- Pre-primary education is not compulsory and begins at age 5.
- Basic primary education (Lower Basic School) is compulsory and lasts for six years, from ages 6 to 11. At the end of this cycle, students taking a national exam to be promoted to the Upper Basic School.
- Secondary education is also not compulsory and there are two types: General and Technical/Vocational. The Lower Secondary School lasts for three years, ages 12 to 15. At the end of this cycle, students take a nationwide exit exam. Only students who pass this exam can attend the Upper Secondary School. The General Upper Secondary School lasts for two years, ages 16 to 18, while the Technical/Vocational Upper Secondary School lasts for three years, ages 16 to 19.
- Tertiary education is offered at numerous public and private institutions, including the University of The Gambia, Gambia College, and Gambia Technical Training Institute.
According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, the net enrolment rate in pre-primary education in The Gambia was 48% in 2018. The net enrolment rate in primary education was 84% in 2018, and the net enrolment rate in secondary education was 45% in 2018.
The Gambian government has made progress in improving access to education, but challenges remain, including poverty, teacher shortages, and inadequate infrastructure.