Gibbs was born in Sunderland, and brought up in Kendal, attending Kendal Grammar School. He graduated from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in 1979 with an Honours degree in Physics and Geography.
Gibbs originated from Sunderland, and grew up in Kendal, where he attended Kendal Grammar School. He earned a degree in Physics and Geography from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in 1979.