Branksome is delighted to announce the appointment of Kathryn Barnes as the school’s Deputy Principal, effective August 10, 2026. As Deputy Principal, Kathryn will oversee all school divisions and lead our overarching well-being vision for all grades. The Heads of the Junior, Middle and Senior Schools, as well as the Head, Student Support, will report directly to her, ensuring an enriching, seamless and holistic experience for every Branksome student.

Kathryn is a distinguished educational leader with extensive experience across Ontario’s independent school sector and International Baccalaureate (IB) environments. She joins Branksome most recently from The York School, where she serves as Principal of the Middle and Senior Schools. Her impressive career also includes a significant tenure at Upper Canada College, where she was a key leader in inclusive education as Executive Director of the Wernham West Centre for Learning.

Kathryn’s journey in education actually brings her full circle; she first walked Branksome’s halls years ago as a student-teacher, and we are thrilled to welcome her back in this senior leadership capacity. Her expertise spans the full spectrum of school life, from progressive academic innovation to complex operational management. Kathryn is particularly committed to:

• Inclusive Education: Leading neurodiversity-responsive practices and multi-tiered systems of support.
• Well-Being: Placing students’ flourishing at the heart of the educational experience.
• Leadership Mentorship: Building cohesive, high-performing teams grounded in relational trust and mission alignment.

Kathryn holds a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy from the University of Toronto, as well as a Bachelor of Kinesiology (Honours) and a Bachelor of Education from Brock University. Her warm, student-centered approach and deep commitment to IB excellence are well aligned with our community’s values of inclusiveness and creativity.

We would like to take this opportunity to once again thank and recognize Kimberly Carter for her exceptional leadership as Interim Deputy Principal over the past year. Kimberly will continue in her interim role through the end of the school year before returning to her permanent position as Head, Enrolment Management on July 1, 2026. Kimberly will also be a vital member of the transition team for support.

Please join the Branksome community in thanking Kimberly for her dedication and in offering a warm welcome to Kathryn.