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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.
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.
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.
FAQs
What age range does The British School of Gran Canaria serve?
The school serves students aged 3 to 18 across two campuses: Tafira near Las Palmas and the South School at Maspalomas. It is a not-for-profit school.
What curriculum does the school follow?
The UK National Curriculum with Cambridge IGCSE and Cambridge A Levels. The school is the only BSO-accredited institution in Gran Canaria.
What are the exam results?
GCSE 2023: 98% pass rate. AS 96%. A2 99%. Consistently strong results over multiple years with international and local recognition for top performance.
Where do graduates go to university?
65% to UK universities, 25% to Spanish universities, 10% to other countries including the USA. Destinations include Imperial College London and other leading institutions.
How much are the fees?
Primary EUR 6,367 per year. Lower Secondary EUR 7,755. Upper Secondary EUR 7,990. Sixth Form EUR 8,120. Payable in 10 monthly instalments or termly.
Does the school have learning support?
Yes. ALN, SEND, EAL and SAL are all covered. IEPs guide targeted interventions. External specialists are engaged when needed. EAL includes 1:1 sessions in Secondary.
What is the house system?
All pupils are members of a house system with elected house leaders. Houses compete in sporting, creative and community activities throughout the year.
Is the school not-for-profit?
Yes. All full-fee-paying parents become members of a parent association that delegates decision-making to the board of governors and school management.
What languages are taught?
English is the vehicular language. French and German in Key Stage 4. Spanish language and literature taught in KS4. Bilingual environment across all stages.
Are there enrichment activities?
Yes. Lunchtime and after-school programmes include academic, skills-based, creative, community and sporting courses. Regular trips and excursions extend the curriculum.
What safeguarding measures are in place?
Designated Safeguarding Leads with trained staff. Regular safeguarding and online safety training. Clear procedures for referrals, monitoring and records.
When was the school established?
Established in 1966 by British expatriates. Now operates two campuses and serves 661 students from diverse backgrounds.
