ADMISSION AT 16+ IN 2026
A GUIDE FOR ENTRY
FIRST STEPS
VISITING
THE SCHOOL
Applicants who are considering applying for Canford Sixth Form are encouraged to attend an Open Morning in Year 10.
We hold Open Mornings twice a year in April and October where a specific presentation for Sixth Form entry is given.
There is more information on the school website at www.canford.com/admissions/visit
REGISTRATION
Registrations for Sixth Form applications open in April of Year 10.
ASSESSMENT OPTIONS
All candidates take either the Canford Entrance Tests or the Academic Scholarship Examinations.
OVERSEAS APPLICANTS
All families applying for Canford from overseas should contact the Admissions team in the first instance. The Admissions team will provide advice and guidance with the international admissions process. To enquire please visit www.canford.com/admissions/enquire
EXPECTED GCSE GRADES YEAR 11: TIMELINE
All scholarships and places are offered subject to candidates achieving a minimum of 42 grade points on the best seven GCSEs, including English and Maths. We would expect at least a grade 7 in each subject to be studied in the Lower Sixth and at least a 6 in English and Maths.
A LEVEL CHOICES
Pupils must choose four subjects (unless one is Further Maths, in which case we ask for five initial subject choices). At some point during the Sixth Form most pupils will drop one subject. One subject must be chosen from each of the groups below. Pupils who wish to study Further Maths must choose ‘Maths & Further Maths’ from Group 4 and three additional subjects from Groups 1 to 3.
GROUP I: Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Drama, Design Technology, Economics, English, Geography, History, Maths, Philosophy & Theology, Physics, Physical Education.
GROUP 2: Art, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Design Technology, Economics, English, Geography, Philosophy & Theology, Physics, Physical Education, Politics, Psychology.
GROUP 3: Biology, Chemistry, Economics, English, French, Geography, History, Music, Philosophy & Theology, Physics, Politics, Psychology, Spanish.
GROUP 4: Biology, Business, Chemistry, Classical Civilisation, Economics, English, French, Geography, History, Maths, Maths & Further Maths, Spanish.
* Provisional groups - subject to change.Where numbers are insufficient, a subject may be withdrawn.
11 OCTOBER 2025
The closing date for entries and applications for scholarships and financial assistance.*
7 NOVEMBER 2025
All Assyrian Sport candidates will be assessed in the afternoon.
10/11/12 NOVEMBER 2025
Canford Entrance Tests and Assyrian Scholarships (except Sport).
13/14 NOVEMBER 2025
Academic Scholarships and Assyrian Scholarships (if applying for Academic Scholarship)
1 DECEMBER 2025
Annoucement of results (in accordance with the agreement between all HMC schools).
*Once the closing date for registration has passed, we will confirm which date you have been allocated to be tested.
THE COLLEGE - SIXTH FORM
ENTRY PATHWAY
• Candidates should choose to sit either the Canford entrance test or the Academic scholarship, NOT both. Those not awarded scholarships will still be considered for places.
• Scholarship candidates must attend Canford in person.
• Candidates where their first language is not English will sit an EAL (English as an Additional Language) paper.
• If choosing the Academic Scholarship entry route, it is not possible to choose Art, Design Technology or Music as one of your subject papers.
• Candidates sitting the Drama Academic Scholarship paper should also prepare a two to three minute monologue from a published text. (not LAMDA) If a candidate is interested in technical theatre, they should give a presentation on how they would approach two scenes from a play of their choice from a technical point of view.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Candidates may enter for any combination of Sixth Form Scholarships. Scholarships can vary in value, but the majority are generally worth 5-15% of the fees.
ASSYRIAN SCHOLARSHIPS
Assryian Scholarships are awarded to Sixth Form pupils who will make a leading contribution in one or more areas of the extracuricular life of Canford. Candidates may choose from one or more of the following and would normally study the subject at A Level (with the exception of sport).
ART: Candidates should bring their portfolio of work containing no more than 10 pieces along with a sketchbook (if available). An informal interview will also take place with a focus on the candidate’s creativity, passion for the subject and desire to learn.
DESIGN TECHNOLOGY: Candidates will need to bring a portfolio of work consisting of approximately 15 A3 pages. Additional material from other projects should also be provided showing the following skills: sketching and graphical communication, examples of any CAD work undertaken, written communication including layout of work (research pages, analysis, idea pages, production diaries etc.), written communication to show depth of understanding in analysis of problem solving, examples of the quality make outcomes. An informal interview will take place with a senior member of our DT department.
DRAMA: Candidates should prepare two 2 - 3 minute monologues from published texts (not LAMDA pieces) and be prepared to take direction on the pieces. Candidates should appreciate the context of the speech within the play. If an applicant is applying due to their interest in technical theatre, they should give a presentation on how they would approach two scenes from a play of their choice from a technical viewpoint. Interviews will take place with our Director of Drama and / or our Technical Manager.
MUSIC: Applicants should prepare one or two short pieces to perform and would normally be of a good grade 6 Associated Board standard. There will also be a general interview.
SPORT: Candidates at 16+ should be high performers in the focus sports played at Canford (Hockey, Netball, Rugby, Cricket) and ideally be involved in a recognised performance pathway. Other sports will be considered, but priority will be given to candidates offering sports played as focus team sports. The scholarship format will include a physical (fitness) assessment along with a technical assessment in their chosen sport/s and an interview.
For the academic element of these awards, candidates must sit either the Academic Scholarship or the Canford Entrance Tests.
MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS
Applicants are expected to have reached or be approaching grade 8 standard with distinction. Applicants should prepare two contrasting pieces on their main instrument/voice and one piece on each supporting instrument/voice. Candidates may offer singing either as a main instrument, or in support of other instruments and they may also wish to bring along original compositions. Scales and arpeggios, sight-reading and aural tests should also be prepared at a level appropriate to the standard of the pieces. The audition concludes with an informal interview between the applicant and the department’s music staff. Applicants should bring to the audition examples of their composing work for GCSE music and be prepared to discuss it with the department’s staff. Scholars are normally expected to take Music A Level.
