Read more details about Branksome Hall on their 2025 profile page.
Reflections and Advice:
1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
What made Branksome feel different from other schools was how everything worked together—academics, wellness, leadership, even the physical space. We followed the IB program from a young age, so inquiry and reflection were just part of how we learned. But it wasn’t all intense. We had traditions like Spirit Week, Clan events, and Big Sister/Little Sister days that made the school feel like home. I think it was the mix of high expectations with real care that made it such a special place.
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
One of the best things that happened at Branksome was discovering how much I love working with others especially through Best Buddies and mentorship roles. That realization led me to study Inclusive Education and eventually become a teacher. I also learned how to bounce back from tough moments whether academic pressure or friendship challenges thanks to the support around me. I left Branksome more confident, more self-aware, and more resilient than when I arrived. I truly grew up there, and I still carry that growth with me.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
I think I would’ve asked for help sooner. As a student, I sometimes thought I had to figure everything out on my own, but Branksome has so many people who want to support you. My advice? Don’t wait until things feel overwhelming. Talk to your teachers, advisors, and friends. Try new things, even if you’re nervous. You don’t have to have it all figured out just be open, curious, and willing to grow. This school will meet you where you are and help you from there.
4.) What did you like most about your school?
It’s hard to choose just one thing, but I’d say the people teachers, classmates, staff made Branksome what it was. I always felt seen, supported, and challenged in the best way. It wasn’t just a school; it was a community that celebrated you for who you are and who you’re becoming. I look back and realize how lucky I was to be surrounded by such a thoughtful, encouraging group of people. That kind of environment stays with you, long after graduation.
5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
If you're visiting Branksome, don’t miss the Woodlot, it’s a hidden gem and such a peaceful spot. My favorite snack from the café was a warm chocolate chip cookie after a long day. As for dorms, while I didn’t live in one, I heard great things about Sherborne from my friends. My advice? Soak it all in. Join the Clan events, try something new, say yes to the weird traditions. It all becomes part of your story, and you’ll be glad you embraced it fully.
Academics:
1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?
Branksome’s academics were definitely challenging, but what made it manageable and meaningful was the support from teachers who really cared. Whether it was writing the Extended Essay or struggling through a math unit, I never felt alone. Teachers encouraged curiosity, not just performance. We had a wide range of subjects and approaches, thanks to the IB program, but it was the way teachers connected learning to real life and to us personally that made it all stick. I left feeling prepared not just for university, but for life.
Athletics:
1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?
I came to love rugby thanks to the encouragement of my coach, who saw potential in me even when I doubted myself. Branksome made sports accessible, even for beginners, and the focus was always on team spirit, growth, and having fun. We had a wide range of sports, and while we weren’t always the most competitive school, the heart was always there. Playing a sport didn’t mean sacrificing academics it was part of being balanced and learning resilience, both on and off the field.
Art, Music, and Theatre:
1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?
What stood out most to me was how seriously Branksome took the arts. Our photography club even had a darkroom which was rare and incredibly cool. I learned how to develop my own prints and fell in love with image-making. There were also concerts, musicals, and art shows, all led by teachers who were just as passionate as the students. Whether you were in choir, painting, or backstage in a play, there was always room to create. That creative freedom was a huge part of my experience.
Extracurricular Opportunities:
1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?
There was truly something for everyone. I loved how easy it was to try something new clubs like Environmental Club, debate, SSUNS, and Best Buddies helped shape who I am. And if there wasn’t a club for something, we were encouraged to start one. What stood out most was how many of these clubs went beyond school walls. Best Buddies, for instance, connected us with a wider community and made a real difference. Extracurriculars weren’t just funthey helped me find purpose and direction.
Dorm Life:
1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?
While I was a day student, I spent lots of time with boarders, and there was always a strong sense of community in the residences. The dorms felt like home for many of my friends, and the mix of students from around the world made it exciting and inclusive. Even as a day student, I always felt welcome to hang out or join in on movie nights and dorm events. It didn’t feel like there were divisions between boarders and day students we were just one big group.
Dining:
1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.
I’ll admit it there were some cafeteria meals I still think about. Branksome’s dining hall offered variety and usually had something for everyone, whether you were picky or adventurous. I appreciated how they considered dietary needs, and there was always something fresh. The space itself was open and social hence no assigned seating, which made lunch a great time to catch up with friends. Sometimes it got loud, sometimes you just needed quiet, but there was always a corner where you could find what you needed.
Social and Town Life:
1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.
Being in Rosedale meant we had this beautiful, green campus right in the city. It was quiet and safe, but close enough to walk to Yonge and Bloor. In high school, having a spare meant a quick Starbucks run or lunch off-campus, which felt like a little taste of independence. I loved that balance—feeling tucked away in nature, but never disconnected from the city. It made school feel like a little oasis, and it also opened up cool opportunities for field trips, service, or fun outings.
2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?
Branksome was small enough that you really knew your classmates but big enough to meet new people through activities, Clans, and cross-grade events. The Big Sister/Little Sister program especially brought people together across ages. I always felt like I had someone to turn to whether a peer, teacher, or alum. Of course, like any school, there were ups and downs socially, but the overall culture encouraged kindness, inclusion, and support. It was never about popularity; it was about finding your people and growing together.
Daily Schedule:
Weekday
7:30 AM
Wake up, breakfast
8:30 AM
Classes begin (IB subjects rotated by day)
10:00 AM
Break (best time for a cookie run!)
12:30 AM
Lunch with friends
1:30 PM
Afternoon classes or a free period
3:30 PM
Athletics (rugby, volleyball, or a walk in the Woodlot)
5:00 PM
Head home or visit the dorms
6:00 PM
Dinner
7:00 PM
Homework, sometimes a club meeting or just time to catch up
10:30 PM
Lights out (or at least try to!)
Weekend
10:00 AM
Quiet morning, sometimes a walk or reading
12:00 AM
Study session or final assignment prep
3:00 PM
Club planning or just relaxing
6:00 PM
Sunday dinner
8:00 PM
Finish up schoolwork
10:00 PM
Prep for Monday, maybe FaceTime with a friend
Read more details about Branksome Hall on their 2025 profile page.
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