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The British School of Gran Canaria - Tafira Campus

Spain, Las Palmas

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees €6,367 - 8,120
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 661
Type Co-educational
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Taught languages Spanish
Typical class size 25
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Visual and Creative Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School, Sixth Form
Introduction

The British School of Gran Canaria (Tafira Campus) provides education for day students aged 3 to 18. The school follows the British Curriculum, starting with the Early Years Foundation Stage and progressing to Cambridge IGCSE and A Levels. All core lessons are taught in English, while Spanish is also integrated as a subject. Physical facilities at the Tafira campus include dedicated primary and secondary patios, multi-sports pitches, an indoor sports hall, an art room, and specific study booths for older students. A central feature of the school is its Student Voice initiative, an active program where secondary students design and lead projects to improve campus life and assist local charities. Additionally, the school provides an Enrichment Programme containing over 30 extracurricular activities, ranging from Artificial Intelligence and Model United Nations to a structured Dance Academy and progressive residential trips that build student independence outside regular classroom hours.

Tafira a Marzagán, s/n, 35017 El Sabinal, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, Spain

The Essentials

The British School of Gran Canaria - Tafira Campus has 661 pupils, typical class sizes of 25, instruction in English.

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
Infants (3-6), Juniors (7-11), Secondary (12-16), Sixth Form (17-18)

Type
Private non-profit making, non-denominational school following the UK Curriculum

Country affiliation
United Kingdom; The British School of Gran Canaria is the Only British School Overseas (BSO) accredited in Gran Canaria

Religious affiliation
Non-denominational

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
Bus routes operate for Tafira and South campuses with Morning and Afternoon lines; after-clubs transport is available on both routes.
Diving Deeper

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
The school provides school lunches, with lunch menus published monthly.

House System
All pupils are members of a house system and house leaders are elected.

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.
Fees

Annual tuition at The British School of Gran Canaria - Tafira Campus ranges from EUR 6,367 to EUR 8,120 for 2026/27.

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.
Academics

The British School of Gran Canaria - Tafira Campus teaches British Curriculum, EYFS (Early years foundation stage), Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
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.

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
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.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
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)
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 (EAL)
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
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 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.
Parent Experience

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
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 (PTA)
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.
Facilities

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
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
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
The Ágora is used for drama and movement, exhibitions, workshops, displays, clubs, meetings and assemblies, enabling a broad range of extracurricular activities.
Extra-Curricular Activities

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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Languages

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
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
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

Awards
The page notes recognition for outstanding achievements with top results in IGCSE and A Level, including international and local recognitions.

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
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.
School Events
The school has not added events
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