WELCOME TO CANFORD SIXTH FORM Choosing a Sixth Form is about far more than choosing where to study for the next two years. It is about choosing an environment that will shape the person you become. These are the years when young people begin to make their own decisions, discover who they are and develop the confidence to thrive beyond school. At Canford, we believe those experiences matter just as much as examination results. Our Sixth Form has been designed with that transition in mind. The Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth each have their own identity and purpose. Lower Sixth pupils remain at the heart of their boarding and day houses, where they quickly become senior members of their communities and enjoy leadership opportunities from the very beginning of Sixth Form. As pupils move into the Upper Sixth, they take the next step in their journey, with boarders joining the College Residences and day pupils
freedoms and responsibilities that await them after school. By the time our pupils leave Canford, we want them to feel not only academically prepared, but genuinely ready for whatever comes next.
based in the College Hub. It is a natural progression that gives pupils greater independence while ensuring they continue to benefit from the outstanding care and support that defines life at Canford. The brand new College itself is an exceptional space and one we are immensely proud of, but it is only the backdrop. What really matters is what happens inside it. It is where friendships deepen, ideas are shared, ambitions take shape and young people begin to experience the
That belief runs through everything we do. Whether in the classroom, through leadership, sport, the arts, service or our Futures programme, every experience is designed to help pupils grow in confidence, curiosity and character. Our aim is simple: that every student leaves Canford with outstanding qualifications, a clear sense of direction and the independence to make the most of the opportunities ahead. I hope this guide gives you a flavour of what makes Canford Sixth Form such a special place.
OUR SIX TH F ORM PUPILS A RE HELPING SHA PE A PIEC E OF C A NF ORD LEGAC Y AND THE C OMMUNITY F UTURE C OHORTS WILL INHE R IT. JONO SANTRY, HEAD OF SIXTH FORM
Jono Santry Head of Sixth Form
T H E CO L L E G E AT C AN FO R D I S A P L ACE WH ER E YO U C A N D E V E L O P YO U R S KI L L S , EXP L O R E N EW TA L E NT S , A N D T R U LY FL O U R I S H WI T H I N A S U P P O RT I V E A ND N U RT U R I N G CO MMU N I T Y.
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
The Canford Sixth Form fully opened in September 2026 and provides a state-of-theart environment for Sixth Form pupils, featuring a range of social and study spaces, a teaching kitchen and dedicated wellbeing staff, as well as our Futures team. The College Hub is open to all Sixth Form pupils and serves as the base for Upper Sixth day pupils. The College Residences are home to all Upper Sixth boarders, creating a vibrant community that supports independent living while maintaining strong connections across the wider Sixth Form. Please scan or visit our Canford YouTube channel to watch an introduction from our Deputy Head of Co-Curricular and Personal Development, Julia Bird.
COLLEGE ACADEMICS 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 • Clubs and societies offer academic enrichment opportunities beyond taught courses • Support for Learning specialists provide tailored guidance and one-to-one support
FIND OUT MORE
www.canford.com/sixth-form/collegeacademics
COLLEGE EXPERIENCES
COLLEGE LIFE
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
• 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
• Hands-on leadership developed by the wide-ranging Community Service and CCF programmes
college-experiences
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:
• Exceptional performance facilities and innovative creative arts programmes, accessible to all
FINDFIND OUT OUT MORE MORE www.canford.com/sixth-form/
CANFORD IS A WELCOMING, INCLUSIVE SCHOOL COMMUNITY WHERE EVERY INDIVIDUAL IS VALUED.
• 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
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. 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
FIND OUT MORE
www.canford.com/sixth-form/ college-futures
• Tailored careers and employability programme, including one-to-one guidance, external speakers and events • Active alumni network offering mentoring, advice and guidance for an extensive range of fields
I WILL REMEMBER THE TEAC HERS WHO INS PIR E D ME A ND NEVER GAVE UP ON ME. EVIE, OLD CANFORDIAN
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. • You can apply for any combination or number of scholarships and we currently offer awards of typically between 5% and 10% of fees. Means tested financial assistance is also available.
AT I T S H E A RT, T H E CO L L EG E I S ABO U T C O NNECT I O N, NURT U R I N G CO N FI DEN CE, AN D P R E PA R I NG YO U NG P EO P L E FO R T H E R EAL WO R L D. CHRIS WHEELER, HEADMASTER
• The Lower Sixth Form is a very popular entry point, with pupils joining us from a wide range of backgrounds, including 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.
FIND OUT MORE
www.canford.com/admissions/16
Canford School, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 3AD admissions@canford.com www.canford.com/sixth-form