The rare earth Ce³⁺ ion doped SiO₂-B₂O₃-BaO-Gd₂O₃ system is synthesized by high-temperature melting method. The density, transmission, excitation spectra and scintillating properties of the glasses are investigated. The results indicate that all the samples have good physical and scintillating properties. The emission peak wavelength of all samples is 390 nm under X-ray radiation. Gd³⁺ ions have a negative impact on scintillating properties when its concentration reaches a certain level. Gd³⁺ ions sensitize the luminescence of Ce³⁺ ions, and the ideal concentration is 15 mol% for Gd³⁺ ions. Also the decay characteristics of Ce³⁺ and Gd³⁺ ions are investigated. These samples have potential practical applications in high energy physics.