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Admissions

On behalf of our school and community, I’m pleased to welcome you to Glenlyon Norfolk School. We are delighted you’re exploring our school as a possible destination for your child.
Glenlyon Norfolk School has existed in one form or another since the early 1900s and there is a good reason for that. Our school prides itself on embracing our four pillars of academics, athletics, the arts and service, as we strive to support our students in doing their best through truth and courage. GNS focuses on educating the whole child through a range of academic and co-curricular offerings, all with the support of our excellent teachers and staff.
 
As you consider GNS as an option for your child, please take some time to explore our website where you’ll find information about our programming, videos sharing the student experience, and photo galleries highlighting daily life on our two beautiful campuses.
 
I look forward to meeting you and your child(ren), and am always available to support you and your family.
 
Trevor Mannion
Chief Advancement & Enrolment Officer

Admissions FAQ

List of 10 frequently asked questions.

  • Q: How do we begin the application process?

    The How to Apply page outlines our application procedures. Families are strongly encouraged to book a campus tour or attend an Open House—an important step in the admissions process. This tour provides you with an opportunity to observe our internationally recognized programs and experience our community—its energy and culture. GNS offers in-person and virtual Open Houses where families can connect and learn more about our school.
  • Q: What is the deadline to submit an application?

    Applications are accepted from August onwards of the year prior to entry.
    • Applications for our Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten classes are due by October 15.
    • Applications for Grades 1 to 12 are accepted and processed throughout the academic year or until the class is at capacity.
    • Once a class has reached capacity, applications will be accepted for our wait pool only.
  • Q: Is there an admissions test?

    Once an application and all required documents have been submitted, the applicant will be invited to complete our admissions assessment. Assessments typically take place beginning in mid-October and run throughout the school year.
    • Junior Kindergarten and Kindergarten applicants will be required to complete a group or individual readiness assessment conducted by one of our teachers.
    • Grade 1 to 12 applicants will be required to complete a standardized, multiple-choice admissions test, consisting of reading, writing, and math.
    • Grade 6 to 12 applicants will also be required to complete an interview with a member of our Admissions Office.
  • Q: How will I know if my child has been accepted?

    If there is no further information required from our Admissions Committee, you will receive your decision within two weeks of the applicant completing their assessment.
  • Q: Do you offer boarding programs?

    Yes, we have two unique boarding programs for students in Grades 9 to 12: Family Boarding Homestay Program and Gryphon House Boarding Program. Students applying to Grade 8 may be considered for the Family Boarding Homestay Program.
  • Q: Do you offer scholarships or other financial assistance?

    Yes, through the generous support of GNS current and past families, alumni and friends, funds are provided for bursaries and entrance scholarships.

  • Q: Do you have waitlists?

    GNS does not keep a hierarchical list of students for grades that are at capacity. Instead, we have a wait pool of candidates that we draw from should a space become available. These wait pools are comprised of mission-appropriate candidates that have successfully completed the admissions process. When a space becomes available, we will select a candidate from the wait pool that best complements the current make-up of students in the grade.
  • Q: Do you offer bus service?

    Yes. Information about our city-wide routes can be found on our School Bus Service information page.
  • Q: What languages do you offer?

    French is offered from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12. The option to take Spanish and Mandarin is introduced beginning in Grade 6.
  • Q: Do you offer ESL?

    GNS does not offer the traditional ESL program, Instead, we offer English Acquisition (EA), which is a specialized English language course for students whose first language is not English. The GNS English Acquisition program empowers students with language skills and creates academic gain for students across all their subjects. EA is available for students applying to Grades 8 to 10. For students younger than Grade 8, availability for support will be determined upon application. Please check our International Applicants page for more information.

Tuition FAQ

List of 3 frequently asked questions.

  • Q: Is there a sibling discount?

    The school has a progressive sibling discount: the eldest child currently enrolled incurs full fees; the second child currently enrolled is entitled to a 5% tuition fee reduction; the third and any other children currently enrolled are entitled to a 10% tuition fee reduction in fees.
  • Q: What are the costs associated with After-School-Care?

    After School Care is available throughout the school year from 3:20 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (5:00 p.m. for Junior Kindergarten), Monday to Friday for Junior School students. The cost for After School Care is $23.50 per day. Day camp programs are also available on Pro-D Days and during school breaks. GNS also offers a robust Summer FUN at GNS program during July and August for students aged 3 to 17.
  • Q: Can fees be paid through pre-authorized debit?

    Yes, please contact payments@mygns.ca for further instructions.

Financial Support FAQ

List of 3 frequently asked questions.

  • Q: How is financial assistance eligibility determined?

    Families wishing to apply for financial assistance must complete the Financial Aid for Canadian Students (FACS) application form available via the Apple Financial Services website. Apple Financial Services is a member of the organization of Financial Aid for Canadian Students (FACS), and uses a consistent, objective and professional analysis of a family’s resources to make recommendations directly to GNS. GNS's Financial Aid Committee reviews these results in accordance with school policy, and issues decisions directly to the applicant. The maximum bursary award is 40% of tuition fees.
  • Q: What are the criteria and expectations of our financial assistance program?

    • Recipients are expected to contribute meaningfully to the school by taking advantage of opportunities in academics, the arts, athletics and citizenship.
    • Families are required to submit a complete application for financial assistance each year by the specified due date. If a family's financial circumstances have not changed, they will receive a similar percentage of assistance as the previous year.
    • To the best of their ability, both parents should contribute to the cost of tuition, even in the cases of divorce or separation.
    • It is expected that both parents will be gainfully employed. If a spouse chooses not to work, this is factored into the income calculations for evaluation.
    • Certain circumstances, such as caring for a disabled or elderly parent, a child under age 5, or a child with a long-term disability, may exempt a family from this policy. These situations are individually reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
    • GNS treats requests for assistance with the highest levels of discretion and confidentiality, and expects that families will do the same with the results.
  • Q: What important dates should families be aware of?

    Current Families

    • December 9, 2023: Final day to submit completed FACS forms for current families.
    • Early January 2024: Prior to the re-enrollment launch, financial assistance award confirmations are provided to families who met the December deadline.
    • More information about the 2024/2025 re-enrolment process and deadline will be shared with families in Fall 2023.

    New Families

    • Incoming families submit FACS forms as part of the application process.
    • Financial assistance awards are communicated to applicants along with their offer of admission.
    • We recommend families to apply for financial assistance prior to March 1, 2024.

Glenlyon Norfolk School

Junior School (JK to Grade 5)

Middle (Grade 6 to 8) and Senior (Grade 9 to 12) Schools

We wish to acknowledge and respect the Straits Salish Peoples on whose traditional territory we gather. Specifically, we recognize the Lekwungen Peoples known today as the Songhees Nation and the Esquimalt Nation, whose historical relationships with the land where we live, work, play and learn continue to this day.