As we look toward the 2026–27 school year, we are thrilled to share an update on the evolution of our Middle School program.

At Branksome Hall, we recognize that the Middle School years (Grades 7 and 8) are a unique and transformative period in a student's life. To better support this journey, we have undertaken a data-informed redesign of our Middle School program that aims to foster deeper learning, build stronger connections and enhance student well-being.

A Distinct Middle School Identity

Beginning July 1, 2026, Branksome will transition to a more specialized leadership structure. In her new role as Head of Middle School, Erika Lo will focus exclusively on the academic and personal growth of our Grades 7 and 8 students.

This shift is about creating a "school within a school" experience in the Middle School years, where every student is known, challenged and supported. The Middle School model is distinctly designed for the unique social, cognitive and well-being needs of Grades 7 and 8 students, serving as a bridge as students transition from the Junior School into Grade 7, and preparing them to enter the Senior School with confidence.

What This Means for Our Students

Through extensive research and community feedback, we have reimagined the Middle School day to prioritize what matters most:

• Dedicated Middle School Timetable and Enhanced Interdisciplinary Learning: For the first time, we are introducing a dedicated Middle School timetable and reclaiming the Middle School building as a primary home for our students. Together with the Senior School, we have aligned with the Junior School on a 10-day cycle, which brings a new level of structure and consistency to the entire Branksome journey. The Middle School daily schedule will run from 8:20 a.m. to 3:40 p.m., and to create a close-knit feel, students will now move primarily as a homeroom. These changes to the timetable will allow students to engage in deep, hands-on projects that integrate subjects—reflecting how the real world actually works. We’re also prioritizing the ‘whole student.’ We’ve extended lunch to a full 60 minutes for rest and connection, and in addition to Advisor and Community Time, we’ve built new Incubator periods right into the timetable. Guided by our faculty, School Counsellors and Innovation Team, these sessions will focus on social-emotional learning and Approaches to Learning skills, giving students the space to launch innovative passion projects and experience more interdisciplinary opportunities.
• Stronger Student-Teacher Connections: This new rhythm allows for full-year Design courses, team-taught Math in Grade 7 and smaller teaching teams of specialized mentors who truly understand this age group. By reducing the size of our teaching teams, students will work with a more consistent group of educators who specialize in working with this age group, fostering a more close-knit support network where faculty can collaborate more closely on each student's individual progress.
• Integrated Well-Being: Our Middle School Counsellors will continue to report directly to the Head of Middle School. This ensures that well-being isn't a separate conversation, but is woven into the fabric of the academic day.
• A Clear Point Person for Student Life: We heard our community’s call for clarity. A new Assistant Head of Student Life and Leadership (Grades 7–12) will oversee Clubs, Clans, events, and student life and leadership, ensuring a vibrant and cohesive social experience across the Middle and Senior years.

Looking Forward

While our core values remain unchanged, these structural enhancements will provide a distinct, intentional Middle School program designed specifically for our students. The future of the Branksome Middle School is bright, and we can’t wait to get started.