Brentwood College School - Review #4

When I think of Brentwood, the word that comes to mind first is opportunity. Coming from Busoga, Uganda, I wasn’t sure how I’d fit into a Canadian boarding school by the ocean. But Brentwood has a way of meeting you exactly where you are, then pushing you further than you ever imagined possible. Its unique setup with academics, athletics, and arts given equal weight helped me discover sides of myself I didn’t know existed. What really sets Brentwood apart from other schools is the independence it gives students while still creating a deep sense of community. It felt less like a strict institution and more like a stepping stone. The combination of structure, freedom, and trust built resilience in me and prepared me for this gap year and the steps to come. Brentwood is a place that taught me what it means to push limits with integrity. I came in as someone who loved rugby and running; Brentwood didn’t ask me to give up one for the other, they gave me the structure and community to excel at both. Another thing is the mentorship culture is strong. They don’t just teach you rugby tactics or biology formula but they also challenge you to show character, discipline, and kindness. That made a difference in who I am now.

The best thing that happened to me at Brentwood was realizing I could thrive in a completely new environment far from home. That confidence is something I carried into my gap year now. I grew in resilience, independence, and responsibility.

If I could go back, I would tell myself to step out of my comfort zone earlier. The sooner you engage, the more you’ll gain. My advice to new students is don’t be afraid of challenges. Get into them, because they are what transform you.

What I liked most about Brentwood was the balance. You never felt like you had to choose just one identity. Brentwood allows you to be many things at once, and that shaped me into someone more well-rounded and prepared for the future.

If you’re coming to Brentwood, know that you’ll be challenged but also supported. The ocean views, the friendships in the dorm, the lessons from coaches and teachers, they’ll stay with you long after graduation. My favorite place was always by the rugby field at sunset, where the hard work of the day met the beauty of the island.

Brentwood academics were demanding but incredibly rewarding. What I valued most was that teachers didn’t just hand out information but they expected us to engage with it. I particularly enjoyed courses that challenged me to think critically about science and the world around me. The IB program pushed me to write, analyze, and reflect in ways I hadn’t before. Teachers were patient but firm. They never let me settle for “good enough.” That accountability made me academically stronger and more confident about pursuing science in the future.

Athletics at Brentwood were intense, and rugby was at the center of my journey. Training before the sun came up, drills that tested every ounce of strength, and the discipline of showing up even when tired taught me lessons that go beyond sport. Competing with teammates, celebrating victories, and learning from defeats gave me perspective. The facilities and coaching at Brentwood were world-class. Coaches weren’t just about building athletes, they also built character. They reminded us that sportsmanship mattered just as much as skill. Those lessons have stayed with me during my gap year as I prepare for what comes next.

Even though my focus was on academics and athletics, I admired Brentwood’s commitment to the arts. I attended concerts, drama productions, and art shows often supporting friends who were performers. It was inspiring to see classmates excel in creative fields, and it gave balance to the school’s culture. Even if you’re not an artist yourself, Brentwood makes sure you’re exposed to creativity and expression.

Service opportunities shaped a lot of who I became at Brentwood. I took part in volunteer programs, from helping with local clean-ups to mentoring younger students. These experiences taught me the value of giving back and reminded me to always stay grounded. I also enjoyed student-led organizations where leadership wasn’t about titles but about action. Joining events that promoted inclusion and school spirit helped me step outside my comfort zone and connect with the wider community.

Dorm life was one of the most transformative parts of my Brentwood journey. Living with people from different backgrounds meant I was constantly learning about food, traditions, jokes, and ways of life I had never encountered before. My house parents were like second family, always checking in and making sure we were balancing our responsibilities. Late evenings in common rooms, early mornings heading out for practice, and celebrating milestones together made dorm life unforgettable. It wasn’t always easy, especially at first when I was homesick, but the friendships I made in residence carried me through.

Sitting down at the dining hall after practice or class gave me a chance to reset and reconnect. I loved how diverse the menu was; there was always something new to try. Special themed dinners were highlights, and they reminded me of home while exposing me to global flavors.

Being in Mill Bay on Vancouver Island was an adjustment, but the natural beauty of the area quickly grew on me. The ocean, the mountains, the quietness all of it made me feel grounded. On weekends, I enjoyed going into town with friends for small outings or just walking by the water. It was very different from Busoga, but it gave me space to reflect and focus.

Social life at Brentwood was rich and diverse. With students from all over the world, every conversation was a chance to learn something new. The rugby community was like a second family, but I also built friendships through dorm life, classes, and cultural events. It wasn’t always easy as I had to learn to open up and trust but once I did, I found friends who truly supported me. Those bonds made my Brentwood experience so much more meaningful.