Growing population 'a challenge' for education, says John Cortes

New Government figures show a clear rise in Gibraltar’s school and university-level student numbers over the past decade.

And as more students progress through the system, Gibraltar’s population is becoming increasingly qualified - with the 2022 Census revealing that one in three people on the Rock now hold a degree-level or level 4 professional qualification.

The figures also underline the growing financial commitment to higher education, and follow the increase in residency requirements for scholarships from five years to ten.

Katy Docker spoke to Minister for Education, John Cortes.

Gibraltar’s under-15 population grew by 10% between 2012 and 2022 - with the number of children increasing by 595 to make a total of 6428. And more children means more children in school.

In response to GBC questions, the Government said there are currently 6,118 pupils enrolled across all schools, including primary, upper schools and St Martin’s.

And when those children grow up?

Well, the number of students in full-time higher education has risen by over a third since 2012.

The Government confirmed there are now 1,013 students being sponsored in full-time higher education - 928 studying abroad, and 85 at the University of Gibraltar.