Notable Academic Facilities

Modern, spacious classroom facilities, Design Technology hub, Art gallery space. A new library with mezzanine workspaces, online resources and state of the art technology opened in 2021.

Wellbeing & Pastoral Care

Developing the individual within a warm, supportive school community is central to our core values. Fostering the capacity to cope with the demands of 21st century living, while encouraging pupils to understand themselves and develop emotional resilience is what we aim for through our extensive pastoral programme. Our pastoral programme is a dynamic one. We are continually developing it, working with external experts and monitoring recommendations and guidance in pastoral care to ensure that Canford is a safe, secure and caring school environment for all who live and work here.

Advice For Parents

Ideally please register by the end of Year 5 in order to sit our entrance tests in Year 6 and be invited to our Explore Days in the Autumn of Year 6.

Typical Child

Children who thrive on a busy, challenging, dynamic school environment.

Highly Regarded For

Canford has a fine reputation for excellence in every aspect of the education it offers. A supportive, caring environment where pupils are encouraged to follow their passions and develop skills for life both inside and beyond the classroom.

Notable Points

Canford supports learning through a whole-school approach, achieving excellent outcomes for all pupils. Our SENCo provides whole-school training on a range of learning differences, helping teachers to identify and respond to the learning challenges that all pupils can encounter, including those with SEND. Support for learning (SFL) is embedded across Canford’s curriculum. Teachers meet regularly to share good practice across departments and develop awareness of differing needs; all departments offer drop-in ’clinics’ and ad hoc 1:1 support. Targeted shells (Year 9) participate in specialised reading groups in addition to the Accelerated Reader Programme which is open to all year 9 pupils.

The SFL department also provides specialist programmes for those pupils with identified learning differences who may require additional support. Our aim is for pupils to develop the skills they need to think and learn independently. We enable our pupils to develop strategies, gain confidence in their own learning and acquire the study skills that will help them to succeed at Canford and beyond.

Leavers' Attainment

A Level 2022: 40.4% of all grades awarded A*, 73.7% A*/A and 92.4% A*/B. Our results lead the way in the South West region, and the school was ranked top in Dorset in the annual Times Parent Power 2022 table.

Leavers' Destinations

Canford has a fine reputation for excellence in academic outcomes leading to pupils gaining places at top universities of their first choice at home and abroad. Over 500 offers each year including 30 Oxbridge places in past 3 years and 23 to Medical Schools. 4 scholarships to US universities in 2022.

Sports

Sport is for all with opportunities for every pupil to represent the school, plus specific support and coaching for top level elite pupils.

Art

Students work within the broad boundaries of Fine Art in media such as painting, drawing, printmaking, construction, casting, glass, film, textiles, photography and installation work. The studios are open for all pupils well beyond the working day including a majority of weekends. The Coldstream Gallery offer exhibition space for display of pupil work.

Drama

The Layard Theatre is a flexible and atmospheric building with a seating capacity of 294, a full extendable stage, lighting and audio. Each year numerous pupil productions grace the Layard stage, including Les Miserables, Little Shop of Horrors and Frankenstein.

Music

From the experienced Sixth Form music scholar to a beginner in Shells and whatever the instrument, our aim is to support, encourage and develop the pupils' music-making.

Dance

A dance studio in the Sports Centre is available to complement the facilities in the Layard Theatre.