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Private school

Brookes Westshore

Victoria, British Columbia

Brookes Westshore is an IB World School of about 300 students in Colwood, on Vancouver Island. It offers the IB Middle Years Programme, the IB Diploma Programme and the BC Dogwood diploma. About half of its students are boarders.

Need

Why Brookes Westshore?

Families who want an IB education on a campus between ocean and forest, in one of Canada's mildest climates, often look to Vancouver Island. The school is the Canadian boarding school of Brookes Education Group, an international network of IB schools.

  • IB continuity: Students coming from IB or similar programmes in their home country who want to continue on the same path look at this school.
  • Safe setting in nature: It suits families seeking calm island living rather than a big city.
  • Full boarding services: It appeals to families who want health care, guidance and daily needs handled by the school.
Reasons

Reasons: features that set Brookes Westshore apart

According to the school's official website, the reasons for this choice are:

  • IB MYP and DP: Offering both the Middle Years and Diploma Programmes keeps students in one educational philosophy from middle school through the final year of high school.
  • BC Dogwood alongside: Students also earn British Columbia's Dogwood diploma, securing the provincial credential alongside the IB.
  • Balanced student body: There are roughly 150 day students and 150 boarders, representing 21 countries, so international students mix with Canadian peers in the same classes.
  • Residential staff: Dorm parents live alongside students and there is a director of residence, so students have adult supervision in the evenings and at weekends.
  • Health and academic support: On-campus nursing and counselling, plus after-school academic help, mean problems are spotted early.
  • Daily services: Meals, laundry and room cleaning are provided, so students can focus their time on classes and activities.
  • Weekend activities: Surfing, ski trips, ice skating and Vancouver excursions give students a chance to explore the region under school supervision.
Cost

Cost analysis: what one school year costs

The international boarding fee for 2027-28 is CAD 66,365 for Grades 8-10 and CAD 69,745 for Grades 11-12.

ItemCADWhen
International boarding, Grades 8-1066,365listed with the annual fees
International boarding, Grades 11-1269,745listed with the annual fees
Headline annual fee with boarding66,3652027-28

The headline fee works out to about CAD 6,636 per school month over a 10-month year, accommodation and meals included. Flights, pocket money, the study permit fee and biometrics are not included.

boarding_total shown is the Grades 8-10 figure; the page gives no breakdown of what the fee covers; uniforms and other extras are separate; confirm 2027-28 figures with the school

Fees were compiled in October 2026 and change every school year; confirm the amount with the school before applying.

How this fee compares

At CAD 66,365, this fee is CAD 14,015 above the median of CAD 52,350 among 12 private schools with boarding included.

Result

Outcome: what it means for the student and family

This setup leads to the following outcomes:

  • Globally recognized diploma: The IB Diploma opens the way to applications to universities outside Canada as well.
  • University advantage: The school says well-planned IB courses can earn university credit.
  • Peace of mind for parents: Health, guidance and supervision are gathered on one campus.
  • Independence: Boarding life builds responsibility and self-discipline.

Who it suits and what to consider

  • Who it suits: Students ready for the demanding IB workload, who enjoy research and writing and can adjust to boarding life.
  • Cost: The published international boarding fees are for 2027–28 and sit in the upper budget band. Uniforms and other extras are charged separately. Confirm current fees with the school before applying.
  • Location: The school is on Vancouver Island. Travel to Vancouver is by ferry or plane. IRCC makes the study permit decision. Students under 17 need a custodian.

Practical notes

The school publishes international boarding fees separately for Grades 8–10 and Grades 11–12, with a full breakdown in its fee document. Applications are submitted through an online portal. High school study is exempt from the Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL). The school year runs from September to June. For families who may return to their home country, recognition is handled by that country's education authority, and keeping complete IB and Dogwood records makes the process easier.

Let us plan together whether the IB route suits your child and map out the application timeline. Contact Canadian Edu Centre for a free preliminary consultation.

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