"Brookes Westshore is a private international school located in the Shawnigan Lake area of British Columbia, Canada, offering a rigorous and internationally recognized education within one of the country's most naturally stunning settings."
The school operates under the Brookes Education Group, a global network of schools united by a shared commitment to the International Baccalaureate philosophy and a belief that academic excellence and personal growth are deeply interconnected. Founded in 2010, Brookes Westshore has established itself as a distinctive option for families seeking a high-quality IB education in a close-knit, residential-style environment. The school delivers both the IB Middle Years Programme and the IB Diploma Programme, providing students with a coherent and continuous educational journey through their secondary years. The Middle Years Programme offers a challenging, concept-driven curriculum designed to help young adolescents make meaningful connections between academic disciplines and the world around them. This naturally transitions into the Diploma Programme, the IB's rigorous pre-university qualification that is widely recognized and respected by universities across Canada, the United States, and internationally. Instruction at Brookes Westshore is delivered in English, consistent with the broader Brookes network's approach, and the IB framework itself encourages students to engage critically with global perspectives and, where appropriate, to develop and maintain proficiency in additional languages as part of their programme of study. The school's setting in Area B near Shawnigan Lake places it amid the remarkable natural landscape of Vancouver Island, surrounded by forests, lakes, and mountains. This environment is not merely a backdrop but an integral part of the school's character, offering students opportunities for outdoor learning, reflection, and the kind of experiential education that complements strong academic preparation. For expat families and relocating professionals, Vancouver Island is a welcoming and livable region, and the school's location provides a sense of community and calm that larger urban campuses often cannot offer. What makes Brookes Westshore particularly distinctive is the combination of an internationally portable curriculum with an intimate, community-focused atmosphere. As part of the global Brookes Education Group, students and families benefit from the resources, standards, and connections of a wider international network while still experiencing the personal attention and cohesion of a smaller school. This balance is especially valuable for internationally mobile families who want the assurance of a globally recognized qualification delivered within a nurturing environment where their children are genuinely known by their teachers and peers. For families considering a move to British Columbia or evaluating boarding and day school options on Vancouver Island, Brookes Westshore represents a thoughtful choice — one that combines academic seriousness, a progressive educational philosophy, and an exceptional natural setting in a way that few schools can match. Prospective families are encouraged to visit the school's website at westshore. brookes. org to learn more about admissions, programmes, and campus life.