THIS IS
The top co-educational boarding and day school in the region for pupils aged 13-18*
THE ACADEMIC LEADER No.1
school i n the region * for top A Level and GCSE results.
HOW WE ACHIEVE THIS – THE FACTS:
1-1 support to achieve the very best outcome for every pupil
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
120 specialist subject teachers across 20 departments
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 and Art Foundations to Medical Schools and international study. Our focus is on the best outcome for every individual Canfordian.
THE BOARDING CULTURE
Boarding opportunities extend the fun!
Current boy boarder
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.
Boarding is the real deal.
Talk Education
HOW WE ACHIEVE THIS – THE FACTS:
7 day-a-week culture inclusive for both boarding and day
21st century model - boarders can opt for some extra Saturday nights at home*
4 out of 5 boarders are in school every weekend – there is no ‘emptying out’ culture†
The mix of fun and skills-based evening and weekend activities are open to all pupils, boarding and day
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
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
average, Canford tracked.
can leave after Saturday school
number of extra times each term in addition to exeats and half terms, but must return by Sunday evening.
TIERED OPPORTUNITIES IN SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES
Sport here is everything you might expect in a school of this calibre and scope – and then some.
The Good Schools Guide
100+ teams play 1,000+ fixtures across 16 sports every year, developing sporting skills, teamwork, confidence and positive physical wellbeing.
HOW WE ACHIEVE THIS – THE FACTS:
50+ different sports, clubs and activities, inclusive and open to all
National semis/finals* Hockey, Cricket, Netball, Tennis, Football
OCs Beyond Canford
USA Golf #27 rank, U23 World Rowing Gold, U19 England Cricket, Bath and Leicester Premiership Rugby
THE CREATIVE ARTS
The performing chances I was given helped my confidence in all parts of school and life.
Old Canfordian
HOW WE ACHIEVE THIS – THE FACTS:
1st class facilities onsite Music School, Theatre and Art Gallery spaces
Variety inclusivityand
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:
CCF – Best School**
260 CCF cadets, 26 Sixth Form NCOs
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 LOCATION
We chose Canford for, amongst other things, the convenient location.
Former parent
EXETER • (1 hour 50 mins)
Pupils join Canford from across the South of England, Channel Islands and internationally
Network of routes
Day bus routes across Dorset, Hampshire and Wiltshire
Coach services for boarders to Hampshire, Surrey, Wiltshire, London SW1 and airports
OXFORD • (1 hour 40 mins) • NEWBURY (1 hour 15 mins) BATH • (1 hour 30 mins)
GUILDFORD (1 hour 40 mins) DORCHESTER • (37 mins) SHAFTESBURY • (40 mins)
WINCHESTER (45 mins) • SALISBURY (47 mins)
• SOUTHAMPTON (50 mins)
FINANCIAL STABILITY
HOW WE ACHIEVE THIS – THE FACTS:
Care and consideration
We manage our finances prudently and have no borrowings
250 Acre Campus 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
LONDON (2 hours)
Among the top 10 most beautiful schools (The Daily Telegraph)
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
We support as much as we can
Opportunity We maximise on the commercial opportunities of our campus
Sustainability
Inclusive fees We are transparent about extras, and keep these to a minimum andScholarships bursaries
Investment in renewable energy reduces emissions and saves costs
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.
Former parent
The best school around by far. Current parent
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.
Current pupil
Parents are a mix – some are wealthy, others have made real sacrifices to send their children here ... pupils are splendidly down to earth.
Talk Education
We know that choosing a school is a
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.