ADMISSIONS
The Bishop Strachan School is more selective than most, with competitive admissions and less than half of applications typically accepted. Popular entry grades include JK, Grade 7, and Grade 9. The process may involve an interview, entrance exam, and essay, which is different from the usual approach where rolling admissions and higher acceptance rates are common.
Page Contents
Facts and analysis
VISITING THE SCHOOL
Upcoming open houses will be announced here.
An open house includes a campus tour and meetings with teachers, staff, and students. Hosting open houses is a typical practice among schools.
-
Why it matters
A school visit offers a firsthand look at the environment, culture, and daily life of the school. It provides an opportunity to ask questions, observe interactions, and verify your expectations directly. It's a vital part of an informed choice.
APPLICATION DEADLINES
The final deadline is December for Day entry at The Bishop Strachan School.
Entry is typically for the beginning of the next school year in September.
-
Application deadline by enrollment type(s)
Month The Bishop Strachan School Other schools Fixed deadline Rolling admissions Fixed deadline Rolling admissions September Boarding admissions 0% 88% of all other schools have rolling admissions October Less than 1% November 2% December Day deadline
7% January 1% February 2% March 2% April 1% May 1% June Less than 1% July 0% August 1% -
Why it matters
The admissions timeline helps you plan and prepare for key milestones, including school visits, application submission, and acceptance notifications.
ENTRY GRADES
The highest number of new enrollment openings include Grade(s) JK, 7 and 9.
The highest number of openings across all other schools we cover include Grade(s) 9, 10 and 11 (for the same grades offered at The Bishop Strachan School).
-
Breakdown by grade
Entry grade Number of openings available: Day The Bishop Strachan School Average of all other schools JK 16 - 20 16 SK 1 - 2 10 Gr. 1 12 - 16 10 Gr. 2 1 - 2 8 Gr. 3 - 8 Gr. 4 6 - 8 9 Gr. 5 - 9 Gr. 6 16 - 20 9 Gr. 7 25 - 30 16 Gr. 8 - 10 Gr. 9 25 - 30 23 Gr. 10 2 - 6 13 Gr. 11 2 - 4 13 Gr. 12 - 13 Entry grade Number of openings available: Boarding The Bishop Strachan School Average of all other schools Gr. 8 3 - 6 8 Gr. 9 10 - 16 18 Gr. 10 4 - 6 18 Gr. 11 5 - 8 18 Gr. 12 - 14 -
Why it matters
Popular entry grades may offer more opportunities for peer integration and more extensive orientation programs at the school. Applying to these grades may increase the chances of admission and support a smoother social and academic transition for the student.
ACCEPTANCE RATE
40% of all applications are accepted.
Admissions at The Bishop Strachan School is more competitive than the majority of the schools we cover.
-
Breakdown by grade
Grade Acceptance rate: Day The Bishop Strachan School Average of all other schools JK 65% 42% SK 50% 36% Gr. 1 50% 40% Gr. 2 40% 37% Gr. 3 0% 36% Gr. 4 45% 36% Gr. 5 0% 36% Gr. 6 50% 36% Gr. 7 40% 38% Gr. 8 0% 35% Gr. 9 40% 40% Gr. 10 0% 38% Gr. 11 50% 37% Gr. 12 0% 35% Grade Acceptance rate: Boarding The Bishop Strachan School Average of all other schools Gr. 8 50% 35% Gr. 9 50% 40% Gr. 10 50% 38% Gr. 11 50% 37% Gr. 12 - 35% -
What The Bishop Strachan School says it looks for in students
If you’re thinking about coming to BSS, you’re in good company. Every year we welcome more than a hundred girls who find themselves embraced by a warm, welcoming and lively community. Successful students at BSS thrive in a rigorous inquiry-based environment and enjoy strong verbal and conceptual learning styles.
-
Why it matters
A school's acceptance rate gives you an indication of how competitive the admissions process is. Understanding this can help you set expectations and make strategic decisions about where to apply. Please note that the acceptance rates provided here are approximate.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
The admissions process may require an interview, an entrance exam and an entrance essay.
See grade-by-grade admissions requirements at The Bishop Strachan School and how they compare with other schools.
-
Breakdown by grade
Grade Required by The Bishop Strachan School % of schools requiring Interview SSAT SSAT (out of province) Entrance exam Entrance essay JK - - - Interview: 35%, Exam: 4% SK - - - Interview: 35%, Exam: 5% Gr. 1 - - - Interview: 51%, Exam: 16%, Essay: 2% Gr. 2 - - - Interview: 52%, Exam: 19%, Essay: 2% Gr. 3 - - - Interview: 53%, SSAT: 1%, Exam: 21%, Essay: 2% Gr. 4 - - - Interview: 55%, SSAT: 1%, Exam: 23%, Essay: 3% Gr. 5 - - - Interview: 57%, SSAT: 1%, Exam: 25%, Essay: 5% Gr. 6 - - Interview: 60%, SSAT: 2%, Exam: 26%, Essay: 7% Gr. 7 - - Interview: 63%, SSAT: 2%, Exam: 28%, Essay: 10% Gr. 8 - - Interview: 64%, SSAT: 2%, Exam: 28%, Essay: 10% Gr. 9 - - Interview: 52%, SSAT: 2%, Exam: 25%, Essay: 10% Gr. 10 - - Interview: 50%, SSAT: 2%, Exam: 22%, Essay: 11% Gr. 11 - - Interview: 50%, SSAT: 2%, Exam: 22%, Essay: 11% Gr. 12 - - - - - Interview: 44%, SSAT: 2%, Exam: 17%, Essay: 10% -
What The Bishop Strachan School says about the application process
Application fee: $250
Registration fee: $9,500
Deposit: $0
Description:We welcome Day students for all entry grades (JK, Grade 1, 4, 6, 7 and 9) and Boarding students from Grades 8 to 11 into our creative and challenging environment. Grade 12 applications are considered on a case-to-case basis. The path to BSS is an exciting one! Take the first step now.
STEP ONE - Connect With Us
Join one of our Admission events or a personal campus tour. You can also visit our website to learn more about the enrolment process. Email enrolment@bss.on.ca or call 416-483-4325, ext. 1220.
STEP TWO - Apply
Apply online. Applications are due by December 1, 2024.
STEP THREE - Submit Your Documentation
All supplementary documents will be uploaded through our online application system (myBSS). This way you’ll be able to track your progress through the application process. Check our website for specific requirements.
STEP FOUR - Book Your Interview and Assessment
This enables us to get to know you and your child, including her academic strengths and interests outside of school.
STEP FIVE - Offer
Independent schools in the Toronto area share a common offer date in February for Day applicants. This is the day you will hear from BSS with an enrolment decision. If your daughter is offered a place, you will have 5 days to accept. We encourage families to make the decision as quickly as possible, as we do keep an active waitlist and applicants may be considered for second-round offers.
-
Why it matters
Understanding admission requirements is crucial as you assess your fit with a school and the likelihood of acceptance. These requirements often reflect the school's educational priorities.
