Why Queen Margaret's School?
Families whose child rides, or is seriously interested in riding, and who want to continue it on the same campus as high school, look at QMS. The school offers a calm, family-style boarding environment in a small town.
- Students interested in riding: Young people who can walk to the stables after class without leaving town.
- Those seeking a small residence: Families who want a boarding house where closer relationships form, rather than a large boarding school.
- Those seeking a more accessible budget: Families considering a CAIS school with lower fees than the large boarding schools in British Columbia.
Reasons: the features that make QMS fit this search
- On-campus riding: The equestrian centre is on school grounds. The Equestrian Marquee Program is offered to Grades 4-12 at recreational and competitive levels. Students can fit sport and classes into the same day.
- Established history: Founded in 1921, the school has more than a century of boarding tradition.
- Residence arrangements: Most rooms house 2-3 students. Grade 12 students have single rooms. Alongside full-time boarding there is a five-day boarding option for families living in the region.
- Health team: A dedicated Health Services team is on campus, so health care is monitored within the school.
- Walking distance to town: Duncan's restaurants, theatre, sports and health facilities are within walking distance.
- Broad program: Alongside academic courses, the school offers arts, sports and community service programs and university counselling.
- CAIS accreditation: The school is among the independent schools reviewed against 12 national standards. This provides external assurance on governance and student safety.
Cost analysis: what one school year costs
International boarding for Grades 8-12 is CAD 85,480 per year for 2026-27.
| Item | CAD | When |
|---|---|---|
| International boarding, Grades 8-12 (annual) | 85,480 | listed with the annual fees |
| New enrolment fee | 3,000 | one-time |
| Enrolment deposit (paid upfront; page does not say whether refundable or credited to tuition) | 45,000 | one-time |
| Headline annual fee with boarding | 85,480 | 2026-27 |
| One-time fees in the first year | 48,000 | added to the first year only |
The headline fee works out to about CAD 8,548 per school month over a 10-month year, accommodation and meals included. Flights, pocket money, the study permit fee and biometrics are not included.
Page does not state what the fee covers; equestrian program costs are extra and not quantified; no monthly payment plan for international students.
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 85,480, this fee is CAD 4,170 below the median of CAD 89,650 among 24 CAIS schools with boarding included.
Outcome: what the student gains
- Education alongside a passion: Students can progress to a high school diploma without giving up riding. Students with no riding experience can also start the program at a recreational level.
- Close attention: Thanks to the small community, residence staff and teachers know each student well. Each residence hallway has its own identity and shared routines.
- Calm adjustment: The small-town setting offers a gentle transition for a young person going abroad for the first time.
- Everyday English: Because school and residence life are entirely in English, the language settles quickly. Roommates from different countries speed this up.
Who it suits and what to consider
- Cost: The 2026-27 international boarding fee (Grades 8-12) is CAD 85,480. New enrolments pay CAD 3,000, and an enrolment deposit of CAD 45,000 is required upfront. There is no monthly payment plan for international students. Confirm current fees and the additional cost of the equestrian program with the school before applying.
- Location: Duncan is a small community, and a student who wants big-city bustle may get bored. The school organises evening and weekend activities, but the options are not as wide as in a metropolis. Vancouver Island is rainy in winter.
- Official procedures: Students under 17 arriving without parents need a custodian in Canada and a Study Permit. The visa decision is made by IRCC. The youngest grade accepted for boarding is stated inconsistently on the school's pages, so ask before applying.
Let us assess together whether QMS and its equestrian program suit your child. A free preliminary consultation with Canadian Edu Centre can clarify the budget and timeline.