Island Pacific School

Since July 2017, Scott Herrington BPEd (Uni of Calgary) BEd MEd (Bowie State University Maryland). With over 30 years in education under his belt and cheerily playing ultimate (frisbee) with the students when we arrived, you could be forgiven for

There are no minimum expectations or academic standards to be met (for entry) but the child must be a good ‘fit,' which various interviews and meetings establish.

On completing grade 9, students move on to other secondary schools, both private and state, in Vancouver. Students who have attended the school end up at universities such as Stanford, Toronto, McGill and often attribute their choice of degree

‘A truly unique school,’ say parents, not least because the academic learning is so enriched by the surrounding elements. Unsurprising, perhaps, given its location on an island off Vancouver. The ethos and format stand out – this is, after all, a

While not a school aimed specifically at students with learning needs, it has the infrastructure to help children with an array of issues from ADHD to autism and is an attractive proposition for parents searching for a more intimate setting for

All students need to have fundamental English skills to access the curriculum from the off.

A late start on Monday mornings allows for the Monday Enrichment Programme. This hour-and-a-half slot between 9-10.30am gets students to constructively focus on something beyond the academic timetable. Skills such as lifesaving, kick boxing, learning

Sport, encouraged but not compulsory, is offered daily in the form of Ultimate Frisbee, the main Canadian sport of choice for junior (and some senior schools). A school sport which the whole school participates in, teaching them the skill of

This is a tiny school on a tiny island where everyone knows each other, in a good way. Unlocked lockers line the entranceway (theft is no issue in this close community) while student-made art and banners adorn the walls in support of local and global

Proud confident kids abound. ‘Pupils leave IPS with a huge sense of self,’ said a parent. ‘They are allowed to be who they are,’ commented another. Those who find middle years challenging and constrictive are free to roam, explore and develop at

Between 15-20 per cent of students are on bursaries. Fundraising by staff and pupils through events such as ‘Monsoon Mudder Madness’ ensures that the pot is kept topped up, as well as enabling the community to support many other charities.

A school where square pegs are not expected to fit into a round hole and one that holds the belief that every student is capable of achieving great things. Students flourish academically while also getting to spend a huge amount of time outdoors –