Read more details about Pickering College on their 2025-26 profile page.
Reflections and Advice:
1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
Pickering College shaped me in steady ways. Some grew slowly, some felt immediate. The school places strong attention on respect and personal responsibility. I noticed this in Morning Meeting, where we gathered to listen, to speak and to think about how our choices affect the people around us. The rhythm of those meetings built a sense of accountability. Pickering is small, which means teachers know your habits. They know when you are trying and when you are drifting. I found this helpful. I felt guided, but not controlled. The school culture pushed me to act with purpose instead of waiting for direction.
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
If I think about one defining moment, it was when I spoke at a Morning Meeting for the first time. I felt nervous, but I wanted to express something important to me. Afterward, younger students stopped me in the hallway to share similar experiences. That taught me the strength of direct communication. I left Pickering more confident and more aware of the effect of my voice.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
I would have tried more activities earlier in my time there. My advice to new students is simple. Ask for help early. Explore groups even if you feel unsure. Give yourself time to grow.
4.) What did you like most about your school?
What I appreciated most about Pickering was the balance of structure and freedom. I felt supported, seen, and encouraged to grow in steady steps.
5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
If you tour the school, walk through the art room. Sit in the dining hall during a busy lunch. Visit the residence common room. These spaces will show you the heart of Pickering better than any brochure. And if you join the school, keep a notebook. Write down your thoughts. You will want to look back on them later.
Academics:
1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?
The classes at Pickering asked for steady focus. My teachers were direct about expectations. They explained concepts clearly and expected us to contribute. In English, we examined texts through open discussion instead of memorized notes. I learned how to speak with confidence, even when my ideas were still forming. Science classes worked well for me because the teachers made time for questions. I visited office hours often. I felt supported instead of judged. The workload was challenging, but I learned how to divide tasks into parts. That skill helps me in every area of my life now.
Athletics:
1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?
I played basketball for two years and i liked it. The program was structured in a simple way. We trained after school, reviewed plays and focused on progress. The coaches encouraged us with specific feedback. They did not sugarcoat things. I liked that. I did not need to be exceptional. I needed to stay consistent. Our team was a mix of skill levels and that created a steady environment without intense pressure. I left each season feeling stronger and more organized.
Art, Music, and Theatre:
1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?
I spent time in the art studio whenever I needed a place to think. I did not take advanced art classes but I used the space often. The teachers were open to students dropping in to work on personal projects. I remember evenings when the studio felt quiet and steady, with students working side by side. Music classes were structured well. I took one course where we analyzed modern compositions. That course taught me to listen more carefully. I did not perform in school productions, though I helped attended. I liked seeing how much preparation the performers put into each show.
Extracurricular Opportunities:
1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?
I gave most of my time to leadership and service programs. The school offered many groups and each had a clear purpose. I joined the Global Leadership initiative for one term. The program asked us to think about ethical decision making. We studied real examples from local communities. I also helped run a mental health awareness event. The work required planning and patience. It taught me to coordinate with both staff and students. I left each activity feeling like I contributed something real.
Dorm Life:
1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?
Living in residence taught me discipline. The dorms follow a routine and I found comfort in that structure. We had study periods in the evening, lights out at set times, and regular check-ins with our house team. My roommate and I learned how to communicate through small misunderstandings. Some nights felt noisy and crowded. Other nights felt calm. Those shifts helped me grow. I learned how to speak up when I needed quiet and how to compromise when someone else needed space.
Dining:
1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.
Meals in the dining hall felt communal. We sat with different groups often, which helped us move outside our circles. Breakfast was simple and fast, which worked for early classes. Lunch offered more choice. Dinner in residence was my favorite because it slowed everyone down. Staff checked in with us during meals. The food tasted consistent. I appreciate that the dining team tried to accommodate different needs. Some nights had themed menus, which created a bit of energy around something ordinary.
Social and Town Life:
1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.
Newmarket is small and manageable. I liked the calm of the area. We walked to nearby shops when we had permission. The paths around campus were good for clearing your mind. I spent many afternoons walking with friends while talking through assignments or weekend plans. Being slightly outside the city gave us room to think and room to breathe.
2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?
The social environment at Pickering grows through real routines. Morning Meeting. Meals. Weekend trips. House events. Those moments build connections without forcing anything. I gained friends from different grades and countries. Conversation felt natural because we saw each other so often. Some nights, we watched movies in the common room. Other nights, we studied together in silence. Both mattered. The school encouraged respect in social interactions, and I found that helpful as I figured out who I wanted to be.
Read more details about Pickering College on their 2025-26 profile page.
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
Description
Pickering College shaped me in steady ways. Some grew slowly, some felt immediate. The school places strong attention on respect and personal responsibility. I noticed this in Morning Meeting, where we gathered to listen, to. . .
Pickering College felt like a place built for thinkers, doers, and people who care. The school always emphasized kindness, integrity and community. When I arrived as a boarder, I immediately felt the “circle of care”. . .
The time I spent at Pickering College, provided me with life long experiences that to this day I still look back upon. The unique thing about Pickering College was that we had an astounding Residence. . .
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