Canterbury School - San Lorenzo Campus vs The British School of Gran Canaria - Tafira Campus

	C Canterbury School - San Lorenzo Campus Las Palmas, Spain	T The British School of Gran Canaria - Tafira Campus Las Palmas, Spain
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year €5,610 - 6,550	Fees / year €6,367 - 8,120
Age range	Age range 6 - 18 years	Age range 3 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), French Curriculum, Pearson Edexcel IGCSE	Curriculum British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Pupils	Pupils 1,000	Pupils 661
Typical class size	Typical class size 25	Typical class size 25
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1972	Opened —
Bus service	Bus service Yes	Bus service Yes
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location Canterbury School operates across three locations on Gran Canaria, Spain: Milton House in Ciudad Jardín for Infants (18 months–5 years); San Lorenzo for Primary, Secondary and VI Form (6–18 years) in Las Palmas; and Maspalomas for Infants and Primary (3–11 years) in the south of the island. The main campus is San Lorenzo; Milton House serves the infant community; Maspalomas serves families in the south. Transport is available via Amanda Bus.	Location The British School of Gran Canaria operates on two campuses in Gran Canaria: Tafira (Crta. Tafira a Marzagán s/n, El Sabinal, 35017 Las Palmas de Gran Canaria) and the South campus (C/ Mar de Azor 3, Urb. El Hornillo, 35100 San Bartolomé de Tirajana). The Tafira campus is just outside Las Palmas city, and the South campus is in the Maspalomas/San Bartolomé de Tirajana area. The school provides education for pupils from 3 to 18 across both sites.
Stages	Stages Infant education at Milton House (18 months–5 years). Primary, Secondary and VI Form at San Lorenzo (6–18 years). Infant and Primary education at Maspalomas (3–11 years).	Stages Infants (3-6), Juniors (7-11), Secondary (12-16), Sixth Form (17-18)
School type	School type Private British international day school; authorized to teach the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP).	School type Private non-profit making, non-denominational school following the UK Curriculum
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix More than 30 nationalities represented.	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation British international education since 1972.	Country affiliation United Kingdom; The British School of Gran Canaria is the Only British School Overseas (BSO) accredited in Gran Canaria
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation —	Religious affiliation Non-denominational
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure The school operates a two-week timetable. Every student is assigned to a tutor, who registers them at the start of each day. Enrichment activities take place daily between 15:50 and 16:50.
Bus service details	Bus service details Amanda Bus provides transport.	Bus service details Bus routes operate for Tafira and South campuses with Morning and Afternoon lines; after-clubs transport is available on both routes.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application and enrolment fees - Enrolment fee (paid in June by returning students; paid at time of reservation/enrolment for new students): - Pre‑Nursery to Year 6: EUR 561.00 per pupil. - Year 7 to Year 9: EUR 595.00 per pupil. - Year 10 to Year 11: EUR 615.00 per pupil. - Year 12 to Year 13: EUR 655.00 per pupil. - New admissions deposit (per family): EUR 2,500.00. Tuition fees by year group (monthly and annual) Fees are shown as a monthly payment (September to May, 10 payments) plus the enrolment payment. Total annual fee is expressed as 10 monthly payments. - Pre‑Nursery – Year 6: - Monthly payment (standard): EUR 561.00. - Total annual fee (10 payments): EUR 5,610.00. - Sibling discounts: 3 siblings — monthly EUR 502.00 (annual EUR 5,079.00); 4 or more siblings — monthly EUR 453.00 (annual EUR 4,638.00). - Year 7 – Year 9: - Monthly payment (standard): EUR 595.00. - Total annual fee (10 payments): EUR 5,950.00. - Sibling discounts: 3 siblings — monthly EUR 536.00 (annual EUR 5,419.00); 4 or more siblings — monthly EUR 487.00 (annual EUR 4,978.00). - Year 10 – Year 11: - Monthly payment (standard): EUR 615.00. - Total annual fee (10 payments): EUR 6,150.00. - Sibling discounts: 3 siblings — monthly EUR 556.00 (annual EUR 5,619.00); 4 or more siblings — monthly EUR 507.00 (annual EUR 5,178.00). - Year 12 – Year 13: - Monthly payment (standard): EUR 655.00. - Total annual fee (10 payments): EUR 6,550.00. - Sibling discounts: 3 siblings — monthly EUR 596.00 (annual EUR 6,019.00); 4 or more siblings — monthly EUR 547.00 (annual EUR 5,578.00). Billing schedule and payment terms - Enrolment payment: first payment for the following school year is made in June for returning students; new students pay this amount at reservation/enrolment. - Monthly billing: tuition is billed by monthly direct debit (charged between the 1st and 5th of each month) for payments from September to May (10 payments). - Bank account changes: must be made using a SEPA form before the 25th of the current month (or five working days before the start of a holiday period) to be effective for the following month. - Enrolment is valid for one full academic year and will be automatically renewed unless a written withdrawal request is submitted. - Withdrawals for the next school year must be communicated before 1 March. Withdrawals communicated after 1 March require payment of the next year's enrolment fee (June payment). Withdrawals after 10 June require payment of the second monthly payment (September). - Extracurricular activities are organised termly and require written registration before the term begins. Lunch and catering (school dinner) fees School lunch is charged monthly (September to June) except December and April; sibling discounts apply if all siblings are registered in the lunch service. - Pre‑Nursery – Year 6: - Standard monthly: EUR 157.00. - December charge: EUR 125.00; April charge: EUR 125.00. - Annual (total): EUR 1,506.00. - Sibling rates: 3 siblings — monthly EUR 111.00 (annual EUR 1,072.00); 4 or 5 siblings — monthly EUR 106.00 (annual EUR 1,022.00). - Year 7 – Year 13: - Standard monthly: EUR 164.00. - December charge: EUR 132.00; April charge: EUR 132.00. - Annual (total): EUR 1,576.00. - Sibling rates: 3 siblings — monthly EUR 118.00 (annual EUR 1,142.00); 4 or 5 siblings — monthly EUR 113.00 (annual EUR 1,092.00). - Single‑day lunch: Primary EUR 11.00; Secondary EUR 11.50. - Registration for the lunch service takes place in September; October billing will include September and October for families who used the service in September (Primary) or who requested it in writing (Secondary). Optional services and other charges - Early drop‑off (Infant & Primary): supervision before 08:00 a.m. incurs additional charges included in the monthly bill. - Infant Department (from 07:30): EUR 26.00 per month. - Primary Department (from 07:30): EUR 21.00 per month. - Primary single‑day early drop‑off: EUR 3.50 per day. - External examination fees (Secondary/IGCSE): the cost of external exams is not included in tuition. Year 11 families may pay mandatory exam costs in instalments from September to February; estimated cost for five mandatory IGCSE exams is EUR 115.00 per month (September–February) when that instalment option is used. Requests to use instalments must be sent to administracion@canterburyschool.com before the end of July and will be valid only upon confirmation. - New admissions: a deposit of EUR 2,500.00 per family must be paid at admission. - Siblings discounts apply for families with three or more siblings; discounts apply only when all siblings are registered and will be recalculated if a sibling withdraws. Boarding fees - Not applicable: Canterbury School operates as a non‑residential/day school and does not publish boarding fees. Refund and withdrawal terms (fee‑related) - Enrolment is for one full academic year and is automatically renewed unless a written withdrawal request is submitted. - Withdrawals for the next school year must be communicated before 1 March. Withdrawals after 1 March require payment of the next year's enrolment fee (the June payment). Withdrawals after 10 June additionally require payment of the second monthly payment (September). - Tuition and service billing is organised on a monthly basis; specific refund mechanics for paid months or enrolment payments are governed by the school's withdrawal and general terms and conditions and by the deadlines above. Fee payment options - Primary payment method: monthly direct debit. SEPA forms are used for bank account changes and to set up bank details. - Installment option for Year 11 external examinations: available by written request to administracion@canterburyschool.com (permission and confirmation required). - No other explicit payment methods (for example, credit card acceptance) are listed in the published fee schedule; where bank details or SEPA direct debit are referenced, payments are processed via bank transfer/direct debit arrangements. If any single figure above is to be displayed in your database, use the EUR currency prefix (for example: EUR 5,610.00).	Fee details Tuition fees (annual, monthly and termly by sector) - Primary (Nursery – Year 6): EUR 6,366.80 per year. Monthly if paid by instalments: EUR 636.68 (10 monthly instalments, September–June). If paid termly in advance: Term 1 (40%) EUR 2,546.72; Term 2 (30%) EUR 1,910.04; Term 3 (30%) EUR 1,910.04. - Lower Secondary (Year 7 – Year 9): EUR 7,754.90 per year. Monthly (10 instalments): EUR 775.49. Termly (40% / 30% / 30%): Term 1 EUR 3,101.96; Term 2 EUR 2,326.47; Term 3 EUR 2,326.47. - Upper Secondary (Year 10 – Year 11): EUR 7,967.90 per year. Monthly (10 instalments): EUR 796.79. Termly (40% / 30% / 30%): Term 1 EUR 3,187.16; Term 2 EUR 2,390.37; Term 3 EUR 2,390.37. - Sixth Form (Year 12 – Year 13): EUR 8,119.90 per year. Monthly (10 instalments): EUR 811.99. Termly (40% / 30% / 30%): Term 1 EUR 3,247.96; Term 2 EUR 2,435.97; Term 3 EUR 2,435.97. Application / Entrance fees - A non-returnable entrance fee is payable on acceptance of a place as follows: First child (Nursery – Year 9) EUR 2,000; Second child (or first child Year 10–11) EUR 1,000; Each subsequent child (or first child Year 12–13) EUR 500. A deposit equal to 25% of the entrance fee is payable when the Admission Form is presented and will be deducted from the entrance fee payable on acceptance. The entrance fee will not be refunded if the application is voluntarily withdrawn. Bus fees (annual, by route / area) - Tafira area (fee per year, collected by direct debit): - Las Palmas de Gran Canaria: EUR 1,858.00. - Vecindario: EUR 1,869.00. - Sonnenland / Maspalomas / San Fernando / Bellavista / San Agustín: EUR 2,205.00. - Arguineguín / Puerto Rico: EUR 2,820.00. - South fee per year (Direct Debit): Puerto Rico / Arguineguín: EUR 1,120.00. (Parents should expect the school to adjust bus fees or change arrangements depending on numbers using the service.) School lunches - Regular Lunch Service (annual, direct debit): EUR 1,050.00 per year. - Occasional lunch: EUR 6.00 per lunch. - The monthly lunch fee is a fixed monthly charge; unused lunches may only be claimed after at least five consecutive school days of the pupil's absence. Occasional lunches must be paid in advance at the office. Billing schedule and payment terms - Tuition, bus and lunch fees are charged in 10 monthly instalments from September to June and are collected by direct debit during the first ten days of each month. - A 5% surcharge is applied to tuition, bus and lunch fees that are not paid by direct debit. - Parents who do not pay by direct debit may only pay those fees in advance: either termly (1st term 40%, 2nd term 30%, 3rd term 30% — termly payments incur a 5% surcharge) or yearly (full year payable 10 days before the start of the academic year — no 5% surcharge for annual payment). - Returned direct debit payments (two or more returns in the same academic year) trigger a 5% surcharge on all invoices for that school year. - Payments for examination fees or residential trips will not be accepted while tuition fees are outstanding. Other costs and fees (uniforms, examinations, trips, discounts, scholarships) - Uniforms: all listed uniform items are compulsory except those explicitly marked optional; sample prices include: - Cotton T‑shirt (Nursery–Year 6): EUR 17.40. - Technical T‑shirt (Year 7–Year 11): EUR 17.40. - Sports shorts: EUR 17.40. - Tracksuit trousers: EUR 20.00–26.00 depending on size. - Tracksuit jacket: EUR 31.00–33.00 depending on size. - Polo shirt: EUR 22.00–24.00 depending on size. - Lightweight raincoat with fleece lining: EUR 47.00–57.00 depending on size. - Navy skirt / skort / trousers: EUR 28.00–37.00 depending on item and size. - Other items and exact size prices are published in the school uniform price list. - Examination fees: parents are responsible for all international examination fees; such fees will not be processed if tuition fees are outstanding. - School trips: all residential trips are payable by parents; payments for trips will not be accepted while tuition fees are outstanding. - Sibling discounts: a discount of 30% on tuition is applied to the third sibling, 60% to the fourth sibling and 90% to the fifth sibling enrolled. - Sixth Form scholarship: the school offers two 50% tuition scholarships for Sixth Form based on IGCSE/GCSE results; students with outstanding fees at the end of Year 11 are not eligible and the school may withdraw the award if any fees fall into arrears. Unpaid fees, surcharges and withdrawal / refund rules - The school charges a 5% monthly surcharge on all unpaid fees (including tuition, bus and lunch). All costs incurred in collection of unpaid fees are payable by the parents. - The school may withdraw bus and lunch services, exclude a pupil from the school and/or residential trips, and will not permit a pupil to start a new term if fees from the previous term are outstanding (including interest and surcharges). - Withdrawal of a pupil requires written notice one full term in advance; failure to give one full term's written notice will result in fees being charged for a full term. - Parents may claim unused lunches only after at least five consecutive school days of the pupil's absence. - The entrance fee (application deposit) is non‑refundable if the application is voluntarily withdrawn. Fee payment options and collection method - The school's stated collection mechanism for tuition, bus and lunch fees is direct debit (monthly collection during the first ten days of each month for the 10 instalments). - Parents who do not pay by direct debit must pay in advance on a termly or yearly basis as described (termly payments incur a 5% surcharge; annual payment made 10 days prior to the academic year start does not incur the 5% surcharge). Boarding fees - The school's fees schedule does not list boarding fees; there is no boarding provision or boarding fee line item in the published fee schedule for the academic year.
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements The school is a day school; no boarding is provided.	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement Canterbury School requires a uniform for Primary and Secondary (from Year 2 to Year 11). The uniform includes a dark green polo shirt with the crest, a navy blue pullover or cardigan, grey tailored trousers or a tartan skirt, and navy socks or tights with navy blue or black shoes. A P.E. uniform (white T-shirt and green shorts) is worn on PE days, and uniforms can be purchased from the school office or El Corte Inglés; all garments must be labeled with the pupil's name; the dress code requires polo shirts to be tucked in and prohibits extreme hair styles, makeup, and jewellery.	Uniform requirement The school requires a uniform for all pupils. Infants wear a BSGC tracksuit, T‑shirt, white trainers or navy shoes, white socks, a BSGC sweatshirt, and a cap for trips; Juniors and Secondary wear a daily uniform of a BSGC polo, cardigan, navy trousers/shorts/skirts and navy shoes, with a PE kit including a BSGC tracksuit and a white T‑shirt.
Food options	Food options —	Food options The school provides school lunches, with lunch menus published monthly.
House system	House system The House system fosters integration and a sense of the whole school.	House system All pupils are members of a house system and house leaders are elected.
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership Founder and Honorary Principal is Beryl Pritchard. The senior leadership team includes Pamela Ainsworth (Infants), Lindsay Gale (Primary), David O'Kane (Secondary and Bachillerato), and Kirsty Mallinson (Maspalomas).	Governance and ownership The British School of Gran Canaria is run as a not-for-profit organisation. All full-fee-paying parents become members of a parent association and delegate decision-making to the board of governors and the school's director. The board meets monthly with the school's director to review the school's business and finances, replicating a UK-style board.
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) as an IB World School. It provides immersion in English with a strong emphasis on Spanish language, literature and Canarian culture, and the study of a third language from age 11. Cambridge International Examinations are used, with top results in the country. The school has been recognized by El Español among the 100 best schools in Spain, with a mention among the 30 most innovative schools. The programme balances sports with academics, including a renowned basketball programme.	Curriculum details The UK National Curriculum is the foundation of teaching, with minor adjustments to take account of local and national expectations and requirements. The curriculum is delivered in English, meeting UK expectations. In Years 12 and 13, students undertake a two-year course with AS and A2 examinations. The curriculum is divided into sequential stages from ages 3 to 18: Early Years and Foundation Stages (EYFS), Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2, Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5. The British School of Gran Canaria provides education for pupils from 3 to 18.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results Every year students receive prestigious Cambridge International Examinations awards for top results in the country.	Exam results GCSE pass rate for 2023 was 98%; AS 96%; A2 99%. 2022: GCSE 93%, AS 97%, A2 97%. 2021: GCSE 92%, AS 87%, A2 94%. 2020: GCSE 97%, AS 95%, A2 98%. 2019: GCSE 96%, AS 82%, A2 98%. 2018: GCSE 94%, AS 93%, A2 97%.
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Graduates pursue higher education across the globe in diverse fields. The Class of 2024 destinations include universities worldwide.	Higher education progression The vast majority of BSGC students continue to university after finishing Year 13. Approximately 65% select UK universities, 25% Spanish universities, and 10% study in other countries, with increasing numbers pursuing study in the USA. Where our students study includes universities such as Imperial College London, King's College London, University of Edinburgh, University of Bristol, University of Oxford, University of Warwick, University of Leeds, Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, and many more.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented —	Gifted and talented —
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning The school provides an atmosphere that fosters mutual respect and understanding for all, irrespective of race, religion, sex or ability, and encourages students to think constructively about social and personal issues, guided by ethical considerations.	Social & emotional learning Promotes mental wellbeing and social-emotional development through the PSHE curriculum, resilience-focused assemblies, and anti-bullying education. A pastoral team provides emotional support with form tutors and Heads of Key Stage delivering regular wellbeing check-ins and interventions. Pupils have access to counselling or external referrals where appropriate, and wellbeing and inclusion plans monitor progress. The school recognises that wellbeing underpins learning and encourages open discussion of mental health to reduce stigma. Inclusion and SEND wellbeing support ensures pupils with SEND or additional needs receive emotional and social support, with collaboration with external specialists when needed. The school provides safe spaces and trusted adults for pupils to approach with concerns.
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) Learning Support (LS) covers Additional Learning Needs (ALN), Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), English as an Added Language (EAL), and Spanish as an Additional Language (SAL). Pupils on the Learning Support Register are identified through assessment and monitored with Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and targeted interventions; ALN usually has in-class support in Primary and cross-subject monitoring in Secondary. If progress remains limited, external specialists may be engaged, and a student may be upgraded to SEND. Interventions for EAL include immersion in Primary, group classroom support, and 1:1 sessions in Secondary, with the option to reduce the curriculum to develop English skills. SAL interventions involve collaboration with the Spanish department; parents are kept informed and LS staff work with teachers to support the student's needs.
English as an additional language	English as an additional language The school offers immersion in English and places a strong emphasis on learning Spanish language and literature and on Canarian culture, with a third language studied from age 11.	English as an additional language EAL is recognised as part of Learning Support. EAL needs are catered for individually, with immersion-led support in Primary and 1:1 sessions in Secondary to develop reading, writing and grammar. A reduced curriculum option may be agreed to give time to focus on English development.
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing The aims include promoting the well-being of all members of the school community and developing a sense of global citizenship and social responsibility.	Mental wellbeing BSGC promotes mental wellbeing through the PSHE curriculum, assemblies focused on resilience and healthy living, anti-bullying education, and peer support opportunities. Safe spaces and trusted adults are available for pupils, and open discussion of mental health is encouraged to reduce stigma. Where appropriate, counselling or external referrals are provided, with emphasis on early intervention.
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding Safeguarding and Child Protection is a policy of highest priority, led by Designated Safeguarding Leads with trained safeguarding staff. Staff receive regular safeguarding and online safety training, and there are clear procedures for referrals, monitoring, and records (Appendices 6–10). The policy sets out responsibilities for all staff and Governors, and a robust system for reporting concerns and protecting pupils from abuse or neglect. It also covers online safety, safeguarding in the curriculum, and responses to allegations against staff or pupils, with international and local legal alignment. The policy addresses extremist content, AI-generated materials, and working with authorities and external agencies when required.
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview The school has three locations: the main campus in San Lorenzo, the Milton House building in the centre of Ciudad Jardín for Infant education, and an Infant and Primary school in Maspalomas. The San Lorenzo campus extends more than 60,000m² and houses the Primary, Secondary and VI Form departments, as well as support facilities such as the theatre and the sports hall. Milton House provides Infant education. Maspalomas hosts Infants and Primary, serving families in the south of the island.	Facilities overview The British School of Gran Canaria operates on two campuses: Tafira near Las Palmas and the South School near Maspalomas. The facilities are modern and purpose-built and were renovated in 2015 to support teaching and learning methods and to reinforce a family atmosphere. The Tafira campus houses Infants, Juniors and Secondary, together with administration and catering; the South School houses one Primary sector for ages 2–11 with ten large classrooms and several smaller learning spaces. The South School provides a dining room and a kitchen, while both campuses include two small library areas (one for Juniors and one for Infants) and classrooms equipped with interactive whiteboards. The Ágora at Tafira is the central hub for drama and movement, exhibitions, workshops, displays, clubs, meetings and assemblies, and outdoor spaces support physical education with a small synthetic 5-a-side pitch, a volleyball court and hard-surface areas for basketball and football; off-site facilities are used to enhance sport.
Sports facilities	Sports facilities The San Lorenzo campus includes a sports hall. Maspalomas has a large sports area. Maspalomas also features a Splash Park, a water play area. Maspalomas has an extensive outdoor environment for physical activity.	Sports facilities The Tafira campus features a large sports hall with a stage for dramatic productions and a dining room serving all students. Outdoor facilities at Tafira include a small synthetic 5-a-side football pitch, a volleyball court and a hard-surface area for outdoor basketball and football. The South School has large front and rear play and recreation spaces used for sports and physical education lessons. Local off-site facilities are used to support and enhance the school's sports provision.
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities Classrooms at the South School are large, well resourced and every classroom is equipped with an interactive whiteboard. The Tafira campus is organized into Infants, Juniors and Secondary areas with common spaces and catering facilities to support learning across all stages. The Ágora is at the centre of the Tafira site and is used for drama and movement, exhibitions, workshops, displays, clubs, meetings and assemblies. The South School provides two small library areas, one for Juniors and one for Infants, to support reading and research.
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities Basketball Club offers a sporting/academic project. The basketball programme allows students to combine their studies with high-level sport, with university scholarships earned by several students. Basketball Camps run in summer, Christmas and Easter.	Extra curricular facilities The Ágora is used for drama and movement, exhibitions, workshops, displays, clubs, meetings and assemblies, enabling a broad range of extracurricular activities.
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History Founded in 1972 by Beryl Pritchard, Canterbury School began as a small kindergarten with seventeen pupils in a chalet in Ciudad Jardin. It has grown into a multi-campus British international school in the Canary Islands, educating more than a thousand pupils with about eighty qualified teachers. The campuses include Milton House (Infants) in Las Palmas, San Lorenzo (Primary/Secondary/VI Form) in Las Palmas, and Maspalomas (Infants/Primary) on Gran Canaria.	History The British School of Gran Canaria was established in 1966 by British expatriates for their children. The school operates on two campuses on the island: the Tafira site near Las Palmas and the South School in Maspalomas. The Tafira site houses the secondary department and the primary/early years, and about 75% of the pupil roll; the South School serves younger pupils up to age 11 and was constructed in 1997. The Tafira site was renovated and expanded in 2014. The school is governed as a not-for-profit trust with a parent membership, and a Board of Governors mirrors a UK school structure, overseeing the Head and Senior Management; the Association holds the assets and finances and approves the annual budget and audited accounts.
Community	Community The school's vision is to create a unified learning community that inspires a can-do culture, challenge, and care. The mission is to provide education through a stimulating 21st-century curriculum that promotes progress and equal opportunity. The school emphasizes developing the whole child, nurturing emotional and physical well-being, and celebrating individual talents in a secure, caring environment. It operates in a bilingual working environment and aims for pupils to become global citizens. The school's values are Responsibility, Friendship, Respect, and Unity.	Community The school promotes a strong sense of community through charitable activities and fundraising for local needs, including food donations after events and support for the local hospital. Pupils participate in community and service activities such as a Year 3 beach clean-up and recycling initiatives, and the school displays artwork and information reflecting the diversity of humanity. The school also marks cultural days and events, including International Day and aspects of both Spanish and British culture.
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association The Association of the British School of Gran Canaria is a not-for-profit trust whose membership is composed of parents of current pupils. It holds the assets and property of the school and controls finances; any financial surplus is reinvested in the school. The Association membership meets twice a year to approve the annual budget and the audited accounts (AGM in December and EGM in June). The Board of Governors are elected or co-opted representatives of the Association, responsible for overseeing the Head and Senior Management Team, and assisting with decisions on school development, finances, safety and pupil welfare. Board meetings occur monthly to monitor accounts, student numbers, and other issues affecting the school.
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual The school offers Cambridge International Examinations (IGCSE and A Levels). The Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards recognize top performances, with Top in Spain recognitions in subjects including Psychology, English Language, Business, Biology, Geography and Mathematics across multiple years. These awards demonstrate the school's strong Cambridge examination track record.	Academic & intellectual Enrichment Opportunities extend and enhance the curriculum through regular visits and trips, and a lunchtime and after-school programme. In-school opportunities take place at lunchtimes and afterschool and include academic courses, skills-based courses, creative courses, working within the community and sports activities. Each term a schedule is developed to reflect the needs, desires and important foci of the school, with the students selecting those activities that interest them and to which they wish to commit. The programme aims to cultivate problem solving, creative thinking, initiative, self-direction, resilience, higher-order thinking, self-acceptance, and the courage to make a difference.
Arts & creative	Arts & creative Arts & Music are integrated into the curriculum to inspire creativity. Arts & Music education aims to inspire and challenge students, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to create works of art through drawing, painting and sculpture and to develop a love of music and talent as musicians. The program emphasizes understanding great artists and musicians and the historical and cultural development of their work.	Arts & creative The Enrichment Programme includes creative courses offered during lunchtimes and after-school. These activities extend the curriculum and help students develop creativity and artistic skills. Regular enrichment activities provide opportunities to explore the arts and express creative ideas.
Cultural & language	Cultural & language English immersion is the learning framework. The program places a strong emphasis on the Spanish language, literature and Canarian culture. Students begin studying a third language from age 11.	Cultural & language Regular visits to local museums, theatres and sites of historic, geographic or literary importance are features of the enrichment calendar. In addition to on-site activities, residential and travel experiences broaden cultural and geographic understanding. These opportunities support learning beyond the classroom and encourage engagement with wider cultural contexts.
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies Basketball Club is a sporting/academic project that allows students to combine studies with high-level sport, with several university scholarships awarded. Basketball Camp is offered in summer, Christmas and Easter under the direction of coach Santi Lopez. Astropi Computing Club is available for advanced computing.	Social & hobbies In-school opportunities include sport activities during lunchtimes and after-school, encouraging teamwork and physical engagement. The programme supports students in pursuing personal interests and social involvement through a range of activities. Community-based engagement and collaborative projects also form part of the enrichment experience.
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service A key feature of the enrichment programme is a commitment to service and helping others. There are numerous opportunities for students to contribute to the school and local community, including campaigns to collect and donate goods throughout the year. These activities foster social responsibility and community-minded practice.
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional The secondary Student Voice empowers students to bring about positive change by equipping them with skills and knowledge and providing guidance to work in collaborative teams for successful outcomes. The group has led campaigns and developments within the school, giving students practical leadership and project-management experiences. Students learn through real-world leadership opportunities that have lasting impact.
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing The school emphasizes emotional and physical well-being. The Maspalomas campus has an extensive outdoor environment, a large sports area and a Splash Park to support physical activity and safe exploration. Emotional, social and personal development are part of the daily learner experience. Physical Education helps students lead healthy and active lives.	Lifestyle & wellbeing Sports activities are part of the in-school enrichment opportunities, offered at lunchtimes and after school. These activities promote physical well-being and active lifestyles. Through teamwork and active participation, students develop resilience and a balanced approach to daily life.
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision The school uses English and Spanish as working languages. Students experience English immersion and study Spanish language and literature as well as Canarian culture. A third language is introduced at age 11.	Language provision English is the vehicular language for instruction, aligned with levels taught in England and Wales and leading to external examinations. In Key Stage 4 (Years 10–11) the school offers French and German. Spanish language and literature (Lengua Castellana y Literatura) is taught in KS4. The school provides education for pupils from 3 to 18 under the UK Curriculum, and Cambridge IGCSE English Language (0990) is studied over two years.
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching The school teaches in English and Spanish, with English immersion. There is a strong emphasis on Spanish language, literature and Canarian culture. A third language is studied from age 11.	Bilingual teaching English is the medium of instruction across the curriculum. The vast majority of teaching and learning takes place through English. Non-native English-speaking families receive structured support to help students become fluent in English. Most teachers are native English speakers recruited from the UK.
Immersion programs	Immersion programs English immersion is provided. Spanish language and literature and Canarian culture are emphasized within the program. A third language is studied from age 11.	Immersion programs Youngest students are fully immersed in an English-speaking environment. English permeates all subject areas, and daily school life emphasizes correct use of English. Regular UK trips and participation in international competitions extend English development beyond the classroom.
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards Outstanding Cambridge Learner Awards include Top in Spain in various subjects (A Level, AS Level, IGCSE) across multiple years (e.g., 2022, 2021, 2019, 2018, etc.).	Awards The page notes recognition for outstanding achievements with top results in IGCSE and A Level, including international and local recognitions.
Accreditations	Accreditations IB Diploma Programme (DP) authorized as an IB World School; Cambridge Outstanding Learner Awards (multiple years)	Accreditations The school has independent inspections by ISI (Independent School Inspectorate) and is a prerequisite for COBIS membership; COBIS is the Council of British International Schools. The ISI documents are downloadable, including the 2023 BSO report.
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. VISIT US The school accepts students from any area of residence and with different skills and talents; it is not a selective school. Your child can join the school at any time during the school year and in any age group, as long as there is a place available. Our highly experienced Admissions team will guide you through the entire process. Arrange a guided tour of the school with the Admissions team to meet staff, see the school in action, and experience the international atmosphere. 2. APPLY FOR PLACEMENT From Year 2 to Year 13, academic reports will be requested and a meeting will be scheduled between the student and the department head. If there are no places available in the requested course, the school will include your child on the waiting list and contact you as soon as a place becomes available. 3. FILL OUT ADMISSIONS DOCUMENTATION If the outcome of the visit is positive and places are available, you will be asked to complete the necessary Admissions Documentation to secure your child's place.	Admissions 1. Prospective parents are invited to arrange visits to The British School of Gran Canaria and meet with key staff. 2. These visits provide first-hand information about daily life, programmes, and expectations. 3. We organise school visits and meetings to ensure prospective families are fully informed. 4. The aim is to help families understand how the school operates and what it offers. 1. An academic evaluation may be conducted based on the student's age. 2. This evaluation might include an English Entrance Test and a maths assessment, along with other subject exams for older students. 3. The evaluation helps determine readiness and appropriate placement. 4. For students who have previously attended other schools, current and recent school reports should accompany the application.
Scholarships	Scholarships —	Scholarships —
Waitlist	Waitlist If there are no places available in the requested course, your child will be placed on the waiting list. You will be contacted as soon as a place becomes available.	Waitlist —
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