How do school catchment areas and admissions work in Gibraltar?

Question

Accepted Answer

Parents apply online through education.gov.gi during an annual window, usually opening in February, and the Department of Education allocates a catchment school based on the family's address. Families can request a transfer to a different school once the allocation is confirmed.
The enrolment window
Nursery and Reception enrolments open each year, typically in early February, and close in March. For 2025/2026 the window opened on 6 February 2025 and closed on 12 March 2025. Applications are made electronically at education.gov.gi.
Documents required
The long version of the child's birth certificate.
Evidence of residence in Gibraltar, such as an ID card or permit of residence.
A recent local utility bill confirming the address.
How allocation works
The enrolment team processes each application and writes to parents confirming the catchment school allocated. Catchment areas are reviewed with every enrolment cycle using a Geographic Information System (GIS), with the aim of keeping boundaries geographically sensible and balancing pupil to staff ratios. Because boundaries can move from year to year, families should not assume that a sibling's school, or last year's boundary, will apply.
Transfers and late applications
Parents who want a school other than their catchment allocation can request a transfer after the allocation is issued. Applications after the closing date may still be considered, but a place within the catchment area is not guaranteed.
Residency checks
The Department scrutinises all applications for eligibility, particularly residence, and applies the same checks to pupils already enrolled.
Private schools
Loreto Convent, Talmud Torah and Prior Park handle their own admissions and are outside the catchment system.
Enrolment queries go to enrolments.edu@gibraltar.gov.gi.

How do school catchment areas and admissions work in Gibraltar?

Short answer

Detailed answer

The enrolment window

Documents required

How allocation works

Transfers and late applications