FULL BOARDING AND DAY • CO-EDUCATIONAL • 13-18
ADMISSION AT YEAR 9
A GUIDE FOR PARENTS
FIRST STEPS
COME AND VISIT US
We are delighted that you are considering us for your child/ren. Community is at the heart of Canford’s success as a school; we encourage you to come and get a feel for us in person if you possibly can. Many parents choose to visit privately in the first instance and then return for an open morning with their children, however, the choice of when and how you introduce us to your child is entirely up to you.
BOOK FOR AN OPEN MORNING
Scan the QR code or click the link below to visit the website page and book a place www.canford.com/open-morning
BOOK A PRIVATE VISIT
Scan the QR code or click the link below to book a private visit to Canford https://www.canford.com/admissions/visit /private-visit-request
REGISTRATION
While we encourage registration in Year 5, we remain open to new registrations throughout Year 6, 7 and the Christmas term of Year 8.
Once registered, we will guide you every step of the way right up to your child’s first day with us. In addition to important information about the assessment days and our Year 8 scholarship opportunities, we will also reach out about various events so that you can spend time within our community and meet other registered families. The reason we recommend registering by the end of Year 5 is this will allow you and your child the opportunity to take advantage of our whole admissions journey, including being invited to various events to become familiar with us ahead of the assessments.
You may register your child as early as you like and can do this online.
REGISTER YOUR CHILD
Scan the QR code or click the link below to visit the website page and complete the application form https://apply.canford.com/user/welcome.php
ASSESSMENT TIMELINES
We offer assessment opportunities at regular intervals. Below are the main timelines, but there is flexibility where required for children to attend a test day outside of these.
If you are living outside of the UK and travel to us is not possible, your child can sit the following assessments under remote or exam invigilation.
REGISTER BY
31 JULY IN YEAR 5
ASSESSMENT DAY AT CANFORD
January/February YEAR 6
OUTCOME Before Easter YEAR 6
REGISTER BY 31 JULY IN YEAR 6
ASSESSMENT DAY AT CANFORD January/February YEAR 7
OUTCOME Before Easter YEAR 7
REGISTER BY 31 MARCH IN YEAR 7
ASSESSMENT DAY AT CANFORD May YEAR 7
OUTCOME June YEAR 7
YEAR 6, 7 AND 8 ASSESSMENT DAYS
THE KEY ELEMENTS OF THESE DAYS ARE:
• Our online standardised Quest testing in Maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-nerbal reasoning. (70 minutes, breaks can be taken between each subject). Visit this link: https://app.questassessments.com/public/taster/canford-school or scan the QR code to see a sample test.
• A creative writing exercise (30 minutes).
• Lunch in our Great Hall offers the chance to sample our extensive lunch menu.
• The afternoon sports session is a fun opportunity to be active and relax in the afternoon.
• A relaxed conversation with a member of academic staff.
• A small group debate-style discussion.
We will also ask your child’s current school for a reference and CAT scores.
IF YOUR CHILD IS BEING ASSESSED REMOTELY:
• Our online standardised Quest testing in Maths, English, verbal reasoning and non-nerbal reasoning. (70 minutes, breaks can be taken between each subject). Visit this link: https://app.questassessments.com/public/taster/canford-school or scan the QR code to see a sample test.
• A creative writing exercise (30 minutes).
• A relaxed, online conversation with a member of academic staff.
• If English is your child’s second language, an English as an Additional Language paper is required.
We will also ask your child’s current school for a reference and recent report.
YEAR 8: TIMELINE
OCTOBER
• Scholarship information available on the school website and from the Admissions team.
DECEMBER
• Scholarship and Bursary application closing date.
SPRING
• Academic Scholarships.
• Art, Drama, Design Technology, Music and Sport Scholarships.
• Scholarship and Bursary outcomes released.
JUNE
• Familiarisation Day for those joining in September.
ASSESSMENT
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHY DO YOU ASSESS?
We want pupils to join Canford who are the best fit, so that their senior school years offer the most positive experience possible. We are not just looking for academic aptitude. Wider ability, character, attitude and the potential to contribute and thrive here are also valued highly. Assessment allows us to meet each individual pupil and the chance to see them working within a group. Equally if Canford is not the place for them, the assessment process will flag this, giving families time to look for alternatives.
IS IT BETTER TO REGISTER AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE?
We recommend registration as early as possible. Those registered by the end of Year 5 will be invited to Explore Day at the beginning of Year 6.
CAN I CHOOSE WHICH YEAR MY CHILD IS ASSESSED?
Yes. This is a decision for parents. It is recommended that you also consult with the Head at your child’s current school to choose the most appropriate option.
DO YOU ASK FOR A REFERENCE FROM THE CURRENT SCHOOL?
Yes. References add an important dimension to our understanding of individual pupils.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF CANFORD IS THE RIGHT SCHOOL FOR YOUR CHILD?
If your school has recommended you apply for Canford then it is highly likely to be a very good fit. If you have concerns beyond this, a phone call, private visit and our open mornings can provide you with the opportunities to discuss this with us and feel reassured.
DOES THE FACT I ALREADY HAVE A CHILD IN THE SCHOOL MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
Younger siblings of current pupils who attend the assessments in Year 6 or Year 7 will not be in competition with other applicants for places, provided they reach our required entry standard in the assessment.
CAN I ENTER FOR AN ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP WITHOUT SITTING ANY ASSESSMENTS?
Yes, academic scholarships are open to all, regardless of whether one already has a place in the school or not.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Once you have registered your child, we will contact you by email at the appropriate time to invite them to enter the next available assessment option.
