Since our founding in 1903, thousands of great women have walked our halls as Branksome students. They have been routinely welcomed into the finest colleges and universities around the world, with many receiving scholarships. Branksome alumnae have gone on to make a difference in just about any and every imaginable field and endeavor.
Branksome is a unique school. As Toronto's only all-girls, all years IB World School, we offer our students an academically excellent program in tandem with unmatched commitments to global engagement and well-being. At Branksome, girls are taught the skills they need to thrive in our changing world. They learn how to find their loud voices and develop as lifelong learners.
As you read through this website, you will discover more about the Branksome difference and what sets us apart. When you are ready to learn more, please drop by our campus for an Open House or reach out to our Admission team. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing more about what makes our school so remarkable.
The school was founded by Miss Margaret Scott, who served as our first principle from 1903 to 1910. Branksome Hall was initially located in a rental property at 102 Bloor Street East, with an enrolment of 70 girls. Seven years later, that property was purchased by the province, and Branksome relocated to 592 Sherbourne Street.
In 1912, the school purchased Hollydene, the elegant property at 10 Elm Avenue. The house, built in 1880, was purchased for the then princely sum of $48,000. Included in the deal was a coach house, which soon contained classrooms and a gymnasium. Holden's spacious lawns were perfect for outdoor games and garden parties.
Over the years, both the campus and student enrolment have expanded. Branksome's campus now includes more than a dozen buildings, ranging from heritage mansions to modern structures, all linked by state-of-the-art technology. While today's IB World School is globally-minded and has a diverse student body, Branksome Hall has retained many of its early Scottish traditions.
Branksome Hall is a school where remarkable things happen every day! We welcome you to enjoy learning about our community, our programs, our facilities, and the many opportunities that inspire our 900 students. Our dedicated Admissions team is ready to assist you, from your initial inquiry to your enrolment at Branksome Hall. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact a member of our team, and we would be happy to assist you. To learn about our IB Advantage for Girls, please take a moment to read more from our students and faculty.
Every student at Branksome Hall, from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12, benefits from the IB curriculum. It promotes curiosity and critical thinking, provides regular assessments and feedback against standardized criteria, and has been shown to improve students' performance and provide unmatched preparation for university studies.
Nearly 5,000 schools in more than 150 countries have adopted the IB World School program, recognized widely as the gold standard in education. Branksome Hall is the only independent girls' school in Toronto to offer the International Baccalaureate exclusively.
IB Program students study English, Mathematics, Sciences, Technology, Physical Education, the Arts (Drama, Music, Visual Art), humanities, and a foreign language every year. Grounded in the liberal arts tradition, IB teaches students to become critical thinkers and effective communicators of their ideas and opinions at every age. As a result, they develop habits that last through a lifetime of shaping a better world.
From an early age, our students are thoughtful learners who seek knowledge and think critically. They are comfortable with differing points of view. Also, they understand that our world is complex, changing the place that needs caring, compassionate, and principled leaders, and they take action to make the world a better place.
VIDEOS
