Branksome Hall has launched its new Strategic Planning Process—a year-long journey dedicated to honouring the school’s unique heritage while boldly imagining the next chapter of its story.

To ensure this vision is both ambitious and grounded, the school has partnered with Ian Symmonds & Associates (ISA), a leading firm in educational strategy, to guide it through an inclusive, mission-aligned process. 

Why We Chose ISA

The school’s aim in seeking a partner for this work was to find someone who shares its fundamental philosophy. Chief Strategist Ian Symmonds and his team view strategy in the same way Branksome does: as a synthesis of community voice, future-focused innovation and lasting power, so that this strategy reflects not just where the school is, but where it needs to go. The goal is to create a roadmap that provides both immediate direction for a clear and actionable path forward as well as a long-range, student-centric vision that looks to 2045 and beyond, reflecting a deep commitment to what Branksome students and the community need to thrive in the world of tomorrow. 

A noted global strategist, futurist, author and speaker focused on innovation in education, entrepreneurship and sport, Ian founded ISA in 2003 after 15 years in senior leadership roles at independent schools, colleges and universities, where he helped to grow enrolment and drive institutional restructuring. Over the past two decades, he has advised nearly 2,000 clients around the world, including schools, colleges and nonprofits. 

The Steering Committee: Our Guiding Voice

A Strategic Planning Steering Committee, working in partnership with Ian Symmonds & Associates, has been formed to serve as the collaborative engine of this project. Their mandate is to provide leadership in guiding the development of the strategic plan throughout the year, ensuring that all insights gathered from the community are reflected in Branksome’s long-term aspirations, through an inclusive, mission-aligned and values-driven process. 

As the process evolves and key themes emerge, the school will also invite internal and external community members to join specific Design Teams to help refine goals into actionable initiatives. 

Our Roadmap: The Year Ahead

The school has structured this process into five distinct phases to ensure thoroughness and clarity. Here is how it will navigate the coming months, into next fall and winter:

• Fall 2025: Planning
• Early Winter: Discovery and Research
• Early Spring: Setting Strategic Goals
• Late Spring/Summer: Refining Goals
• Fall 2026: Finalizing the Plan
• Winter 2027: Formal Launch

Your Voice Matters

A strategic plan is only as strong as the community it represents. Community members will receive an invitation to participate in a brief online, anonymous survey, and there will be further opportunities to participate in feedback sessions in the future. All community members are encouraged to share their insights, which will be vital to help shape a Branksome Hall that continues to challenge and inspire. Branksome looks forward to embarking on this transformative journey together!