About BEC

Breton Education Centre is a Middle/Senior High School which serves all of the students in grades 6-12 in New Waterford and surrounding areas. The school opened in 1970 and replaced three former high schools, Mt. Carmel, St. Agnes and Central. 2022-23 marks the beginning of the 53rd  year for Breton Education Centre and the student enrolment in 2022/2023 is approximately 600. Breton Education Centre is a community school. It has tremendous support and involvement from the community and the school, in turn, continually responds to various community needs. Breton Education Centre is home to  continuing education classes and a teen health centre.

Breton Education Centre strives for excellence and is very proud of the success of its many students during its 53 year history. The school strives to develop the academic, social and athletic potential of all students in a safe and caring learning environment. The school fosters an open door policy and welcomes the opinions of students, parents, teachers, and community members. 

New School Coming Soon! 

In 2018, government approved the construction of a replacement school for Breton Education Centre (BEC) and after much community consultation, work is now well underway for that site. The new school will be part of a community hub that encompasses not only the school, but also a long-term care facility and a wellness centre. The new facility is anticipated to be open for students in the Fall of 2024. 

BEC Project Status Update - November 2022

The new Breton Education Centre will be a modern, state-of-the-art education facility that is designed to provincial standards for Nova Scotia public schools and allows for future growth in the community. The school design is the result of extensive collaboration between the departments of Education and Early Childhood Development and Public Works, Nova Scotia Lands Inc, the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional Centre for Education and community representatives. 

Breton Education Centre is located in the center of New Waterford in a residential community. It is nearby to commercial shops and community sports facilities such as the local hockey rink and a recently constructed AstroTurf soccer field. Students attend from throughout New Waterford and from surrounding communities including River Ryan, Scotchtown, New Victoria and Lingan.