Parliament ponders co-education

In a parliamentary debate on whether Gibraltar should switch from same-sex secondary schools to a co-education model, two key points emerged: MPs were undecided as to whether it was a good idea, and cautious about tinkering with the existing set-up.

During a lengthy and wide-ranging discussion, MPs agreed that there was no clear body of academic evidence to show that one model offered a better education than the other. Studies conducted around the world were inconclusive, Parliament heard.

Likewise MPs were agreed that this was a matter on which professionals should take the lead and on which there should be wide consultation with other stakeholders, not least parents and students.

The Gibraltar Government revealed it had set up a working group to explore this issue and analyse the pros and cons by March 2017 ahead of a wider consultation process.

But while there was broad agreement on the core underlying points, the debate proved feisty at times as the government and the Opposition clashed on questions of procedure and past performance.

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