Event Tents & Shelters for Schools

Schools often find themselves short of space. Whether it’s keeping sports day on track despite the rain, creating shade during summer fairs, or giving pupils somewhere dry to queue for lunch, a reliable shelter can make all the difference. That’s where gazebos, marquees and event tents come in — safe, practical, and quick to deploy.

Why schools use tents and shelters

Outdoor structures give schools flexibility without major building costs. They can be used for:

Lessons outdoors — extending the classroom when the weather allows.

Sports days and tournaments — cover for staff, equipment, or first aid.

Dining overflow and queuing — keeping children sheltered during busy lunch hours.

Concerts, open evenings, fairs and fundraisers — professional-looking spaces that parents, pupils, and visitors can enjoy.

The key is safety and reliability. For schools, that means fire-rated covers, guidance on anchoring, and confidence that spare parts are available to extend the life of your investment.

Gazebos vs Marquees in a school setting

Gazebos for schools: quick to set up, ideal for events where staff or volunteers need cover in minutes.

Marquees for schools: more substantial, providing larger sheltered areas for dining, exams, or long-term activities.

Inflatable shelters for schools: fast to deploy, eye-catching, and perfect for sports presentations, open days, and pop-up activity hubs.

All of our shelters can be adapted with sidewalls, lighting, heating, and gazebos or inflatable shelters also offer unlimited branding, in school colours or logos.

Advice when choosing

Look at size vs use: 3m × 3m works well for stalls and small groups; larger footprints like 3m × 6m or 4m × 6m suit dining or activity cover.

Consider storage and portability: gazebos fold down compactly, while marquees need more storage but deliver more space.

Plan for anchoring: playground surfaces, sports fields, and tarmac each need the right weights or tie-downs.

Think about future use: a gazebo might start as sports-day HQ but can easily become PTA stall cover or open evening shelter.

Why Gala Tent

We’ve been supplying schools, councils and community groups for over two decades. That means:

Proven safety: fire-rated PVC covers and tested anchoring methods.

Built to last: aluminium frames, heavy-duty joints, and waterproof fabrics that handle repeated use.

Support on hand: spares and accessories available for at least ten years, so your kit won’t be obsolete next term.

Choice at scale: from compact gazebos to modular marquees and inflatable event shelters.

Guidance included: straightforward advice from a team who’ve worked with hundreds of schools before.

FAQs

What sizes are most popular with schools?
3m × 3m gazebos for stalls and first aid; 3m × 6m gazebos or 6m x 12m marquees for dining and larger groups.

Are the covers fire-rated?
Yes. Our PVC marquees meet UK fire safety standards, and our gazebos use fully waterproof, UV-protected canopies that are equally fire-retardent.

How many people are needed to set them up?
Two adults can manage a gazebo in minutes. Marquees require more time but come with straightforward instructions.

Can they be branded in school colours?
Yes. Schools can choose from full-colour printing or removable banner wraps that can be changed for different events.

How long can a structure be left standing?
Gazebos are best suited to short-term use, but with correct anchoring can handle repeated events. Marquees can be left standing longer as semi-permanent solutions.