doris
doris
Find Schools
Events
Saved schools
My account
Parent Guide Parent testimonials Community Transparency Charter About For Schools
Currency
G

Glenlyon Norfolk School

Canada, Victoria

Save school
Share
Navigate

· Reviewed by · Co-founder & CEO

Independently researched by doris.
Not yet claimed by the school
Claim your profile
The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees CA$27,500 - 90,200
Ages 4 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 799
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 1913
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages English, French
Typical class size 17
Strengths Academic Enrichment, Outdoor Education, Performing Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Community and Service, Arts and Creative
Stages Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction

Glenlyon Norfolk School (GNS) is an independent, co-educational day and boarding school in Victoria, British Columbia, offering Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12. As one of only 25 schools in North America to offer all three IB programmes (PYP, MYP, and DP), GNS provides a continuous International Baccalaureate education. Founded in 1913, the school operates across two campuses and is a member of Round Square.

781 Richmond Ave, Victoria, BC V8S 4A4, Canada

The Essentials

Glenlyon Norfolk School has 799 pupils, typical class sizes of 17, instruction in English.

Location
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).

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).

Type
Independent, co-educational, not-for-profit day and boarding school.

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.

Additional learning support
English Language Acquisition (ELA) program available at an additional cost of $4,500 per year. Individual learning support provided.

Country affiliation
Canada. Authorized IB World School. Member of Round Square.

Religious affiliation
None.

School day structure
Full school day with academic instruction, co-curricular activities in arts, athletics, and service.

Bus service
School bus service is available.
Diving Deeper

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.

Food Options
Family Boarding students can receive dietary accommodation at $150 per month. Gryphon Boarding includes meals.

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.
Fees

Annual tuition at Glenlyon Norfolk School ranges from CAD 27,500 to CAD 90,200 for 2026/27.

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.
Academics

Glenlyon Norfolk School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 4 to 18.

Curriculum
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.

Student Teacher Ratio
Average class size of 16-18 students.

Exam Results
Grade 12 IB exam registration costs approximately $1,200, billed directly to families in November.

Higher Education Progression
Dedicated university preparation program with guidance counselling to support students in their post-secondary applications.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school emphasizes nurturing empathy, discovering passions, and fostering enduring friendships. Core values: Truth, Courage, Caring, Individuality, Community.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English Language Acquisition (ELA) program available for $4,500 per year, supporting students who need additional English language development.
Parent Experience

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.

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.
Facilities

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.

Sports Facilities
Athletic facilities for soccer, basketball, field hockey, rowing, volleyball, badminton, and ultimate frisbee. Physical education and conditioning facilities available.

Academic Facilities
Science laboratories, library, collaborative learning spaces, and technology resources across both campuses.

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 Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Debate and public speaking with a strong tradition of reaching world finals. IB Extended Essay research projects and Theory of Knowledge.

Arts & Creative
Music, drama, and visual arts programs from JK through Grade 12.

Cultural & Language
French language instruction. Round Square membership connects students with an international network of schools for cultural exchange.

Social & Hobbies
Nature School program and various student-led clubs and interest groups.

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.

Leadership & Professional
Round Square membership provides leadership and conference opportunities. Student leadership roles available across divisions.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Outdoor education programs, Nature School, athletic programs emphasizing participation and sportsmanship. GNS Camps offered during school breaks.
Languages

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.

Bilingual Teaching
English is the primary language of instruction. French is taught as an additional language.
Reputation

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.
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.

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.
School Events
The school has not added events
Compare Glenlyon Norfolk School with
vs Brookes Westshore vs Pearson College UWC
Search for more schools
Search schools in Canada View all schools in Victoria View all schools in Canada IB curriculum schools in Canada Open days & tours in Victoria What is the IB curriculum? View all schools Search all schools