About

Our History & Traditions

Roots

Bishop’s College School was founded in 1836 as the Lennoxville Classical School by the Reverend Lucius Doolittle, who also served as the first Headmaster. Back then, the school was housed in the St. James’ Parsonage and within four years twenty-three boys were enrolled. Tuition fees were set at 15 shillings per quarter in the Lower Forms and 25 shillings for the Upper Forms, with board at £25 per annum (about $130 per year).

KHC and New Beginnings

King’s Hall, Compton (KHC) was an all-girls boarding school in nearby Compton. The school merged with BCS at the start of the 1972-73 school year, and BCS has been co-ed ever since.. In 1995, Nancy Layton was appointed Head of School and became the first female Head of a co-educational boarding school in Canada.

Honouring the past

The school continued to grow and prosper over the years; unfortunately, not all of its students shared the same fate during periods of conflict. BCS takes tremendous pride in the fact that hundreds of former students volunteered and fought for Canada during the First and Second World Wars, as well as the Korean War. The names of those who fell (65 boys and three masters in the First World War, 62 boys in the Second World War and one master in the Korean War) are remembered every year during the school’s Remembrance Day Service in November.

Vision of Excellence

Our primary goal continues to be the education of young people, enabling BCS students to benefit from a broader range of knowledge, a greater depth of understanding and a solid foundation of values.

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Traditions

Chapel

We come together three days a week for a morning assembly called Chapel. Students make announcements, play musical instruments and celebrate each other’s birthdays. BCS is non-denominational – students of all faiths are welcome.

Mountain Day

On the first Thursday at BCS, the whole school climbs Mont Orford, a nearby ski hill, together. At the top, the very first House picture is taken.

Crease

We call after-school sports “crease.” All students participate in three creases per year: fall, winter and spring. We offer a wide variety of competitive and non-competitive sports.

Colours

“Colours” is our term for the athletic awards presented to students who demonstrate skill, positive attitude on and off the field and who lead by example. These are given at the end of each sporting term for every sport.

Ties

Each student starts with the New Student tie. As they become more involved in the different activities, groups and opportunities, they will have the chance to earn more ties. We have 32 in total!

Carnival

Every February, the student-run Carnival Committee puts on a two-day, activity-packed event that includes outdoor obstacle courses, figure skating competitions and snow soccer. This is an inter-house competition and one of the most anticipated events of the year!

House Captain

Students who demonstrate leadership within the residences may be asked to represent the house as a House Captain. These students help the houseparent with a variety of responsibilities, including “clear out” in the morning, attendance at chapel and check-ins.

House Dinners

Living in our residences is like living in a very big, extended family. Every few months, the students organize a house dinner in a restaurant of their choice and go there to have an off-campus meal together.

Prefects

Each year, a small group of students in Form VII are elected Prefects. They help run the school by contributing ideas, organizing activities and helping out in many different ways.

Cross-Country Run

Every year before Thanksgiving weekend, BCS students run in between two and six kilometres through our campus and our trails. This is a great event that keeps our students active. May the best house win!

Annual Review

For over 150 years, the BCS No. 2 Cadet Corps has had an annual inspection in which all our students participate. Students can take on many different roles as a band member, as part of the Colour Party, or as a non-commissioned officer (NCO). Cadet Inspection is one of the major events of the year and attracts many visitors.

Socials

Every few months, the Prefects organize a get together in the Student Centre. More than just a “dance," these nights often involve themes, snacks and costumes!