The Grand Erie District School Board has announced that Tollgate Technical Skills Centre (TTS) will not accept Grade 9 students for the 2025/2026 school year, directing prospective students to their designated home schools instead.
The decision comes after a district-wide review of enrollment and programming at Tollgate and other schools in Greater Brantford. Findings revealed Tollgate’s unique academic focus and enrollment patterns posed challenges to providing balanced educational opportunities across the district.
In November 2024, Tollgate reported an enrollment of 263 students, including 56 in Grade 9. A striking 80% of Tollgate students have an Individual Education Plan (IEP), compared to the board-wide average of 23%. Provincial guidelines state that students with IEPs are those identified as having exceptionalities or needing special education programs to achieve academic success or remain engaged in school.
Tollgate’s academic offerings are also distinct. The school specializes in workplace-focused pathways, offering no courses at the College or University level. While students can earn their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), they lack the qualifications to pursue post-secondary education.
The review highlighted challenges with graduation rates, noting that only 30% of Tollgate’s Grade 12 students graduate annually, with many leaving before earning their diploma.
Tollgate’s lack of a designated school boundary and acceptance of students from across the district contributed to the decision to shift Grade 9 students to schools such as Brantford Collegiate Institute (BCI), North Park Collegiate, and Pauline Johnson Collegiate.
Parents and guardians with questions about the changes are encouraged to contact the Grand Erie District School Board directly.
