THIS IS
The top co-educational boarding and day school in the region for pupils aged 13-18* *Sunday Times Parent Power 2025
Boarding oppor tunities extend the fun!
Boarding is the real deal. Talk Education
HOW WE ACHIEVE THIS – THE FACTS:
7 day-a-week
21st century model
culture inclusive for both boarding and day
- boarders can opt for some extra Saturday nights at home*
4 out of 5 boarders
The mix of fun and skills-based evening and
Current boy boarder
are in school every weekend – there is no ‘emptying out’ culture†
weekend activities are open to all pupils, boarding and day
†
Canford’s genuine 7 day a week boarding school community offers rich experiences and lasting friendships for all pupils. There is flexibility for boarders to spend some Saturday nights at home if they want to, keeping families closely connected, while day pupils can take full advantage of everything on offer in evenings and at weekends.
THE CANFORD COMMUNITY The thing that makes Canford stick out from its rivals is the unique community it has around it. There is a genuine care and passion for everyone - pupils, parents, staff and others. HOW WE ACHIEVE THIS – THE FACTS:
650 pupils
Not too big, not too small. Everyone is known and heard
Supportive
A community where all look out for and after each other
Sense of belonging
Shared activities across the year groups such as inter-house events and central dining
On average, Canford tracked. *Boarders can leave after Saturday school a number of extra times each term in addition to exeats and half terms, but must return by Sunday evening.
THE BOARDING CULTURE
Always a Canfordian
A network of over 10,000 alumni
Service to others
8000+ hours devoted to community action each year by staff and pupils
TIERED OPPORTUNITIES IN SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES 50+ different sports, clubs
National semis/finals*
OCs Beyond Canford
CCF – Best School**
Hockey, Cricket, Netball, Tennis, Football
and activities, inclusive and open to all
The Good Schools Guide
100+ teams play 1,000+ fixtures across 16 sports every year, developing sporting skills,
USA Golf #27 rank, U23 World Rowing Gold, U19 England Cricket, Bath and Leicester Premiership Rugby
teamwork, confidence and positive physical wellbeing.
260 CCF cadets, 26 Sixth Form NCOs
THE CREATIVE ARTS The performing chances I was given helped my confidence in all par ts of school and life. Old Canfordian
HOW WE ACHIEVE THIS – THE FACTS:
1st class facilities onsite
Music School, Theatre and Art Gallery spaces
Variety and inclusivity
House Art, House Film, House Music, Rock Band, Decks, Stage Management
High level achievement
16 ARSM Music diplomas/Grade 8s 2023-2025
Recent leaver destinations include prestigious Drama and Art Colleges and Music Conservatoires including:
60+ Music concerts, 15+ Drama productions 10+ Art exhibitions 20+ Cultural celebrations each year
Talent development Performance opportunities in both London and locally, Annual Artist in Residence
Specialist links
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, National Youth Theatre, Arts University Bournemouth
*2023-25, **The Week Independent Schools Guide
HOW WE ACHIEVE THIS – THE FACTS:
Spor t here is everything you might expect in a school of this calibre and scope – and then some.
LOCATION
THE
We chose Canford for, amongst other things, the convenient location.
Network of routes
Coach services
for boarders to Hampshire, Surrey, Wiltshire, London SW1 and airports
Former parent
250 Acre Campus
Day bus routes across Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire
offering safe, inspiring green space for pupils to learn and grow
15 minutes
from the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage site, offering a wealth of social, academic and cultural opportunities
OXFORD • (1 hour 40 mins)
BATH •
• NEWBURY
(1 hour 30 mins)
(1 hour 15 mins)
SHAFTESBURY • (40 mins)
• SALISBURY
Pupils join Canford
(1 hour 40 mins)
(47 mins)
• WINCHESTER
LONDON (2 hours)
•
(45 mins)
EXETER • (1 hour 50 mins)
• GUILDFORD
• SOUTHAMPTON
DORCHESTER •
(50 mins)
(37 mins)
Among the top 10
from across the South of England, Channel Islands and internationally
most beautiful schools (The Daily Telegraph)
FINANCIAL STABILITY
Canford is in robust financial health. We actively encourage parents to take a close look at accounts* before deciding on a school. Canford’s Director of Finance
HOW WE ACHIEVE THIS – THE FACTS:
Care and consideration
We manage our finances prudently and have no borrowings
Scholarships and bursaries
We support as much as we can
Opportunity
We maximise on the commercial opportunities of our campus
Sustainability Investment in renewable energy reduces emissions and saves costs
* All independent school accounts are listed on the Charities Commission website https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/charity-commission
Inclusive fees
We are transparent about extras, and keep these to a minimum
No.1
school in the region* for top A Level and GCSE results.
HOW WE ACHIEVE THIS – THE FACTS:
Learning is not just accepted, it’s part
of our culture
Teaching tailored by year group, with College approach to Sixth Form
We do not simply select top set pupils. We look for all round potential
National
1-1 support
to achieve the very best outcome for every pupil
% RESULTS COMPARISON Canford
THE ACADEMIC LEADER
A*
25
9.7
A*/A
53.3
28.7
A*/B
87
55.8
9
27
5.2
9-7
71
22
9-4
99
70.7
A Level
GCSE
120 specialist
subject teachers across 20 departments
Small class sizes 15 for GCSE, 10 for A Level**
Breadth of intake
120 Year 9s join from over 50 different schools***
Academic excellence,
but not a results-at-all-costs culture. We grow confident, independent minds and focus on every child’s best personal outcome
Over 95% of our pupils currently choose to go on to university, with 80%+ offers from Russell Group/Top 12. But the world is changing fast. Our College Futures programme guides every path, from degree apprenticeships, conservatoires and drama schools to medical schools and international study. Our focus is on the best outcome for every individual Canfordian. * Based on Sunday Times Parent Power report 2025, co-ed independent senior boarding and day schools ** Average class sizes ***Canford tracked across independent and state schools.
IN THEIR OWN WORDS Our son absolutely thrived at Canford. All I wanted was for him to be happy at school, but he became Head of House and his grades at A Level set him up to go to Exeter and obtain a first class honours. Thank you for instilling happiness, pride and dedication in our children.
For me, Canford is a welcoming community, full of hardworking and ambitious people who help to encourage you to be the best possible version of yourself.
Former parent
The best school around by far.
Parents are a mix – some are wealthy, others have made real sacrifices to send their children here ... pupils are splendidly down to ear th.
Current parent
Talk Education
Current pupil
ARE WE THE RIGHT SCHOOL FOR YOU? We know that choosing a school is a big decision and we want to make sure Canford is the right choice for your child and your family. If you would like to explore more, please come and visit us either at an Open Morning or on a private visit. Our Admissions team would be delighted to help you.
01202 847207 admissions@canford.com www.canford.com
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