community and is committed to ensuring that the provision offered - both in schools and for learners of all ages - stays current and aligned with individual and community needs.

We are extremely proud of the achievements of all learners across our three secondary educational settings. “We applaud every learner for completing this important stage of their learning journey,” celebrated the Director of Education, Keri Scott. “We hope each young person has achieved the results they worked hard for and now stand prepared to embrace the next stage of their journey, whichever direction they choose to take,” she continued. “To those who may not have secured the results they hoped for, remember this is just one milestone along the way. Our dedicated school staff are here to support and guide you, and every challenge can be turned into an opportunity to grow and move forward.” The Director of Education also took the opportunity to recognise and thank the dedicated teams of professionals in every school: “We extend our heartfelt thanks to the dedicated teachers and school staff whose tireless support has helped make these successes possible. Together, they remind us what can be achieved through hard work, perseverance, and belief in our young people.”

The Department of Education believes it is essential to report on the full range of pass rates, 9–1 (and A*–G), rather than focusing solely on the traditional A*–C (or 9–4) benchmark. Every grade achieved carries value and marks an important milestone in each young person’s learning journey. It is vital that we celebrate the success of all learners, across all levels of achievement. At the same time, we recognise that education is about far more than examination results. Schools provide young people with opportunities to develop critical thinking, communication, and interpersonal skills, among many others - competences that will serve them well as they move into the next stage of their education, training, or employment, and throughout life.

The Minister for Education, the Hon Prof John Cortes, reflected on the steady enhancement of provision and on the accomplishments honoured today: “We are committed to creating meaningful learning opportunities for every young person, and our expanding offer of provision is a testament to this. These results reflect the hard work, determination and progress of our learners. Supported by the dedication and expertise of staff across our three secondary settings, pupils have reached an important milestone - and their individual successes deserve to be celebrated.”

“Today’s results highlight the strength, talent, and potential of our young people,’ Minister Cortes continued. “We celebrate not only their achievements, but also the determination and resilience that made them possible. Supported by their families and teachers, our young people are the future of our community - and that future is bright.”

GCSE results statistics for 2025 are available here