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Queen Margaret’s School

Canada, Duncan

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees CA$8,500 - 85,480
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 525
Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Opened 1921
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum Canadian Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP)
Taught languages French, Spanish
Typical class size 6
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, STEM
Clubs Social and Hobbies, Academic and Intellectual
Stages Preschool, Kindergarten, Primary School, Secondary School, High School
Introduction

Queen Margaret's School is Preschool–Grade 12 day and boarding on a 30-acre campus in Duncan, British Columbia. The school teaches in English and offers a Canadian curriculum with Advanced Placement courses in subjects. The Senior School serves Grades 8–12, blending project-based inquiry with instruction in Science, Mathematics, English, and Social Studies. From Grade 10 onward, graduates receive guidance from Post-Secondary Counsellors, Faculty Advisors, and teachers to plan courses, explore programs, and navigate applications, scholarships, and interviews, including preparation for TOEFL, SAT, and IELTS. The campus supports a broad co-curricular program including Fine Arts and Citizenship activities such as Model UN, Eco Science Club, and GSA. Languages offered include French and Spanish (9–12). Facilities include Learning Centre, Founders Hall Gym, Sports Hall, Swimming Pool, Chapel, and Fine Arts Hall. The Shirley Burr Equestrian Centre supports rider development with indoor/outdoor arenas and stabling; boarding residences are available.

660 Brownsey Avenue, Duncan, British Columbia, V9L 1C2, Canada

The Essentials

Queen Margaret’s School has 525 pupils, typical class sizes of 6, instruction in English.

Location
660 Brownsey Avenue, Duncan, British Columbia, V9L 1C2, Canada. Duncan lies in the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island, about 50 km (31 miles) north of Victoria and is an easy walk to the town centre. The campus spans 30 acres.

Stages
Preschool to Grade 12; Junior School covers Kindergarten to Grade 7; Senior School covers Grades 8 to 12; Early Childhood Education is part of the school's offerings.

Type
Independent Preschool to Grade 12 day and boarding school; co-educational (all genders).

Pupil Nationality Mix
A diverse community of over 525 students of all genders from 25 countries.

Additional learning support
Learning Support and English Language Learning are provided, including a Learning Support Coordinator and dedicated staff (Learning Support, ELL, and related services).

School day structure
School begins at 8:00 am for Junior School and 8:15 am for Senior School; dismissal is 2:45 pm for Junior School and 3:00 pm for Senior School; after-school activities run after 3:00 pm Monday through Friday.

Bus service
A school bus network serves South Cowichan (Mill Bay and Cobble Hill), Nanaimo & Ladysmith, Salt Spring Island & Crofton, and Lake Cowichan; sign-up is arranged via the Admissions team or the Junior School Secretary.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Grades 6–12 may board on campus. The school offers full-time boarding and a five-day boarding option for families living on Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, the Sea-to-Sky Corridor, and the Sunshine Coast. Most dormitory rooms are shared by two or three students, while Grade 12 students have individual rooms.

Uniform Requirement
A formal (Centennial) uniform for Grades 1–12 is worn on Mondays for assemblies and select events, and a regular uniform is worn on Tuesdays through Fridays. Uniform requirements are published annually in the School Handbook; uniforms must be worn as specified and travel to and from school should be in uniform. The School Store is the primary resource for uniform purchases and consignment.

Food Options
All students receive daily snacks and lunch; boarding students receive breakfasts, dinners, and evening snacks. Weekly menus are posted on the Food Services page; dietary accommodations such as gluten-free or dairy-free meals require approval by the School Nurse.

House System
Every student, faculty and staff member belongs to one of three houses: St. Hugh's (green), St. Michael's (red), and St. Gabriel's (gold). Students are assigned to a house on acceptance and participate in house-based events; each level has House Captains and a Spirit Cup is awarded at year end.

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by a Board of Governors elected by the Queen Margaret's School Society at the Annual General Meeting; all families may become members of the QMS Society.
Fees

Annual tuition at Queen Margaret’s School ranges from CAD 8,500 to CAD 85,480 for 2026/27.

Application & registration fees
- Application Fee — Early Childhood Education (Preschool & Junior Kindergarten): CAD 250.
- Application Fee — Kindergarten to Grade 12: CAD 350.
- New enrolment (one‑time) fee — Day student: CAD 2,000.
- New enrolment (one‑time) fee — Boarder & International day student: CAD 3,000.

Tuition — Day students (BC / local residents) — 2026–2027 academic year
- Preschool & Junior Kindergarten (2 days): Tuition CAD 8,500; Enrollment deposit CAD 500; balance options shown as: payment-in-full balance CAD 8,000; three-payment schedule CAD 4,000 + CAD 2,000 + CAD 2,000; ten monthly payments CAD 800/month.
- Preschool & Junior Kindergarten (3 days): Tuition CAD 12,400; Enrollment deposit CAD 500; payment-in-full balance CAD 11,900; three-payment schedule CAD 5,950 + CAD 2,975 + CAD 2,975; ten monthly payments CAD 1,190/month.
- Preschool & Junior Kindergarten (5 days): Tuition CAD 19,700; Enrollment deposit CAD 500; payment-in-full balance CAD 19,200; three-payment schedule CAD 9,850 + CAD 4,925 + CAD 4,925; ten monthly payments CAD 1,920/month.
- Kindergarten: Tuition CAD 20,350; Enrollment deposit CAD 3,000 for first child (CAD 2,000 for siblings); payment-in-full balance CAD 17,350; three-payment schedule CAD 8,675 + CAD 4,337 + CAD 4,338; ten monthly payments CAD 1,735/month.
- Grades 1–3: Tuition CAD 21,700; Enrollment deposit CAD 3,000 first child (CAD 2,000 for siblings); payment-in-full balance CAD 18,700; three-payment schedule CAD 9,350 + CAD 4,675 + CAD 4,675; ten monthly payments CAD 1,870/month.
- Grades 4–7: Tuition CAD 24,150; Enrollment deposit CAD 3,000 first child (CAD 2,000 for siblings); payment-in-full balance CAD 21,150; three-payment schedule CAD 10,575 + CAD 5,287 + CAD 5,288; ten monthly payments CAD 2,115/month.
- Grades 8–12: Tuition CAD 27,830; Enrollment deposit CAD 3,000 first child (CAD 2,000 for siblings); payment-in-full balance CAD 24,830; three-payment schedule CAD 12,415 + CAD 6,207 + CAD 6,208; ten monthly payments CAD 2,483/month.

Tuition — Day students (International) — 2026–2027 academic year
- Kindergarten–Grade 3: Tuition CAD 41,950; Enrollment deposit CAD 20,000; payment-in-full balance CAD 21,950; three-payment schedule CAD 10,975 + CAD 5,487 + CAD 5,488; ten monthly payments CAD 2,195/month.
- Grades 4–7: Tuition CAD 44,300; Enrollment deposit CAD 20,000; payment-in-full balance CAD 24,300; three-payment schedule CAD 11,075 + CAD 5,537 + CAD 5,538; ten monthly payments CAD 2,430/month.
- Grades 8–12: Tuition CAD 48,280; Enrollment deposit CAD 20,000; payment-in-full balance CAD 28,280; three-payment schedule CAD 12,070 + CAD 6,035 + CAD 6,035; ten monthly payments CAD 2,828/month.

Boarding fees (Grades 8–12) — 2026–2027 academic year
- 5‑Day BC resident boarder (Grades 8–12): Tuition CAD 58,130; Enrollment deposit CAD 20,000; payment-in-full balance CAD 38,130; three-payment schedule CAD 19,065 + CAD 9,532 + CAD 9,533; ten monthly payments CAD 3,813/month.
- BC resident boarder (Grades 8–12): Tuition CAD 68,630; Enrollment deposit CAD 20,000; payment-in-full balance CAD 48,630; three-payment schedule CAD 24,315 + CAD 12,157 + CAD 12,158; ten monthly payments CAD 4,863/month.
- North American boarder (Canada, USA, Mexico, Grades 8–12): Tuition CAD 72,730; Enrollment deposit CAD 20,000; payment-in-full balance CAD 52,730; three-payment schedule CAD 26,365 + CAD 13,182 + CAD 13,183 (ten-month plan not offered).
- International boarder (Grades 8–12): Tuition CAD 85,480; Enrollment deposit CAD 45,000; payment-in-full balance CAD 40,480 (three- and ten-payment plans not listed).
- Junior boarding (Grades 6–7): Contact admissions for specific pricing and availability.

Typical additional, recurring or one‑off fees and typical ranges
- Lunch program: commonly CAD 1,300–1,700 per year depending on program and student status.
- Campus renewal fee (annual): commonly CAD 500 for local day students; CAD 1,500 for international students or boarders in some fee schedules.
- Experiential learning / activity fees: commonly CAD 450–900 depending on grade level and program.
- Disposable materials / senior school materials: typically CAD 80.
- Community‑building / residence activity fees (boarders): commonly CAD 650.
- Tuition Refund Plan (insurance fee): commonly CAD 500 for day students; CAD 1,000 for boarding students (amount appears as a separate line item added to some student invoices).
- International Student Guardianship (where required): commonly CAD 2,100.
- New international student medical exam (one‑time on arrival): commonly CAD 125.
- Medical insurance / MSP transitional amounts (international students): commonly shown in schedules (example amounts referenced in school fee documents).
- Uniform estimated cost: CAD 1,000–1,500 (approximate).
- English Language Development (ELD) support (where required): scaled options commonly in ranges such as CAD 5,000 / CAD 6,500 / CAD 7,500 for junior ELD and CAD 5,000 / CAD 6,500 / CAD 9,000 for senior ELD depending on level of support.
- Transportation (bus) routes and annual costs vary by route (examples in prior fee schedules range CAD ~2,100–2,600).
These typical additional fees and ranges are shown in the school's published tuition and fee information.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- A non‑refundable enrolment deposit is required to secure a student's place; the deposit amounts are shown with each fee schedule and are included in the total invoice.
- Families receive a tuition invoice for the upcoming school year (invoice timing and re‑enrolment deadlines are communicated in the school's parent communications; an upcoming invoice is routinely issued in the spring).
- Standard payment options shown on published schedules: payment in full (balance after deposit), a three‑payment plan (50% / 25% / 25%), or a ten‑month instalment plan (monthly payments). Specific due dates for instalments are set on each year's Tuition Fee Invoice.
- A one‑time new enrolment fee is charged on acceptance (amount depends on student status).

Refunds and related provisions
- The enrolment (enrollment) deposit required to secure a place is non‑refundable.
- A Tuition Refund Plan (insurance) fee is listed on published fee schedules; this fee is intended to provide coverage in the event of an insured withdrawal as defined by the refund/insurance policy under which the plan operates. Specific insurance terms, covered causes and claim procedures are defined by the Tuition Refund Plan provider and the policy issued for each student.
- Deferral and withdrawal procedures are documented in the school's admissions and registration materials; a deferral may be possible on a one‑time basis and is subject to the school's stated conditions.

Fee payment options
- Accepted payment methods include pre‑authorized charges to credit card or bank account, e‑transfer, cheque, and bank wire.
- The school's business office provides invoice details and banking instructions on each student's tuition invoice.

Notes on billing mechanics and extra charges
- Many smaller charges (for example: specific course materials, individual program fees, ELD support, equestrian programme costs, medical insurance or medical exams for international students, travel or homestay administration) are assessed on a student‑by‑student basis and will appear on the final invoice.
- Sibling discounts — where applicable — are applied to younger siblings' annual tuition as stated in published fee documents.

(End of fee overview.)
Academics

Queen Margaret’s School teaches Canadian Curriculum, Advanced Placement (AP).

Curriculum
Preschool through Grade 12 day and boarding school. Senior School serves Grades 8–12. Learning combines Project-Based Learning with subject-specialist instruction in Science, Mathematics, English, and Social Studies, weaving inquiry and real-world projects into every discipline. From Grade 10 onward, graduates receive guidance through Post-Secondary Counsellors, Faculty Advisors, and teachers to plan courses, explore programs, and navigate applications, scholarships, and interviews, with preparation for exams such as TOEFL, SAT, and IELTS. A broad Co-Curricular program includes Fine Arts (Concert Band, String Orchestra, Concert Choir, Theatre, and more) and Citizenship (Model UN, Eco Science Club, Service Club, GSA, STEM & Computer Science Club, Yearbook). Modern languages offered include French (9–12) and Spanish (9–12). The school also offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses in areas such as Art & Design, Biology, Calculus AB, Chemistry, English Literature & Composition, Microeconomics/Macroeconomics, Statistics, and Psychology, among others.

Student Teacher Ratio
6:1

Higher Education Progression
The curriculum is college/university preparatory and most graduates pursue four-year university programs; in recent years, acceptance to four-year universities has exceeded 96%. Graduates have been admitted to institutions including the University of British Columbia, University of Victoria, University of Toronto, Harvard University, McGill University, University of California Berkeley, University of Washington, Yale University, and many others across North America and abroad.

Gifted and Talented
Advanced Placement (AP) courses are offered to high-achieving students, with offerings including AP Art and Design (2-D and Drawing), AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Chemistry, AP English Literature & Composition, AP Microeconomics/AP Macroeconomics (alternating years), AP Statistics, and AP Psychology.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school provides mental health and wellbeing support through a School Counselor who is available Monday–Friday in the Student Health Services area and can refer students to community services when needed, with confidentiality maintained except when there is risk to self or others. The QMS Wellness Site offers enriched health resource information and wellness team details.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Learning Support is led by a Learning Support Coordinator in the Senior School, with a Learning Resource Teacher and Educational Assistants. The Learning Support team coordinates individualized help for students with learning needs.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Learning Support & English Language Learning includes an ELL Teacher and a dedicated Learning Support staff to assist English language learners in the Senior School. The Senior School offers an English Language Learning program with English Language Development. The QMS Prep Program provides a one-year program for Grades 7–10 with full-time English language instruction to prepare for entry into mainstream programming.

Mental Wellbeing
Student health and wellbeing are supported by the School Counselor and School Nurse; the Counselor provides counselling during the day, Monday through Friday, and may refer to community services as needed. Boarding students have on‑call nurse support outside ordinary hours, and emergencies are coordinated with local physicians and Cowichan District Hospital. The Wellness Site also provides health resources for students.

Safeguarding
QMS protects the welfare of others and provides a safe environment for students, with procedures and policies outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. Additional policies include the QMS Bullying & Harassment Policy and the QMS ICT Acceptable Use Policy. Families sign an Agreement to Abide By QMS Policies and Procedures.
Parent Experience

History
Queen Margaret's School was founded in 1921 by Miss Norah Creina Denny and Miss Dorothy Rachel Geoghegan to provide education emphasizing service, integrity and pride. It is an independent Preschool to Grade 12 day and boarding school located in Duncan, Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The school operates as a not-for-profit society under a constitution. Since 2008, campus development has included the Primary Centre (2008), Rowantree Hall (2009), Learning Centre Phase I (2014), the ECE Centre (2020), Learning Centre Phase II (2021), and the Sports Hall (2022; renamed DBR's Sports Hall in 2025).

Community
Queen Margaret's School hosts a wide range of events throughout the school year on campus and in the community. The events calendar includes Alumni Events, Equestrian Events, Public Events, and School Events, inviting participation from students, families and the broader community. Duncan, BC is the location of the campus and events are coordinated to engage the local community.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parents' Association (PA) is an active part of the Queen Margaret's School community. The PA coordinates volunteer opportunities and supports events across the school year. This year's Holiday Market & Fair is a key fundraiser organized by PA volunteers. The PA can be contacted at qmspac@qms.bc.ca. PA meetings are held regularly and minutes are published on the school site.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Queen Margaret's School sits on a 30-acre campus in Duncan, British Columbia. Facilities include The Learning Centre, Founders Hall gym, a Sports Hall, a Sports Field, a Chapel, a Swimming Pool, and a Fine Arts Hall. The campus also offers boarding residences, meeting and event spaces, an orchard, and catering, medical and laundry facilities. The Learning Centre is a versatile space that can be configured for group activities and can expand into the adjoining Library. External groups may rent many facilities; the Equestrian Centre is not available for rental.

Sports Facilities
Founders Hall is a spacious gymnasium with a full-size basketball court. The Sports Hall features two full-size tennis courts or convertible basketball courts and supports training, tournaments, and recreational play. The Sports Field is a grass outdoor space with interchangeable posts for soccer, rugby, or field hockey. The campus includes a Fitness Centre adjacent to Founders Hall with cardio machines, free weights, and strength-training equipment; the Swimming Pool is used for lessons, school programs, and recreational activities.

Academic Facilities
The Learning Centre is a versatile indoor space for group activities, workshops, meetings, and recreational programs; it includes two small kitchenettes and can expand into the adjoining Library. The Library is connected to the Learning Centre to support study and research. The Fine Arts Hall provides a venue for performances, rehearsals, and workshops that support arts education. The campus supports academic programming from Preschool to Grade 12.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The Learning Centre supports group activities, workshops, meetings, and recreational programs; the Fine Arts Hall supports performances, rehearsals, and workshops; the Swimming Pool supports swimming lessons and recreational activities; the Sports Hall and Sports Field support indoor and outdoor sports and events.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
STEM & Computer Science Club, Eco Science Club, and Model UN are Senior School co-curriculars. These clubs extend learning beyond the classroom, encouraging inquiry, research, and collaboration. They complement core subjects by fostering problem-solving and teamwork.

Arts & Creative
The Fine Arts program includes Concert Band, String Orchestra, Concert Choir, Art Studio/Artist in Residence, Theatre Company, Thespian Festival Prep, Filmmaker's Club, and Poetry Club. These after-school activities provide outlets for performance, visual art, and writing. They foster collaboration and creative expression while evolving based on student interest and staff expertise.

Cultural & Language
Model UN, GSA Club, and Stigma Free Club are Citizenship co-curriculars. They contribute to cross-cultural and inclusive campus life. The activities can grow and shift based on student interest and staff input.

Social & Hobbies
Filmmaker's Club, Poetry Club, and Yearbook are part of the co-curricular offerings. They provide social connections and opportunities to explore personal interests after school. These groups support collaboration and creative exploration beyond the classroom.

Community & Service
Service Club is a Citizenship co-curricular. Eco Science Club engages students in environmental projects and initiatives. Stigma Free Club and GSA Club promote inclusive community and well-being, while Model UN connects students with civic engagement.

Leadership & Professional
Team QMS High-Performance Competitive Program advances riders who demonstrate leadership and sportsmanship. It balances riding with academics, arts, service and leadership opportunities. The High-Performance Foundations Program focuses on mental performance, tactical skill-building, and conditioning. Post-secondary acceptance and scholarship support are provided.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Wellbeing is supported through athletic and equestrian programs that promote physical fitness and resilience. Rider development includes mental and emotional performance training. The Shirley Burr Equestrian Centre provides indoor and outdoor arenas and premium stabling to support balance between sport and academics. Riders receive post-secondary guidance alongside their athletic and academic commitments.
Languages

Language Provision
The primary language of instruction is English. French is taught (Kindergarten focuses on literacy and numeracy with French; Junior School offers French instruction led by a French teacher). Spanish is offered as a language option. English Language Learner (ELL) support is provided in both the Junior and Senior Schools to help students develop English proficiency and integrate language learning with coursework. The Dual Dogwood Diploma in French Immersion is not offered.

Immersion Programs
QMS Prep Program is a one-year program for Grades 7–10 with full-time English language instruction and English language immersion. Prep Program students develop reading, writing, speaking, listening and subject-specific vocabulary while learning to adapt to Canadian curricula, and the program includes cultural immersion. It operates with small class sizes to support language development.
Admissions

Admissions
Preschool and Junior Kindergarten: 1) Application Form & Required Documents. All Preschool and Junior Kindergarten applicants submit their application through the Admissions Portal and pay the $250 application fee; the application is complete only after the fee is paid. After submission, upload to the online checklist the Birth Certificate, Citizenship Document (if applicable), Student Photo, and Family Photo. 2) Meet & Greet. Families are invited for a Meet & Greet with the Early Childhood Education team; Junior Kindergarten Meet & Greets begin September 2025 and Preschool Meet & Greets begin January 2026. 3) Decision. The Admissions Committee reviews applicants and issues one of: Offer, Waitpool, or Declined. Those who are declined may apply for the following admissions year. Kindergarten to Grade 7: 1) Application Form. All applicants submit via the Admissions Portal and pay the $350 application fee; the application is complete when the fee is paid. Upload to the checklist Birth Certificate (Canadian students) or Passport (International students), Canadian Citizenship Document (if applicable), Student Photo, Family Photo, Report Card, Teacher Reference Form, Character Reference Form, IEP or Psychoeducational Assessment (if applicable), Custodial Agreement (if applicable). 2) Assessment/Shadow Day. After checklist items are complete, admissions will contact families regarding an assessment or shadow day. Kindergarten applicants are invited for a group assessment in January; Grade 1 for a one-to-one assessment; Grades 2–7 for an on-campus shadow day. 3) Parent/Family Interview. Admissions will arrange a parent interview for Kindergarten–Grade 3 (parents only, 45 minutes) or for Grade 4–7 (family interview, 45–60 minutes). 4) English Assessment (required for International). For all international applicants whose first language is not English, an English assessment is required (IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, or iTEP). If no existing assessment is available, testing can be arranged as part of admissions. 5) Decision. The Admissions Committee reviews and issues one of: Offer, Waitpool, or Declined. Those declined may apply for the following admissions year. Grades 8 to 12: 1) Application Form. All applicants submit via the Admissions Portal and pay the $350 application fee; the application is complete when the fee is paid. Upload to the checklist Birth Certificate (Canadian students) or Passport (International students), Canadian Citizenship Document (if applicable), Student Photo, Family Photo, Report Card, Teacher Reference Form, Character Reference Form, IEP or Psychoeducational Assessment (if applicable), Custodial Agreement (if applicable). 2) English Assessment (International). For all international applicants whose first language is not English, an English assessment is required (IELTS, TOEFL, Duolingo, or iTEP); testing can be arranged if not already available. 3a) (Day Students) Shadow Day & Interview. After items are complete, families are contacted to arrange a Shadow Day and Student/Parent interview. The Shadow Day provides a morning on-campus class observation for the student; a separate Student and Parent interview follows. 3b) (Boarding Students) Online Interview. After items are complete, families arrange a Student/Parent online interview. 4) Decision. The Admissions Committee reviews and issues one of: Offer, Waitpool, or Declined. Those declined may apply for the following admissions year.

Scholarships
Entrance scholarships recognize academic history, involvement in school activities, and personal character; eligibility is discussed when applying; scholarships are applied toward tuition and may be renewed annually subject to academic achievement and ongoing contribution to the school community; full scholarships are not offered. QMS Heritage Scholarship may be awarded to current or new students whose family member attended QMS for more than one year (deadline May 31 each year). QMS House Scholarships are for current students (deadline May 31). QMS Young Riders Scholarships (new students) with rolling deadlines. Team QMS Scholarships (new students) with rolling deadlines. Equestrian Program Scholarships (current and prospective students) with deadlines April 30; including Shirley Burr Equestrian Scholarship, Dr. Danielle Fritz & Peter Holmes Scholarship, and QMS Half-Lease Scholarship. Bursaries are available through Apple Financial Services (AFS) to assess financial need, up to 40% of tuition; deadline April 7, 2026; application fee $137.50 CAD; contact bursary@qms.bc.ca for details. Tuition Payment Plans are available to assist with tuition costs.

Waitlist
Waitpool is an admissions decision option. After the application is complete, applicants may receive an Offer, be placed in Waitpool, or be Declined.
School Events
The school has not added events
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