History
Brentwood is a progressive, co-ed boarding school for Grades 9 to 12 located on a spectacular oceanfront campus on Vancouver Island, BC, Canada. Brentwood provides a modern, West Coast learning experience for global-minded students who embrace our values of grit and joy. Student choice is a unique part of our culture and a deciding factor in who attends the School. This creates a supportive community of students from over 40 countries who gain the independence and skills to succeed in the post-secondary world.
Brentwood College was founded in 1923 at Brentwood Bay, BC, by distinguished Victoria business and professional men. From the initial enrollment of fifty boys and a faculty of four, the school operated for many years on the shores of Brentwood Bay and gained an enviable reputation through outstanding academic and athletic results. While many significant milestones chart our historical journey, Brentonians remember with pride the achievements of our founders and pioneers, including Brentwood's first Olympian, Ned Pratt (Class of 1930) and Federal Cabinet Minister, Alastair Gillespie (Class of 1941).
In 1947, fire consumed the Brentwood Bay campus. Only the Brentwood Memorial Chapel, where our annual Service of Remembrance is still held, survived. Although the original school was forced to close, Old Brentonians remained loyal to the spirit of their alma mater and dreamed of rebuilding their school. In 1960, they met David D. Mackenzie, re-founding headmaster, and were inspired by his visionary enthusiasm. As a result of their collective commitment and David Mackenzie's dedication, Brentwood College reopened in September 1961 on the shores of Mill Bay, directly across the water from its original location in Brentwood Bay. In 1972, Brentwood College became the first boys' boarding school in Canada to become co-educational.
Brentwood continues to educate ethical leaders through its curriculum and school wide participation in fundraising for local, national and international charities. True to the ideals of its 1923 founders, Brentwood College School has become a community of leaders, willing to serve and contribute to the world.
