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Strengths Academic Enrichment, Outdoor Education, Performing Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Community and Service, Arts and Creative
Stages Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School, High School
Introduction
Glenlyon Norfolk School (GNS) is an independent, co-educational day and boarding school in Victoria, British Columbia, offering Junior Kindergarten through Grade 12. As one of only 25 schools in North America to offer all three IB programmes (PYP, MYP, and DP), GNS provides a continuous International Baccalaureate education. Founded in 1913, the school operates across two campuses and is a member of Round Square.
Glenlyon Norfolk School has 799 pupils, typical class sizes of 17, instruction in English.
Location
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. Two campuses: Beach Drive Campus (1701 Beach Drive) for Junior School (JK-Grade 5) and Pemberton Woods Campus (781 Richmond Avenue) for Middle and Senior School (Grades 6-12).
Stages
Junior Kindergarten (age 4) through Grade 12 (age 18). Junior School (JK-Grade 5), Middle School (Grades 6-8), Senior School (Grades 9-12).
Type
Independent, co-educational, not-for-profit day and boarding school.
Pupil Nationality Mix
Primarily Canadian day students with a smaller cohort of boarding and homestay students from various countries. Approximately 745 day students, 24 boarding students, and 30 homestay students.
Additional learning support
English Language Acquisition (ELA) program available at an additional cost of $4,500 per year. Individual learning support provided.
Country affiliation
Canada. Authorized IB World School. Member of Round Square.
Religious affiliation
None.
School day structure
Full school day with academic instruction, co-curricular activities in arts, athletics, and service.
Bus service
School bus service is available.
Fees
Annual tuition at Glenlyon Norfolk School ranges from CAD 27,500 to CAD 90,200 for 2026/27.
Day tuition for BC residents ranges from $27,500 (JK full day) to $32,850 (Senior School). International day students pay $45,705 to $48,400. Boarding fees range from $52,300 (Family Boarding, BC) to $90,200 (Gryphon Boarding, International). Sibling discounts of 5% (second child) and 10% (third child and beyond) are available.
Academics
Glenlyon Norfolk School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 4 to 18.
Curriculum
GNS is one of only 25 schools in North America to offer the complete IB continuum. Junior School (JK-Grade 5) follows the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), a student-centred, inquiry-based curriculum. Middle School (Grades 6-10) follows the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) emphasizing interdisciplinary connections, critical thinking, and research skills, culminating in a Personal Project in Grade 10. Senior School (Grades 11-12) follows the IB Diploma Programme (DP) with six subject groups, Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and CAS.
Student Teacher Ratio
Average class size of 16-18 students.
Exam Results
Grade 12 IB exam registration costs approximately $1,200, billed directly to families in November.
Higher Education Progression
Dedicated university preparation program with guidance counselling to support students in their post-secondary applications.
Wellbeing
Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school emphasizes nurturing empathy, discovering passions, and fostering enduring friendships. Core values: Truth, Courage, Caring, Individuality, Community.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
English Language Acquisition (ELA) program available for $4,500 per year, supporting students who need additional English language development.
Admissions
Admissions
Families can visit the school through open houses, scheduled tours, or virtual sessions. Applications are submitted online. The school evaluates fit through its GNS Fit process. Application fee is $250 (or $300 from September 1, 2026). Registration deposit of $3,000-$3,500 for day students and $15,000 for boarding students.
Scholarships
Community Scholars Program offers merit scholarships of up to $15,000 for exceptional new domestic students entering Grades 6-12. Needs-based financial aid (bursaries) covering up to 40% of tuition is available for Canadian day students.
FAQs
What grades does GNS serve?
GNS serves students from Junior Kindergarten (age 3-4) through Grade 12 (age 18).
What curriculum does GNS follow?
GNS offers the complete International Baccalaureate continuum: Primary Years Programme (JK-Grade 5), Middle Years Programme (Grades 6-10), and Diploma Programme (Grades 11-12). It is one of only 25 schools in North America to offer all three IB programmes.
How much is tuition?
Day tuition for BC residents ranges from $27,500 (JK full day) to $32,850 (Senior School). International day students pay $45,705 to $48,400. Boarding fees range from $52,300 to $90,200 depending on boarding type and residency.
Does GNS offer boarding?
Yes. Two boarding options are available for students in Grades 8-12: Family Boarding Homestay (students live with a vetted local family) and Gryphon Boarding (residential on-campus boarding for Senior School students).
Is financial aid available?
Yes. The Community Scholars Program offers merit scholarships up to $15,000 for new domestic students in Grades 6-12. Needs-based bursaries covering up to 40% of tuition are available for Canadian day students.
How many students attend GNS?
Approximately 799 students: 745 day students, 24 boarding students, and 30 homestay students.
What is the average class size?
Average class sizes are 16-18 students.
Does GNS offer school bus service?
Yes, school bus service is available for students.
What sports are available?
GNS offers soccer, basketball, field hockey, rowing, volleyball, badminton, ultimate frisbee, and other sports. The athletic program emphasizes participation and sportsmanship.
What is Round Square?
GNS is a member of Round Square, an international network of schools that share a commitment to personal development through service, adventure, and international understanding.
When was GNS founded?
GNS was formed in 1986 through the amalgamation of Glenlyon School and Norfolk House, with roots dating back to 1913.
Who is the Head of School?
Chad Holtum serves as Head of School.
Is there a sibling discount?
Yes. A 5% discount applies for a second child and a 10% discount for the third child and beyond.
