The Department of Education has congratulated all students who have received their results today and has highlighted that this is the first year that the young people receiving their Level 3 / A Level results have completed their entire educational journey in a coeducational setting.

A statement from the Government follows below:

This year marks a rather special milestone for the Department of Education in that it is the first year that the young people receiving their Level 3 / A Level results today have completed their entire educational journey in a coeducational setting.

At 09:00 local time (08:00 UK time), young people at Bayside, Westside, and the Gibraltar College were able to access their A Level and Level 3  examination results, released in accordance with Ofqual’s schedule for the summer exam cycle.

The  results were issued electronically, allowing students to receive them in an environment of their choosing and enabling swift follow-up communications with universities where necessary. 

In September 2019, Bayside and Westside embraced coeducation, bringing together pupils in a  shared learning environment built on respect, empathy, and equality of opportunity. This  transformative shift - implemented in a phased manner across Years 7 to 13 - affirmed a belief in  equality of access and the intrinsic value of shared human experience, breaking down artificial  divisions and recognising each individual’s intellect and dignity. Our schools adapted provision to  meet the needs of mixed cohorts, revising learning design, structures and routines while enriching  academic discourse through the varied perspectives present in every classroom. The Department  of Education believes that coeducation provides a vital platform for nurturing the social harmony  and cooperative spirit essential to a just and inclusive world. 

Although our educational settings have provided uninterrupted schooling throughout the four  academic years in which these pupils completed their formal qualifications (GCSE and A Level), the  young people we celebrate today began their secondary journey in Key Stage 3 during the  pandemic - a period that inevitably brought disruption and uncertainty. Despite facing challenges  early in their secondary journey - adapting to newly revised coeducational provision while  navigating the unprecedented landscape of the pandemic -these young people, together with their  teachers, rose to the occasion. They worked with determination and focus to overcome those early  obstacles, implementing strategies to recover interrupted learning and maintain momentum. Their  success is also a testament to the steadfast encouragement of families, whose support has been  invaluable every step of the way.  

The Department of Education congratulates every learner who completed their two-year Level 3/  A Level courses this summer, recognising the dedication, commitment, and hard work that brought  them to this point. For many, the anticipation of receiving their results this morning will have been  accompanied by understandable nerves - a feeling shared not only by parents and families, but also  by the teachers who have supported them throughout their journey.

This year, young people across Gibraltar’s three HMGoG secondary institutions are celebrating an  impressive collective achievement of 651 pass grades - each one representing a unique story of  dedication, perseverance, and success. Of these, 581 were earned across 25 traditionally assessed  subjects, with a further 70 awarded in the six vocational qualifications offered. 

The results table below compiles the outcomes of all A Level and Level 3 courses offered through  HMGoG’s Consortium of Bayside, Westside, and the Gibraltar College. The collaborative  Consortium model gives the young people in our schools access to the widest possible range of  subject combinations while making the most effective use of resources. While many complete all  their qualifications within a single institution, a significant number study subjects across multiple  settings, benefiting from the combined expertise, subject leadership, and pastoral support of  multiple centres. In some cases, teaching is jointly delivered by staff from different schools. The  Department of Education values the distinctive strengths of each institution and is committed to  ensuring equitable access to every course, with the best opportunities for success in every learner’s  chosen pathway. For this reason, results are best viewed in the context of the Consortium as a  whole, reflecting the combined efforts of all three centres to provide high-quality opportunities for  every young person. 

The Minister for Education, Professor John Cortes, commented: “Our community’s young people are  fortunate to have such a wide range of options available to them through our Consortium offering. Our  schools play a crucial role in fostering skills, knowledge, and understanding across many fields, giving our  youth a strong foundation for diverse career opportunities.” 

There are other notable milestones to celebrate this year. Among them are the first results for two  new vocational qualifications: BTEC Performance (Acting) and Applied Food Science and Nutrition.  We are delighted by the achievements of the young people who have embraced these vocational  pathways, developing practical, job-specific skills that will serve them well in a wide range of future  destinations. This commitment to broadening opportunities is further reflected in another first - the  successful completion of an A Level in Computer Science by its inaugural cohort. Together, these  milestones highlight our dedication to ensuring that every young person can access a curriculum  that plays to their strengths and nurtures their individual talents. 

These achievements sit alongside individual successes of the highest calibre. Another noteworthy  example is the accomplishment of 13 conscientious, diligent and outstanding students who attained  three A grades or higher, securing the prestigious title of ‘Gibraltar Scholar’. 

While trends across cohorts and deeper analysis of grades can provide useful insights, they should  not overshadow the achievements of the individual learners who have completed their  qualifications this year. Each young person deserves to be recognised in their own right, with today  serving as a moment to celebrate their successes - both in their results and across their wider  learning journey - as well as the accomplishments we are confident they will continue to achieve in  the years ahead. 

The Director of Education, Keri Scott, expressed:"I extend my warmest congratulations to every young  person receiving their results today - achievements that reflect years of dedication, hard work, and  commitment. At the same time, I wish to stress that examination results are only one part of each learner’s story. No individual should feel defined by their exam results. The heart of education lies in the people they  are becoming. Today, we celebrate not just grades, but the resilience forged through challenges, the  creativity that sparks innovation, the kindness and compassion that strengthen communities, and the  determination that turns aspirations into achievements - qualities that aren’t directly measured or  rewarded through the formal examination process." 

The Department of Education honours the accomplishments of all learners receiving results today,  emphasising that their value cannot be measured by grades alone. These young people have  developed skills, character, and vision that will guide them far beyond the classroom, shaping their  futures and enriching the world around them. 

The Department of Education also recognises that while many young people will be celebrating  their achievements today and looking forward with excitement to the next stage of their learning  journey, others may feel disappointed with their results or uncertain about their next steps.  Whatever the situation, a wealth of guidance and support is available. Teachers in schools and staff  at the Department of Education are ready to advise and assist all individuals - whether they have  secured a place at university, are exploring options through the clearing process, or are considering  alternative pathways. Young people are encouraged to share any concerns or questions with their  parents or carers and with the informed staff at their school, who are well placed to offer guidance  at what can be a stressful time. 

The Department of Education urges every young person receiving results today to consider their  options carefully before deciding on their best pathway forward. “It can be easy to feel rushed into  making a decision about what comes next,” the Director of Education said. “Pause to celebrate or reflect,  depending on how you feel about your results, and take stock of the opportunities available to you. Take  the time to ensure that the next steps you choose are truly the right ones for you.” 

“Whether you are celebrating or feeling uncertain about your next steps, support is available,” reassured  the Minister for Education. “Teachers, school staff, and the Department of Education are ready to guide  you - whether that’s navigating clearing, securing a university place, or exploring alternative pathways.” 

The Department of Education thanks the teachers and school staff who have inspired and  supported the young people in this Year 13 cohort to realise their potential, as well as the many  dedicated professionals who have shaped their learning journey from Nursery through Primary and  Secondary education. Particular recognition is given to the focused efforts of staff who have  prepared students for their Level 3/A Level courses over the past two years. The vital role of  parents, carers, and families is also celebrated for the encouragement and support they have  provided throughout. “We thank everyone who has formed part of the supportive teams around the  young people whose day it is today, and we applaud them for all their successes - both within their  examinations and beyond,” said Director of Education, Keri Scott. 

In the context of the return to pre-pandemic standards, the Department is pleased to report a  notable overall pass rate of 89% across the three Government institutions within the Consortium.  

Whilst the Department of Education recognises the value that successful completion of  qualifications provides - and wholeheartedly celebrates the achievements of all young people  receiving results today -it also stresses that success extends far beyond examination grades. These results, while important, are just one part of the broader picture of a young person’s educational  journey. The abilities, skills, and competences developed along the way will serve them in all aspects  of life. No individual should feel defined by their exam results - there is always a way forward. For  those who are worried or uncertain, support is available: ask for guidance, pause to celebrate, take  time to reflect, and choose the next step that is truly right for you. 

Minister for Education, Professor John Cortes, reflected on this milestone day and the many  pathways now open to young people: "Results day is both a conclusion and a beginning - the closing  chapter of our students’ school journey and the first steps into the opportunities that lie ahead. Whether  they accept a scholarship, take time to defer, or pursue another pathway, their time in our exceptional  schools, guided by dedicated and inspiring teachers, has helped shape their character and aspirations.  Seeing young people grow in confidence, skills, and ambition year after year is one of the most rewarding  aspects of working in education. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each student as they embark on  the next stage of their journey, with every best wish for the future."