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Bishop’s College School

Canada, Sherbrooke

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees CA$66,150 - 89,900
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 250
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 1836
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), Canadian Curriculum
Taught languages English, French
Typical class size 15
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, Languages
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Middle School, Senior Secondary School
Introduction

BCS is an inclusive, independent English-language boarding and day school in Sherbrooke, Quebec, serving Grades 7–12 with a university-preparatory focus. It is an IB World School offering the Diploma Programme (IBDP) or IB course certificates for Grades 11–12, with options to earn the Quebec DES/QSSD or the NBSSD on appropriate forms. The 250-acre campus features two academic buildings, modern labs, a central library, the R.D.W. Howson Enrichment Centre, the Hartland Molson Hall Student Centre, and the Frank W. Ross Infirmary. Eight residences, on-campus sports facilities, and proximity to a university pool and golf course support on-site and post-secondary preparation. ESL support is available for Grades 7–10. Founded in 1836 and co-educational since 1972, BCS maintains Round Square, the Kenauk Institute, and Scholar-in-Residence programs, along with a Duke of Edinburgh Award and a Senegal service project that underscore its international ethos. The school offers co-curriculars across arts, sport, and languages worldwide.

80 chemin Moulton Hill, Sherbrooke, QC J1M 1Z8, Canada

The Essentials

Bishop’s College School has 250 pupils, typical class sizes of 15, instruction in English.

Location
Located in Quebec's Eastern Townships, Bishop's College School is a small, safe, welcoming community less than two hours east of Montreal. The 250-acre campus sits a short walk from the Lennoxville borough and a quick drive from downtown Sherbrooke. Lennoxville has restaurants, cafés, and shops to explore, and Bishop's University is right across the river from the campus. The region features hills, lakes, trails, and farmland, with six ski areas within a short drive and cross-country trails on campus.

Stages
Grades 7 to 12.

Type
The school is an inclusive, independent English-language boarding and day school and is co-educational.

Pupil Nationality Mix
Over 250 students from more than 35 countries.

Additional learning support
ESL for grades 7 to 10; full-time academic support on campus.

Country affiliation
Canada
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Boarding and day options are available. There are eight on-campus residences, and 85% of students board.

Uniform Requirement
Uniform is required. Number One Uniform includes a navy crested blazer, white button-down oxford shirt, BCS tie, and either a Black Watch tartan kilt or grey flannel trousers with a black belt; it is completed with black tights or dress socks and black Doc Martens. Number Two Uniform offers alternatives such as white or blue button-down oxford shirts with a BCS tie, crested BCS sweaters, and polo shirts, plus bottom options including beige skirts, grey skorts, kilts, grey flannel trousers, and beige trousers. Dress‑Down Days allow workplace-appropriate smart casual wear that meets the policy.

Food Options
During the week, breakfast, lunch, and supper are served in the Ross Hall Dining Hall, with at least two hot items to choose from, a vegetarian option, soups, and panini and salad bars. On weekends, Ross Hall is open for brunch and dinner; breakfast on weekends can be taken in residence.

House System
There are eight residences on campus forming the house system. Ross House is a day house for all forms. Smith House is a boys' house for Forms IV–VII, and Williams House is a girls' house for Forms II–IV.

Governance and Ownership
The school's management and operations are led by the Head of School and overseen by the Association Board of Directors. The school's endowment funds and assets are held by the Bishop's College School Foundation. Both entities are incorporated and are tax-exempt, registered charitable organizations under the Income Tax Act in Canada.
Fees

Annual tuition at Bishop’s College School ranges from CAD 66,150 to CAD 89,900 for 2026/27.

All amounts are expressed in CAD.

Application and initial enrolment charges
- Application fee: CAD 50 (applies to each application submitted for Canadian and international applicants).
- Admission (enrolment) fee: CAD 200 payable following acceptance of an offer; non-refundable and non-transferable.
- Capital and Infrastructure Investment Fee for new students (one-time, non-refundable):
- Day Students: CAD 750.
- Canadian Boarding Students: CAD 2,500.
- International Day Students / International Boarding Students: CAD 4,500.
- Student Security Deposit (payable on acceptance; refundable subject to conditions):
- Canadian students: CAD 2,000.
- International students: CAD 3,000. Refunded in July/August after application against outstanding accounts, unless forfeited under the refund/cancellation rules.
- Annual Technology fee: CAD 650 (charged in addition to tuition).

Tuition & services — annual totals by student category (tuition & services fees, plus typical new-student add-ons shown separately below)
- Canadian Day students — Tuition & Services: CAD 33,900. Typical additional new-student charges include Capital & Infrastructure Investment Fee (CAD 750), Student Security Deposit (CAD 2,000), Annual Technology Fee (CAD 650) and Admission Fee (CAD 200); an illustrative total cost including those items is CAD 37,500.
- Canadian Boarding students — Tuition & Services: CAD 73,500. Typical additional new-student charges include Capital & Infrastructure Investment Fee (CAD 2,500), Student Security Deposit (CAD 2,000), Annual Technology Fee (CAD 650) and Admission Fee (CAD 200); an illustrative total cost including those items is CAD 78,850. Housing, meals and supervision are included within the Services component of this fee.
- International Day students — Tuition & Services: CAD 66,150. Typical additional new-student charges include Capital & Infrastructure Investment Fee (CAD 4,500), Student Security Deposit (CAD 3,000), Annual Technology Fee (CAD 650) and Admission Fee (CAD 200); an illustrative total cost including those items is CAD 74,500.
- International Boarding students — Tuition & Services: CAD 89,900. Typical additional new-student charges include Capital & Infrastructure Investment Fee (CAD 4,500), Student Security Deposit (CAD 3,000), Annual Technology Fee (CAD 650) and Admission Fee (CAD 200); an illustrative total cost including those items is CAD 98,250. Housing, meals and supervision are included within the Services component of this fee.

Payment schedules and instalment options (billing schedule and payment terms)
- Standard payment dates used for invoicing and instalments include the term/installment due dates shown on the tuition tables (examples of due dates used: Aug 31 / Sept 3, Dec 1, Feb 1, Apr 1). The school issues a complete set of invoices prior to school opening and follow-up statements as reminders. Interest of 1% per month (12% per annum) is charged on overdue balances.
- Available payment plans (examples and typical instalment amounts shown below are part of the formal tuition-fee schedule):
- Early payment (single payment) — pay 100% by the early payment date; a nominal early-payment discount amount is shown in the financial schedule (for example a CAD 350 or CAD 500 reduction is shown in the schedule for certain categories). Example amounts from the formal tuition schedule include: Day student early payment CAD 34,550 (example schedule entry), International day early payment CAD 66,800, Canadian boarder early payment CAD 74,150, International boarder early payment CAD 90,550.
- Standard plan — two instalments (split approximately ~50/50) with instalment due dates shown in the schedule (examples: Day student splits of about CAD 17,600 + CAD 16,950 in the published schedule; Canadian boarding splits of about CAD 37,400 + CAD 36,750; international boarding splits of about CAD 45,600 + CAD 44,950). Exact instalment amounts and due dates are provided on the school's invoice/contract.
- Quarterly plan — multiple quarterly instalments across the academic year (examples in the schedule show quarterly amounts and a total close to the annual tuition figure; e.g., a Day student quarterly plan with instalments of about CAD 9,625 then three instalments of ~CAD 8,475).
- Extended/monthly plan — smaller monthly instalments from October through April (examples in the schedule show per-month amounts and a final total for the year). The school's Financial Handbook lists specific instalment amounts for each student category and each plan; fees are payable according to the payment schedule chosen and the Business Office must be advised of any alternative arrangements. Interest on late payments and other collection terms apply.

Billing mechanics and payment methods (fee payment options)
- Payments may be made by cheque (post-dated cheques accepted), cash, bank draft or money order payable to the school's operating name.
- Credit card: the financial portal (COBA) supports credit-card payments (MasterCard and Visa). Payments made through the COBA portal are not subject to an additional convenience fee; credit-card payments processed manually through the Business Office incur a convenience fee (documented example: 3.5%).
- Wire / bank transfer: bank-transfer details are provided on the school's contract/invoice; families are asked to notify the Business Office when a transfer is made so funds are properly credited.
- PayMyTuition: an international payment service (PayMyTuition) is available for payments from other countries and currencies; it supports multiple currencies and provides local payment options. Use of this service is noted as an option for international transactions.

Sibling discount and financial assistance
- When siblings attend in the same school year, an automatic sibling discount of 10% of tuition is granted for each additional child of the same family; sibling discounts are calculated after any financial-assistance amounts are applied. Financial assistance is also available and administered through the school's financial-assistance process.

Boarding-specific notes
- Boarding charges are included in the Tuition & Services fee for boarders; the Services component covers housing, meals, supervision, infirmary supplies and student services. Boarding tuition and services figures are presented above under the relevant student-category totals. Security deposit and capital/infrastructure fees for new boarders are as stated above.

Other expected and incidental costs
- School uniforms (approximate range): CAD 1,400–1,900 (estimates subject to change).
- International student health insurance (if required and if the family cannot provide North American coverage): approx. CAD 800–1,000.
- Student supplies and workbooks: approx. CAD 200–500.
- Enrichment Centre general support: approx. CAD 300.
- Graduation and school photos: approx. CAD 50–75.
- Estimated average personal expenses and incidental charges (meals away from campus, trips, optional activities, private tuition, dry cleaning, pocket money, damage charges, lost/damaged books, travel to/from Montreal airport, etc.): about CAD 4,000 per year on average; such charges are billed monthly to the student account and are payable on invoicing. Certain activities (e.g., organized trips, specialized programs, private lessons) are payable in advance. These items are not included in the standard Tuition & Services fee unless specifically listed.

Refunds and cancellation terms (refund information and late-payment consequences)
- Cancellation: written notice of withdrawal must be provided to the Business Office/Admissions. Cancellations received in writing prior to March 1 for the following school year are not subject to penalty. If a student is withdrawn after March 1 (or following confirmation of re-enrolment), the Student Security Deposit is forfeited. Should a student leave after September 1, parents remain financially responsible for all expenses incurred and for tuition and service fees up to and including the full month in which services were rendered. Deposits received may be forfeited under the cancellation rules.
- Security deposit refunds: refundable in July/August after application against outstanding accounts, subject to the conditions described above. The security deposit is non-refundable if the student is expelled or withdraws after the initial enrolment or re-enrolment process is completed.
- Overdue accounts: interest of 1% per month (12% per annum) is charged on overdue balances; non-payment or failure to adhere to an acceptable payment arrangement may result in loss of privileges, exclusion from classes or examinations, and suspension of re-enrolment rights until the account is settled.

Administrative and other notes about account billing
- A full statement of student charges, invoices and monthly statements are provided through the school's financial portal and by email/mail; personal and incidental expenses are charged to the student's account and are payable on receipt of the invoice. The Business Office administers accounts and should be notified of any payment issues.

Summary of the principal payment contacts and mechanisms
- The school accepts post-dated cheques (Canadian or US currency), bank drafts/money orders payable to the school's operating payee, credit-card payments (COBA portal; MasterCard and Visa accepted), wire transfers and international payments via PayMyTuition. Manual credit-card payments via the Business Office incur a convenience fee (example: 3.5%). Interest is charged on overdue accounts and the school's Financial Handbook sets out the detailed instalment amounts and due dates for each payment plan.
Academics

Bishop’s College School teaches IB (DP), Canadian Curriculum.

Curriculum
Offers Grade 7–12 university preparatory education. Students may earn the New Brunswick Secondary School Diploma (NBSSD) on completing Form VII (Grade 12), issued by the New Brunswick Department of Education and Early Childhood Development; students meeting Quebec Ministry of Education requirements may earn the Quebec Secondary School Diploma (QSSD/DES) at the end of Form VI (Grade 11). The school is an IB World School offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) as well as IB course certificates for Grades 11–12.

Higher Education Progression
The University Advising Department works closely with students and families to support and guide each step of the university admissions process.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is guided by self- and social-awareness principles. In a diverse community, students develop self-management, decision-making, and relationship-building skills. SEL at BCS is grounded in the Culture and Citizenship in Québec Program for Forms II, III and V and in the Orientation and Entrepreneurial Projects for Form IV. The curriculum covers identities and belonging; autonomy and interdependence; democracy and social order; career exploration and entrepreneurship; relationships and caring; justice and the law; and CAS for Forms VI-VII. The learning objectives include knowing themselves as learners and citizens, exploring academic strengths and weaknesses, applying approaches to learning, thinking critically about current affairs, and making choices linked to their academic pathways.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The R.D.W. Howson Enrichment Centre provides comprehensive support to enable all students to reach their full potential. The Enrichment Centre oversees accommodations and Inclusive Assessment Arrangements through the implementation of Individual Education Plans (IEPs). Accommodations include additional time, a scribe, a word processor, speech recognition or reading software, transcriptions, and practical assistance or modified papers. IEP meetings occur three times a year: initial (September or October), mid-session (February), and final (May), with participants such as the student, parents, teachers, EC team members, the counsellor, and the Director of Academics. The IEP is a working document developed from assessments and recommendations and is used to implement strategies and accommodations; progress is monitored and communicated among all constituents. The Enrichment Centre also offers Supervised Prep and Private Subject-Specific Tutoring.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The ESL course and the ESL Plus (+) program cater to non-native English students with a curriculum designed to support language development. ESL and ESL Plus provide tools that span across all subjects rather than being limited to English language arts. These programs aim to enhance students' written, oral, reading, and listening skills while ensuring engagement with content similar to regular English classes. The ESL Plus (+) program is led by a dedicated ESL Coordinator and an ESL tutor. Depending on Form, students may undertake ESL+ instead of another language such as French; in Form II, some History classes are adapted to allow extra time to develop language skills. The ESL+ program carries associated fees.

Mental Wellbeing
The health and wellness program prioritizes mental wellbeing as part of overall student wellbeing. The School Counsellor is available Monday through Friday from 8:50 AM to 4:30 PM for confidential individual or small-group meetings, with appointments in person or by email and after-hours access for emergencies. A registered nurse lives on campus and is available 24/7 during the school year, with a doctor on call; the nurse provides health information, including mental health topics. The community is encouraged to develop independence, self-awareness, and physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Health and wellness services coordinate with teachers, Houseparents and external services to address student needs and support well-being.

Safeguarding
BCS's Child Protection Policy commits to a safe and healthy environment, with wellness measured across physical, social, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and environmental dimensions. All employees have responsibilities to monitor, observe, and report concerns, maintain confidentiality, and act ethically toward students. Harassment, bullying and violence are defined and addressed under policy, with compliance with government laws; the school outlines the measures taken following harassment or bullying incidents. The policy provides an Annex A reporting flow: if a staff member has concerns about a student, they report to the Head of School or the Designated Safeguarding Lead, with cases potentially referred to the police or Child Protection Agency. Confidentiality is maintained for health-related concerns, with certain exceptions when safety is at risk. The school requires a formal reporting process and ethical conduct for all staff.
Parent Experience

History
Bishop's College School (BCS) was founded in 1836 as the Lennoxville Classical School by the Reverend Lucius Doolittle, who served as the first Head of School. It moved to the current Moulton Hill campus after Colonel J.K.L. Ross secured the land in 1916 and began building School House; the Prep moved in 1918 and the senior boys joined in 1922. The school remained an all-boys institution until 1972, when it merged with King's Hall, Compton and became co-educational. Nancy Layton was appointed Head of School in 1995, the first female head of a co-educational boarding school in Canada. In 2022 the merger's 50th anniversary was celebrated and the school looks toward its 200th birthday in 2036.

Community
BCS is an inclusive, independent English-language boarding and day school with students from over 35 countries. Exchanges between students and adults enable learning about diverse traditions, languages, and beliefs. The campus spans 250 acres in Sherbrooke and offers more than 55 co-curricular programs. Each student is assigned to a house supervised by full-time houseparents, ensuring a safe and supportive environment. The school maintains a cadet tradition, including the No. 2 Cadet Corps established in 1861, the oldest continuously active school cadet program in Canada.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The campus spans 250 acres in Sherbrooke, Quebec. It includes two academic buildings with modern labs and classrooms along with Ross Hall Dining Hall, the Peter G. Holt Memorial Library, the R.D.W. Howson Enrichment Centre, the Hartland Molson Hall Student Centre, the Frank W. Ross Infirmary, eight student residences, and faculty housing. The athletic facilities comprise an on-campus indoor hockey rink (Memorial Arena), two full-size basketball courts, a 40-foot climbing wall, three international squash courts, and the Hiles Family Fitness Centre. Outdoor amenities include five sports fields, three tennis courts, an outdoor volleyball court, and wooded cross-country trails. A university swimming pool and the nearby golf course are within walking distance. ESL support for grades 7–10 is available.

Sports Facilities
On-campus facilities include Memorial Arena for hockey, two full-size basketball courts, a 40-foot climbing wall, three international squash courts, and the Hiles Family Fitness Centre. Outdoor amenities include five playing fields, three tennis courts, an outdoor volleyball court, and wooded cross-country trails. A university swimming pool and the nearby Bishop's University golf course are within walking distance for additional options. The facilities support activities such as hockey, volleyball, weight training, yoga, ultimate frisbee, soccer, and rugby.

Academic Facilities
Two academic buildings with modern labs and classrooms. The Peter G. Holt Memorial Library sits at the heart of the campus. The R.D.W. Howson Enrichment Centre supports academic enrichment. The Hartland Molson Hall Student Centre provides study and social spaces. The Frank W. Ross Infirmary is available on campus. There are eight student residences and faculty housing on the campus.

Extra Curricular Facilities
On-campus arts and performance spaces include an expansive art room, a band room, a drama room, a podcast studio, a state-of-the-art black box theatre, and a chapel. Students have access to Centennial Theatre and Foreman Art Gallery within walking distance at Bishop's University. The program supports theatre productions, music ensembles, and other arts activities, with opportunities for outings to various arts spaces in the Eastern Townships.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
BCS is an IB World School offering the Diploma Programme or IB certificates. From Form VI/Grade 11, students may pursue the full Diploma Programme or IB certificates in selected courses. The Diploma comprises six subject groups, with three subjects at Higher Level and three at Standard Level, and includes core elements such as CAS, Extended Essay, and Theory of Knowledge. The school also emphasizes experiential learning through partnerships with the Kenauk Institute, Round Square, and Scholar-in-Residence, supporting global education, leadership development, and environmental initiatives.

Arts & Creative
Arts programming includes an Arts Program with dedicated spaces and performance centres. Music features three bands and a choir. Theatre Arts offers the BCS Players' Club, and Visual Arts supports both beginner and advanced students. Express Yourself encourages students to channel daily creativity, and performing arts spaces are available on campus.

Cultural & Language
BCS is an English-language boarding and day school. French is offered as part of IB Language Acquisition, with French ab initio and French B available. The school participates in international programs through clubs such as Model UN and other cultural societies; Mandarin Club is among the language and cultural clubs, and Round Square connections promote international perspectives.

Social & Hobbies
BCS offers 55+ co-curricular programs including clubs and organizations. A Club Fair showcases a wide range of activities, from Debate Club & Ethics Bowl to Robotics, Model UN, Mandarin Club, and many other clubs. Weekend Activities and Trips provide varied experiences throughout the year.

Community & Service
Cadets emphasize leadership, outdoor adventures, and service; every student participates in the program. The program includes student-led leadership opportunities and community service work locally and internationally. The Senegal service project is one of the long-standing community service initiatives highlighted by BCS.

Leadership & Professional
BCS fosters student leadership through prefects, Student Ambassadors, and House Captains; students mentor younger peers through the Bigs and Littles program and participate in Round Square leadership conferences. The Duke of Edinburgh Award Program provides additional leadership and service experiences. Cadets and other programs offer ongoing opportunities to develop leadership, teamwork, and professional skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Health and well-being are the top priority for the community. A structured boarding program helps students develop independence and personal responsibility. The 250-acre campus features a hockey arena, athletic facilities, tennis and squash courts, a gym, a weight training room, and nearby equestrian facilities, with hiking and biking trails, lakes, golf courses, and ski hills. Weekend activities and trips are offered year-round to boarding and day students.
Languages

Language Provision
BCS is an English-language boarding and day school for grades 7 to 12. ESL is available for grades 7 to 10. French is taught as a language with bilingual options, and the school is an IB World School.

Bilingual Teaching
The T.H.P. Molson Bilingual Option provides a second-language program that enables English-speaking students to gain a working practical knowledge of French and helps French-speaking students maintain fluency in their mother tongue. The ESL Plus (+) program supports non-native English students with a language-development curriculum across core subjects.

Immersion Programs
Summer Camp offers English as a Second Language and French as a Second Language. English-language learners build confidence in English through small classes, conversation, writing, activities, and full campus immersion; French-language learners strengthen their French in a bilingual summer environment in Quebec.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Inquire and Apply: Begin by filling the BCS Inquiry Form, then complete the Online Application Form. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but families are encouraged to apply early due to limited enrolment space. The Admissions Team is available to guide you through the process. 2. Submit Necessary Documents: Provide a birth certificate with an English translation, a passport, the three most recent report cards, a Confidential Report from a current teacher (available in French here), and any additional documents (such as an individualized learning plan or psycho-educational assessment). Documents can be digitalized and sent by email or uploaded through the online account. 3. Schedule Interview and Complete Worksheets: All applicants must complete an interview (about 30 minutes; in-person or Zoom, typically 8:30 AM–4:00 PM EST). All applicants complete a Math worksheet; those whose first language is English complete the English worksheet, while those whose first language is not English complete the ESL worksheet. SSAT or TOEFL Junior results may be submitted in lieu of these worksheets, and additional testing may be required in some cases. 4. Decision Timeline: After the application is complete, a decision is usually issued within two weeks. Admissions decisions for applicants seeking financial assistance may have varying timelines due to demand and resources, and BCS is need-aware when considering applications. 5. Tours and Additional Notes: As part of the process, a student-led campus tour can be scheduled (virtual or in-person) on Weekdays at 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, or 2:00 PM EST. There are separate timelines for Elite Hockey Program admissions.

Scholarships
BCS offers over $2 million in financial assistance each year to support families. Financial assistance is available for both boarding and day students, and the school is need-aware when reviewing applications.
School Events
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