Gerry Adams went to Redditch County High School from 1953 to 1958, and in 1959 joined the Bournville School of Art, where he studied for just under two years. He returned to his old high school in April, 1961, as a member of staff for about five months.

In 1962 he went to St John's College, York which he left in 1965 qualified as an Advanced Specalist in Physical Education, and with his Certificate of Education. His first full teaching post as as an assistant master at the South Shields Grammar-Technical School for Boys.

He took early retirement in July 1992, and moved to France.