Glenlyon Norfolk School and Pearson College UWC are both in Victoria, about 19 km apart. Both schools follow an IB curriculum. Published annual fees are CA$27,500 - 90,200 at Glenlyon Norfolk School and CA$79,250 - 80,500 at Pearson College UWC, which puts Pearson College UWC roughly 36% higher. Glenlyon Norfolk School takes pupils from 4 to 18, and Pearson College UWC from 16 to 19. Glenlyon Norfolk School is the larger school, with around 799 pupils to Pearson College UWC's 200. Typical class sizes are 17 at Glenlyon Norfolk School and 13 at Pearson College UWC.
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Two campuses: Beach Drive Campus (1701 Beach Drive) for Junior School (JK-Grade 5) and Pemberton Woods Campus (781 Richmond Avenue) for Middle and Senior School (Grades 6-12).
Location
650 Pearson College Drive, Victoria, British Columbia, V9C 4H7, Canada
Stages
Stages
Junior Kindergarten (age 4) through Grade 12 (age 18). Junior School (JK-Grade 5), Middle School (Grades 6-8), Senior School (Grades 9-12).
Stages
Two-year pre-university programme (ages 16 to 19, equivalent to Grade 12 and Gap Year)
School type
School type
Independent, co-educational, not-for-profit day and boarding school.
School type
Independent co-educational boarding college (United World College)
Pupil nationality mix
Pupil nationality mix
Primarily Canadian day students with a smaller cohort of boarding and homestay students from various countries. Approximately 745 day students, 24 boarding students, and 30 homestay students.
Pupil nationality mix
Approximately 200 students from around 90 countries, creating one of the most internationally diverse student bodies of any school in the world
Additional learning support
Additional learning support
English Language Acquisition (ELA) program available at an additional cost of $4,500 per year. Individual learning support provided.
Additional learning support
Individualised support through small class sizes and access to clinical counsellors
Country affiliation
Country affiliation
Canada. Authorized IB World School. Member of Round Square.
Country affiliation
Canada (United World Colleges international movement)
Religious affiliation
Religious affiliation
None.
Religious affiliation
Non-denominational. A Spiritual Centre is available on campus for students of all faiths.
School day structure
School day structure
Full school day with academic instruction, co-curricular activities in arts, athletics, and service.
School day structure
Full boarding programme with a structured daily schedule including academics, experiential learning, community service, and activities
Bus service details
Bus service details
School bus service is available.
Bus service details
No bus service. All students are full-time boarders on the waterfront campus.
Fees
Fees
Fee details
Fee details
Day tuition for BC residents ranges from $27,500 (JK full day) to $32,850 (Senior School). International day students pay $45,705 to $48,400. Boarding fees range from $52,300 (Family Boarding, BC) to $90,200 (Gryphon Boarding, International). Sibling discounts of 5% (second child) and 10% (third child and beyond) are available.
Fee details
The programme fee for 2026 entry is CAD 79,250 per year, plus a CAD 350 security deposit and CAD 900 medical insurance, totalling approximately CAD 80,500 per year. Significant scholarship and financial aid support is available through UWC national committees.
Diving deeper
Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements
Boarding arrangements
Two boarding options: Family Boarding Homestay (Grades 8-12) where students live with a vetted local family, and Gryphon Boarding (Senior School) which is a residential boarding program on campus. A mandatory HeadStart orientation program ($1,500) is required for all boarding students. A $3,000 contingency deposit is also required.
Boarding arrangements
All students are full boarders. The campus has ten residential houses, recently renovated with kitchens. Students live in shared accommodation, with separate floors by gender and shared common rooms for socialising and studying.
Uniform requirement
Uniform requirement
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Uniform requirement
No formal uniform is required
Food options
Food options
Family Boarding students can receive dietary accommodation at $150 per month. Gryphon Boarding includes meals.
Food options
Meals are provided on campus. Residential houses have been renovated with kitchens for students.
House system
House system
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House system
Students are organised into ten residential houses, each fostering a close-knit community
Governance and ownership
Governance and ownership
Independent, not-for-profit school governed by a school board. Formed in 1986 through the amalgamation of Glenlyon School and Norfolk House, with roots dating back to 1913.
Governance and ownership
Governed by a Board of Directors as part of the United World Colleges international movement. Non-profit organisation.
Academics
Academics
Curriculum details
Curriculum details
GNS is one of only 25 schools in North America to offer the complete IB continuum. Junior School (JK-Grade 5) follows the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), a student-centred, inquiry-based curriculum. Middle School (Grades 6-10) follows the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) emphasizing interdisciplinary connections, critical thinking, and research skills, culminating in a Personal Project in Grade 10. Senior School (Grades 11-12) follows the IB Diploma Programme (DP) with six subject groups, Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and CAS.
Curriculum details
Two educational pathways are available: the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, with subjects across languages, sciences, mathematics, social studies, and the arts; and the Climate Action Leadership Diploma (CALD), an innovative IB Career-related Programme focused on climate leadership and sustainability.
Student teacher ratio
Student teacher ratio
Average class size of 16-18 students.
Student teacher ratio
Average class size of 13 students, providing close interaction between faculty and students
Exam results
Exam results
Grade 12 IB exam registration costs approximately $1,200, billed directly to families in November.
Exam results
Students sit the IB Diploma examinations. Contact the college for specific results and averages.
Higher education progression
Higher education progression
Dedicated university preparation program with guidance counselling to support students in their post-secondary applications.
Higher education progression
Graduates go on to attend leading universities worldwide. The UWC network and IB Diploma are widely recognised by universities globally.
Gifted and talented
Gifted and talented
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Gifted and talented
The IB Diploma and CALD programmes provide rigorous academic challenge. Higher Level IB subjects are available for students seeking depth in specific areas.
Academic calendar
Academic calendar
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Academic calendar
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Wellbeing & support
Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning
Social & emotional learning
The school emphasizes nurturing empathy, discovering passions, and fostering enduring friendships. Core values: Truth, Courage, Caring, Individuality, Community.
Social & emotional learning
The UWC model prioritises personal growth, intercultural understanding, and community living as central to the educational experience
Special educational needs (SEN)
Special educational needs (SEN)
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Special educational needs (SEN)
Contact the college for information on specific learning support provisions
English as an additional language
English as an additional language
English Language Acquisition (ELA) program available for $4,500 per year, supporting students who need additional English language development.
English as an additional language
Support is available for students from non-English-speaking backgrounds, though a strong level of English is required for admission
Mental wellbeing
Mental wellbeing
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Mental wellbeing
On-campus medical centre staffed by two full-time nurses, a nurse practitioner, and clinical counsellors providing comprehensive mental health support
Safeguarding
Safeguarding
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Safeguarding
Comprehensive safeguarding policies with residential staff in each house and 24-hour support on campus
Safeguarding policy
Safeguarding policy
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Safeguarding policy
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Facilities
Facilities
Facilities overview
Facilities overview
Two campuses in Victoria: the Beach Drive Campus in Oak Bay for Junior School and the Pemberton Woods Campus for Middle and Senior School. Facilities include classrooms, laboratories, arts spaces, and athletic facilities. The Pemberton Woods campus is undergoing a renewal project.
Facilities overview
A waterfront campus on the shores of Pedder Bay, Vancouver Island, surrounded by forest and ocean. The campus includes residential houses, academic buildings, and extensive outdoor spaces.
Sports facilities
Sports facilities
Athletic facilities for soccer, basketball, field hockey, rowing, volleyball, badminton, and ultimate frisbee. Physical education and conditioning facilities available.
Sports facilities
Gymnasium, basketball courts, waterfront access for kayaking and swimming, and extensive outdoor spaces for hiking and adventure activities
Academic facilities
Academic facilities
Science laboratories, library, collaborative learning spaces, and technology resources across both campuses.
Academic facilities
Marine sciences building, observatory with telescope, theatre and auditorium, art centre, music rooms, dark room, pottery studio, and a medical centre staffed by two full-time nurses, a nurse practitioner, and clinical counsellors
Extra curricular facilities
Extra curricular facilities
Athletics (soccer, basketball, field hockey, rowing, volleyball, badminton, ultimate), arts (music, drama, visual arts), debate and public speaking (GNS speakers have reached world finals regularly), Nature School, outdoor education, and community service programs.
Extra curricular facilities
Basketball, badminton, football, kayaking, scuba diving, swimming, yoga, music, drama, photography, robotics, Model UN, TED talks, beach cleanup, food bank volunteering, and work with refugees and elderly community members
Parent experience
Parent experience
History
History
GNS was formed in 1986 through the amalgamation of Glenlyon School and Norfolk House, with roots dating back to 1913. It has grown into one of the leading IB schools in Western Canada, offering the complete IB continuum across two campuses in Victoria.
History
Pearson College UWC was founded in 1974 as Lester B. Pearson College of the Pacific, named after former Canadian Prime Minister and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Lester B. Pearson. It was one of the earliest United World Colleges and is situated on the traditional territory of the Sc'ianew (Beecher Bay) First Nation.
Community
Community
An active alumni network, parent community, and school store (The Gryphon Door). The school values community engagement and service, with its Round Square membership connecting students globally.
Community
An extraordinarily diverse community of approximately 200 students from around 90 countries, united by the UWC mission of making education a force to unite people, nations, and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.
Parent teacher association
Parent teacher association
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Parent teacher association
The global UWC alumni network connects families and graduates across the world. National committees serve as a bridge between the college and families.
Extra-curricular
Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual
Academic & intellectual
Debate and public speaking with a strong tradition of reaching world finals. IB Extended Essay research projects and Theory of Knowledge.
Academic & intellectual
Model UN, TED talks, robotics, and interdisciplinary seminars
Arts & creative
Arts & creative
Music, drama, and visual arts programs from JK through Grade 12.
Arts & creative
Theatre productions, music ensembles, photography, pottery, and visual arts in a dedicated art centre
Cultural & language
Cultural & language
French language instruction. Round Square membership connects students with an international network of schools for cultural exchange.
Cultural & language
Students from approximately 90 countries share cultures through events, performances, and daily community life
Social & hobbies
Social & hobbies
Nature School program and various student-led clubs and interest groups.
Social & hobbies
Kayaking, scuba diving, swimming, yoga, hiking, and residential house activities
Community & service
Community & service
Service and community engagement is a core component, integrated through CAS in the IB Diploma Programme and service-based learning throughout all grades.
Community & service
Community service is a core pillar of the UWC education. Activities include beach cleanup, food bank volunteering, and working with refugees and elderly community members.
Leadership & professional
Leadership & professional
Round Square membership provides leadership and conference opportunities. Student leadership roles available across divisions.
Leadership & professional
The Climate Action Leadership Diploma develops leadership skills in sustainability. Student governance and residential house leadership roles are available.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Outdoor education programs, Nature School, athletic programs emphasizing participation and sportsmanship. GNS Camps offered during school breaks.
Lifestyle & wellbeing
Outdoor education, yoga, swimming, and wellness programmes supported by an on-campus medical centre with clinical counsellors
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
Language provision
French is offered as a second language. An English Language Acquisition (ELA) program is available for students who need additional English support, at a cost of $4,500 per year.
Language provision
English is the language of instruction. French, Spanish, and other languages are offered as IB subjects. Many students are multilingual, creating a rich linguistic environment.
Bilingual teaching
Bilingual teaching
English is the primary language of instruction. French is taught as an additional language.
Bilingual teaching
All instruction is delivered in English. Language studies are available within the IB Diploma framework.
Immersion programs
Immersion programs
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Immersion programs
The fully boarding, internationally diverse environment provides natural immersion in English and exposure to dozens of other languages.
Reputation
Reputation
Awards
Awards
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Awards
Pioneered the Climate Action Leadership Diploma (CALD), an innovative IB Career-related Programme. One of eighteen UWC schools worldwide.
Accreditations
Accreditations
Authorized IB World School for PYP, MYP, and DP. Member of Round Square. One of only 25 schools in North America to offer all three IB programmes.
Accreditations
IB World School authorised for the Diploma Programme. Member of the United World Colleges (UWC) international movement. Recognised by universities worldwide.
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Admissions
Families can visit the school through open houses, scheduled tours, or virtual sessions. Applications are submitted online. The school evaluates fit through its GNS Fit process. Application fee is $250 (or $300 from September 1, 2026). Registration deposit of $3,000-$3,500 for day students and $15,000 for boarding students.
Admissions
Students apply through their UWC national committee or the Global Selection Programme. Selection is based on merit and potential, not ability to pay. Admission is highly competitive, with students selected from thousands of applicants worldwide.
Scholarships
Scholarships
Community Scholars Program offers merit scholarships of up to $15,000 for exceptional new domestic students entering Grades 6-12. Needs-based financial aid (bursaries) covering up to 40% of tuition is available for Canadian day students.
Scholarships
Financial aid and scholarships are a core part of the UWC model. Many students attend on full or partial scholarships provided through UWC national committees and the college. Selection is need-blind.
Waitlist
Waitlist
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Waitlist
Due to the competitive nature of UWC admissions, waitlist information is managed through national committees
