The Gambian education has impact from the Colonial power. The language of teaching in schools and educational settings is English. Schooling is not compulsory in Gambia. Children below age 15 constitutes to about 45% of Gambian population. Primary level education is available to all children; however, secondary schooling is competitive and available only to those who pass primary level examinations successfully.

Children join primary school at the age of 7 years; the duration to complete primary education is 6 years. Students are awarded the Primary School Leaving Certificate after completion of 6 years of primary education.

Secondary education is divided into Middle School (three years), Higher Secondary, and Sixth Form (2years). Students attend secondary school from the ages of 13 through 21. At the successful completion of each level, a certificate is awarded. If students finish the sixth form and have completed all 13 to 14 previous years of education, they may earn the West African Examinations Council A Level Certificate.Gambia joined UNESCO on August 1, 1973. The country is covered by the Regional Office for Education in Africa (BREDA), located in Dakar, Senegal. To know more about Education and Literacy Scenario in Gambia, Click Here.