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Pearson College UWC

Canada, Victoria

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees CA$79,250 - 80,500
Ages 16 - 19 years
Pupil numbers 200
Type Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 1974
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP)
Taught languages English, French, Spanish
Typical class size 13
Strengths Service and Sustainability, Outdoor Education, Academic Enrichment
Clubs Community and Service, Arts and Creative, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Sixth Form
Introduction

Pearson College UWC is one of eighteen United World Colleges worldwide, located on the shores of Pedder Bay on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Founded in 1974, the two-year pre-university boarding college serves approximately 200 students aged 16 to 19 from around 90 countries. Students pursue either the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme or the Climate Action Leadership Diploma (CALD), an innovative IB Career-related Programme. The campus sits on the traditional territory of the Sc'ianew (Beecher Bay) First Nation and features purpose-built facilities including a marine sciences building, observatory, theatre, and ten residential houses. With an average class size of 13, the college combines rigorous academics with experiential learning, community service, and outdoor education.

650 Pearson College Dr, Victoria, BC V9C 3Z2, Canada

The Essentials

Pearson College UWC has 200 pupils, typical class sizes of 13, instruction in English.

Location
650 Pearson College Drive, Victoria, British Columbia, V9C 4H7, Canada

Stages
Two-year pre-university programme (ages 16 to 19, equivalent to Grade 12 and Gap Year)

Type
Independent co-educational boarding college (United World College)

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
Individualised support through small class sizes and access to clinical counsellors

Country affiliation
Canada (United World Colleges international movement)

Religious affiliation
Non-denominational. A Spiritual Centre is available on campus for students of all faiths.

School day structure
Full boarding programme with a structured daily schedule including academics, experiential learning, community service, and activities

Bus service
No bus service. All students are full-time boarders on the waterfront campus.
Diving Deeper

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
No formal uniform is required

Food Options
Meals are provided on campus. Residential houses have been renovated with kitchens for students.

House System
Students are organised into ten residential houses, each fostering a close-knit community

Governance and Ownership
Governed by a Board of Directors as part of the United World Colleges international movement. Non-profit organisation.
Fees

Annual tuition at Pearson College UWC ranges from CAD 79,250 to CAD 80,500 for 2026/27.

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.
Academics

Pearson College UWC teaches IB (DP) for students aged 16 to 19.

Curriculum
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
Average class size of 13 students, providing close interaction between faculty and students

Exam Results
Students sit the IB Diploma examinations. Contact the college for specific results and averages.

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
The IB Diploma and CALD programmes provide rigorous academic challenge. Higher Level IB subjects are available for students seeking depth in specific areas.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The UWC model prioritises personal growth, intercultural understanding, and community living as central to the educational experience

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Contact the college for information on specific learning support provisions

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Support is available for students from non-English-speaking backgrounds, though a strong level of English is required for admission

Mental Wellbeing
On-campus medical centre staffed by two full-time nurses, a nurse practitioner, and clinical counsellors providing comprehensive mental health support

Safeguarding
Comprehensive safeguarding policies with residential staff in each house and 24-hour support on campus
Parent Experience

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
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 (PTA)
The global UWC alumni network connects families and graduates across the world. National committees serve as a bridge between the college and families.
Facilities

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
Gymnasium, basketball courts, waterfront access for kayaking and swimming, and extensive outdoor spaces for hiking and adventure activities

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
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
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Model UN, TED talks, robotics, and interdisciplinary seminars

Arts & Creative
Theatre productions, music ensembles, photography, pottery, and visual arts in a dedicated art centre

Cultural & Language
Students from approximately 90 countries share cultures through events, performances, and daily community life

Social & Hobbies
Kayaking, scuba diving, swimming, yoga, hiking, and residential house activities

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
The Climate Action Leadership Diploma develops leadership skills in sustainability. Student governance and residential house leadership roles are available.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Outdoor education, yoga, swimming, and wellness programmes supported by an on-campus medical centre with clinical counsellors
Languages

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
All instruction is delivered in English. Language studies are available within the IB Diploma framework.

Immersion Programs
The fully boarding, internationally diverse environment provides natural immersion in English and exposure to dozens of other languages.
Reputation

Awards
Pioneered the Climate Action Leadership Diploma (CALD), an innovative IB Career-related Programme. One of eighteen UWC schools worldwide.

Accreditations
IB World School authorised for the Diploma Programme. Member of the United World Colleges (UWC) international movement. Recognised by universities worldwide.
Admissions

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
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
Due to the competitive nature of UWC admissions, waitlist information is managed through national committees
School Events
The school has not added events
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