THE COLLEGE AT CANFORD IS A PLACE WHERE YOU CAN DEVELOP YOUR SKILLS, EXPLORE NEW TALENTS, AND TRULY FLOURISH WITHIN A SUPPORTIVE AND NURTURING COMMUNITY.
WELCOME TO CANFORD! WE ARE DELIGHTED THAT YOU ARE THINKING OF JOINING THE COLLEGE FOR YOUR SIXTH FORM YEARS.
The College Sixth Form programme is organised into four core elements:
COLLEGE ACADEMICS
An inspiring culture of intellectual curiosity
COLLEGE EXPERIENCES
Opportunities to lead, explore talents and develop life skills
COLLEGE LIFE
An inclusive community where every individual is supported and valued
COLLEGE FUTURES
Empowering you to fulfil your ambitions for life beyond school
This state-of-the-art Sixth Form building, including a range of social and study spaces, teaching kitchen and futures centre, is opening in the following phases.
Opened March 2025 - College Hub facilities open for all current Lower and Upper Sixth pupils.
September 2025 -The College Hub becomes the base for Upper Sixth day pupils. Upper Sixth boarders will continue to live in their current Houses while enjoying access to all the Hub facilities.
September 2026 - College Residences open for Upper Sixth boarders.
Please scan or visit our Canford YouTube channel to watch an introduction from our Assistant Head Sixth Form, Julia Bird
THE COLLEGE ACADEMICS PROGRAMME AIMS TO PROVIDE AN INSPIRING CULTURE OF INTELLECTUAL CURIOSITY.
We currently teach A Levels in 20+ subjects and Canford is consistently ranked No.1 across the South West region for A Level results. These are achieved through a high quality teaching and learning experience which goes beyond the boundaries of the curriculum.
WHAT WE OFFER:
• Outstanding academic outcomes with our Sixth Formers consistently ranked No.1 in the region for highest exam results
• Seminar style classes support a collaborative approach to learning
• A vast array of group study spaces alongside your own desk space, reflects our positive academic culture
• Support for Learning specialists provide tailored guidance and one-to-one support
COLLEGE EXPERIENCES
LEARNING AT CANFORD GOES WAY BEYOND THE CLASSROOM. THE CO-CURRICULAR OPTIONS AVAILABLE PROVIDE A BROAD RANGE OF VARIED AND CHALLENGING CHOICES, WITH SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE.
The College Experiences programme is designed to give you opportunities to lead, explore your talents and develop all important life skills such as leadership, teamwork, decision making and organisation. We want the habits and behaviours you develop to have a hugely positive effect on all aspects of your life, both while at school and in the wider world.
WHAT WE OFFER:
• Nationally ranked sports teams and a breadth of sport opportunities
• Exceptional performance facilities and innovative creative arts programmes, accessible to all
• Hands-on leadership developed by the wide-ranging Community Service and CCF programmes
• Close links with local community groups through extensive volunteering and outreach activities
• Life changing international trips through the Partnership programme supporting communities across the globe
COLLEGE LIFE
CANFORD IS A WELCOMING, INCLUSIVE SCHOOL COMMUNITY WHERE EVERY INDIVIDUAL IS VALUED.
Our award winning pastoral care programmes have been nationally recognised among the best in the country. The Sixth Form years are a transition between school and the world beyond, and we want to ensure that you are supported and guided every step of the way. The dedicated pastoral team based in the College supports wellbeing, building confidence, knowledge and skills for adult life.
WHAT WE OFFER:
• State-of-the-art Sixth Form complex designed to support transition to adult life
• Active pupil voice promoted through whole School leadership and House roles
• Tutors provide regular one-to-one mentoring and support for all aspects of College life
• Varied social programme fostering close connections across the whole Sixth Form
• Facilities in the Hub include a teaching kitchen, wellbeing drop-in service and a multifaith prayer room and contemplation space FIND OUT MORE www.canford.com/sixth-form/ college-life
COLLEGE FUTURES
THE COLLEGE FUTURES PROGRAMME AIMS TO EMPOWER YOU TO FULFIL YOUR AMBITIONS FOR LIFE BEYOND SCHOOL, WHATEVER CAREER PATHWAY YOU CHOOSE.
FIND OUT MORE www.canford.com/sixth-form/ college-futures
The majority of our Sixth Form move on to leading UK universities but with the world of higher education and work changing fast, we want to ensure that you are aware of and best prepared for all the options open to you. Our expert Futures team will offer you guidance and support every step of the way, with seminars, careers events and opportunities to make full use of Canford’s networks.
WHAT WE OFFER:
• In-house expertise for UCAS and overseas university applications and degree apprenticeships
• Year on year, over 80% of pupils successfully gain entry to Russell Group or top 12 universities
• Bespoke support for applicants to Oxbridge and Medical pathways
• Tailored careers programme, including one-to-one guidance, external speakers and events
• Active alumni network offering mentoring, advice and guidance for an extensive range of fields
HOW TO APPLY
The first step is to register for a place and you can do this online. Registration for Sixth Form opens in April of Year 10 and closes in early October each year. Entrance testing and scholarship opportunities take place in November of Year 11 and results are published in early December.
WHAT WE OFFER:
• Choose between taking the Canford Entrance Tests or the Academic Scholarship. Candidates taking the Academic Scholarship will automatically be considered for a place if they do not receive a scholarship award.
• We currently offer scholarships for Academic, Art, Design Technology, Drama, Music, Sport. You can apply for any combination or number of scholarships and we currently offer awards of typically between 5% and 15% of fees. Means-tested bursaries are also available and may be worth up to 100% of fees.
• Historically 30-35 places were available for Sixth Form entry. With the opening of the College, this capacity will increase once the new accommodation opens. Pupils join us from a wide range of backgrounds, from other independent schools and state schools both in the UK and internationally.
• Normally we would expect at least a grade 7 (or an A grade) in each subject to be studied in the Lower Sixth and at least a 6 (or a B grade) in English and Maths. To find out more about entry criteria and what the tests involve, please get in touch with our Admissions team via admissions@canford.com.
