Read more details about Branksome Hall on their 2025-26 profile page.
Reflections and Advice:
1.) What do you think makes your school unique relative to other boarding schools?
What makes Branksome Hall unique is how leadership is built into every part of the experience, both in and out of the classroom. It isn’t just about earning good grades; it’s about developing the confidence to step up, guide others, and take responsibility. For me, that came through captaining the field hockey team in my final year, and through the economics courses that sparked my interest in business. Branksome gave me both the academic foundation and the practical, hands-on opportunities to see myself as a leader and that combination has shaped who I am today.
2.) What was the best thing that happened to you in boarding school?
The best thing that happened to me at Branksome was being named field hockey captain. That moment symbolized the growth I had gone through as a student and an athlete.
3.) What might you have done differently during your boarding school experience?
If I could do anything differently, I’d tell my younger self not to hold back and get involved in everything that interests you, even if it feels intimidating at first. My advice to incoming students is Branksome is full of opportunities so take as many as you can, because each one will help you discover something new about yourself.
4.) What did you like most about your school?
What I loved most about Branksome was the way it blended academic rigor with real community support. I never felt like I was going through challenges alone because there was always someone whether a teacher, coach, or friend always ready to help me grow. It’s a place that truly shapes leaders in a very natural, grounded way.
5.) Do you have any final words of wisdom for visiting or incoming students to your school?
Don’t underestimate how much you’ll grow here. The IB program is tough, but it’s worth it. Join a team, try a club, and push yourself outside your comfort zone. And if you’re ever on campus, make sure to check out the field hockey pitch, for me, it’s a place full of memories, challenges, and victories.
Academics:
1.) Describe the academics at your school - what did you like most about it?
Academically, I gravitated toward economics because it helped me make sense of how the world works. My teachers always encouraged me to ask questions, dig deeper, and connect theory to real-world applications. That mindset is part of what led me to choose business as a field of study. The IB program was rigorous, but I found that it stretched me in the best possible way, it showed me that I could handle a heavy workload while still pursuing passions outside of class.
Athletics:
1.) Describe the athletics at your school - what did you like most about it?
The athletics program at Branksome is both competitive and supportive. From early on, sports were never just about winning but they were about teamwork, discipline, and community. The coaches pushed us to strive for excellence, but they also cared about our development as people. I think what stood out most was the balance of competitiveness and camaraderie. It was serious enough that we improved and thrived, but also inclusive enough that everyone felt they had a role to play.
Art, Music, and Theatre:
1.) Describe the arts program at your school - what did you like most about it?
Though I wasn’t deeply involved in the arts, I admired how much Branksome invested in them. Seeing friends perform in plays, concerts, and exhibitions gave me a greater appreciation for creativity. It was inspiring to watch students express themselves in so many different ways it gave the school an energy that carried into everything else.
Extracurricular Opportunities:
1.) Describe the extracurriculars offered at your school - what did you like most about it?
The variety of extracurriculars at Branksome is incredible. Even if your passion isn’t obvious at first, there’s always a club, committee, or event where you can explore. For me, team sports and student leadership roles were the heart of my extracurricular life. But I also enjoyed seeing how others took charge of service clubs or arts groups, it created an environment where leadership was shared across the community, and you could learn from one another.
Dorm Life:
1.) Describe the dorm life in your school - what did you like most about it?
I was a day student, but many of my closest friends were boarders. Spending time in the residence gave me a glimpse into a different side of Branksome life, study sessions, shared meals, and friendships that felt more like family. Even though I didn’t live on campus, I always felt welcomed into that community.
Dining:
1.) Describe the dining arrangements at your school.
Meals were always a chance to reset. The dining hall wasn’t just about eating, it was about catching up, laughing with friends, and taking a breather in between a packed schedule. There was variety, and it felt like the school made an effort to keep food both healthy and enjoyable, which we appreciated more than we probably admitted at the time.
Social and Town Life:
1.) Describe the school's town and surrounding area.
Being in Toronto gave us so many opportunities outside of the classroom. From grabbing coffee or snacks on a break, to having world-class museums and cultural events just a short distance away, the city really enriched our school life. Toronto’s diversity matched Branksome’s spirit such that it felt like an extension of the school itself.
2.) Describe the social life at your school - what did you like most about it?
Social life at Branksome was a blend of structured school traditions and spontaneous student-led fun. Spirit Week was a favorite, bringing everyone together in a burst of energy and pride. But just as memorable were the quieter moments, bonding with teammates after a tough game, or late-night talks about future goals. The relationships I built here feel like they’ll last a lifetime.
Read more details about Branksome Hall on their 2025-26 profile page.
Alumni Reviews Review School
Review
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Branksome Hall taught me early that being an international student isn’t a limitation rather it’s a strength. Moving from Branksome Hall Asia to Toronto in Grade 9, I came with uncertainty, but Branksome welcomed me. . .
Branksome Hall stands out because of how it pushes you to grow both inside and outside the classroom. For me, the unique combination of the IB curriculum and the encouragement to connect academics with personal. . .
Branksome Hall has been so much more than just a school for me; it’s been the place where I found both my confidence and my voice. I think what makes Branksome unique compared to other. . .
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