The Gibraltar Women’s Association has “strongly criticised” the Government’s decision to change school hours and remove half days “at such short notice” warning that the move will “have a serious impact on families, working parents, and children across the community.” The Association said it has been inundated with requests from angry parents urging it to appeal to the Government to reconsider the decision.

A statement continued: “The Association said the changes may create practical difficulties for many households, particularly for parents and carers who rely on existing school schedules to balance employment, childcare, and other family responsibilities. It also noted that any significant change to the structure of the school day should be supported by clear communication, adequate consultation, and careful assessment of its wider social effects. In England, schools are generally required to open for 190 pupil days each academic year, while teachers are required to work 195 days, with the additional five days usually allocated to training. The changes will unacceptably reduce the educational days for students to only 177.”

“We recognise the importance of ensuring that education policy supports children’s learning and wellbeing,” said Anne Marie Struggles on behalf of the Association. “But changes of this nature cannot simply be imposed without proper regard for the reality of family life and the burdens they place on parents and carers, particularly women, who continue to shoulder a disproportionate share of caring responsibilities. Children in Gibraltar are held to the same standards, sit the same examinations, and compete for university places alongside their peers in the UK. It is therefore unacceptable that they should be expected to compete on equal terms while being given less schooling.”

The Gibraltar Women’s Association is calling for:

• greater clarity on the reasons for the changes;
• meaningful engagement with parents, teachers, and community stakeholders;
• a transparent assessment of the likely impact on families and carers; and
• consideration of measures that would reduce disruption for affected households.

“The Government must pause, listen properly to the concerns being raised, and engage with families, educators, and the wider community before taking any further steps. A decision with such far reaching consequences for children’s education and family life should never have been introduced without full transparency, proper consultation, and a clear justification.”

The Association reiterated its support for policies that promote both educational outcomes and family wellbeing, and urged decision makers to ensure that future reforms are developed in consultation with the community.