Dr Sonia Lopez qualified as a teacher in 1997, achieving her BA QTS (Hons) in English and Teaching Studies at St Mary’s University College. She brings nearly three decades of educational experience across Gibraltar, having taught in Nursery, Primary and Secondary schools, and a core module on the University of Gibraltar’s PGCE programme.

Dr Lopez’s first leadership role was as Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo), where she developed a deep commitment to inclusive practice over 14 years. She subsequently served as Headteacher of St Bernard’s Lower Primary School for 6 years before assuming her current role as Headteacher of Westside School. She also continues to teach English, valuing the ongoing connection with the daily life of pupils in the classroom.

Throughout her career, Dr Lopez has worked to strengthen teaching and learning across the system. While at St Bernard’s she introduced project based learning, placing emphasis on the development of the 4Cs: critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity. She has been privileged to support its growth across the primary sector in Gibraltar, helping teachers embed these skills into their practice.

A firm believer in lifelong learning, Dr Lopez has continued to develop her professional practice throughout her career. She holds a Diploma in Special Educational Needs from Sheffield Hallam University, a Master’s degree from the University of Durham, and a PhD from the University of Gibraltar. She was proud to be the first PhD graduate from the University, an achievement completed part-time while continuing her full-time educational career. Her doctoral research focused on how mobile technology shapes teaching and learning, particularly in fostering teacher agency and transformational change.

One of the great honours of her career has been witnessing pupils she once taught in lower primary now thriving at Westside. This reflects the strong sense of continuity and community within Gibraltar’s schools.

Dr Lopez is married with two adult children. As both a parent and an educator, she understands the importance of balancing academic achievement with personal development. She leads Westside with a vision to ensure every pupil is supported, challenged and inspired within a safe, inclusive and forward-looking environment.