Queen Margaret’s School (QMS) is a welcoming all-gender day and boarding school for students from Preschool to Grade 12, located on a 30-acre campus in North Cowichan, Vancouver Island, Canada. For over 100 years, QMS has been a home away from home for students from the Cowichan Valley and around the world. Horses have been part of our story from the beginning: we are Canada’s equestrian school, members of IEA, and home to a world-class Hunter Jumper Program.
Founded in 1921 by two visionary women, QMS has always embraced innovation and inclusion. Today, QMS encourages students to be curious, kind, brave, and their authentic selves. The school fosters a strong sense of belonging, where diverse voices are celebrated and meaningful relationships are built. Small class sizes and dedicated teachers create a nurturing environment where students can find their fit and seek their stretch.
Boarding students at QMS are welcomed into a supportive, inclusive community. With English language support, a caring boarding staff, and a safe, vibrant campus, students quickly feel at home while gaining confidence in and out of the classroom.
Through engaging academics, creative and performing arts, athletics, service learning, and our signature Equestrian Marquee Program, students explore their passions and grow with purpose. With Project-Based Learning in Grades 8 and 9, and flexible, personalized pathways in Grades 10 to 12, students are empowered to follow their curiosity and passions and prepare for top universities and post-secondary internships worldwide.
At QMS, we’re preparing young trailblazers—because no two journeys are the same.
Unique Characteristics
Horses have always been part of our story. In our Equestrian Marquee Program students receive world-class equestrian learning, whether it be through riding, horsemanship, equine facilitated wellness, equine science or business management. As part of this exceptional initiative students will explore mental and emotional performance, functional strength and conditioning, practical skill building, health and nutrition, and the effectiveness of steadfast physical training. At Queen Margaret’s School, horses are our co-teachers — valued members of our community who inspire and empower students to be the best version of themselves. Our Equestrian Program offers something for everyone, from learning to ride and foundational flatwork to high level equitation and competition, to our equine focused academics program. Opportunities abound for QMS students—no matter their age, background or experience with horses—to develop confidence in the stables, the saddle and the classroom. Our students compete locally in world-class Canadian shows, and through the Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) in the United States.
Real School for the Real World
At QMS we educate trailblazers as no two journeys are the same. The “Be you” part of our value proposition means that our academic programming and one-on-one post-secondary counselling and planning is designed to support and equip students to explore their passions beyond secondary school. Our students apply to the best universities around the world, pursue passions within athletics and the fine arts, and thrive in careers in the tech and trade industries. Special programs include: Automotive Restoration taught by “Lost Car Rescue” host, Matt Sager, Pre-Professional Film & TV program taught by Hollywood cameraman and filmmaker, Neil Trafford, and a Medical Sciences survey program taught in tandem with physicians from the Cowichan Valley District Hospital.