Address: Wimborne, Dorset BH21 3AD
Website: canford.com
Founded: 1923
Number of Pupils: 386 boys, 278 girls. Total roll: 664 (highest in the school’s history)
Ages: 13–18
Fees: (termly) Boarding – £15,173, Day – £11,497 day
Head Teacher: Ben Vessey MA
Religious Affiliation: Church of England
Entrance Procedure: Selective. 13+: pre-assessment Year 6 or Year 7. 16+: entry tests autumn Year 11
Contact: Susan Hogan, Director of Admissions; 01202 847207
Email: [email protected]
School Visits: Open Mornings: 7 October 2023 and 27 April 2024. Personal visits also welcome – please contact Admissions

The Curriculum

Outstanding outcomes, with 31% A*, 66% A*/A and 88% A*/B grades at A Level/Pre U 2023 achieved through inspirational teaching and an enrichment programme developing minds beyond syllabus confines. Top co-educational senior school in the South West for A Level results in the Sunday Times Parent Power 2023 review.

Games & The Arts

30+ sports/activities for every level. Scholars receive additional specialist coaching with regular national representation. Arts integral to school life while the extensive community service programme promotes social responsibility, teamwork, resilience and leadership – 8,000+ hours each year given by pupils.

Pastoral Care

Fostering the capacity to cope with 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. Ofsted rated the school ‘outstanding’ in its last inspection. ISI found the quality of pastoral care to be ‘excellent’ – the highest category – and a major strength of the school. Heads of Wellbeing promote positive mental and physical health school-wide.

University Places

95+% move on to university, 80%+ Russell Group/Sunday Times Top 12.  

Head Teacher’s Philosophy

We are ambitious for our pupils and strive to ensure they recognise the coherence across and connections between learning in all contexts. A key to our success is creating an expectation of personal achievement and ensuring support is there to fulfil our vision for all to ‘Explore, Express and Excel’.

Outstanding Characteristics

Award winning education: Boarding School of the Year (TES Awards 2023, Finalist), BSA Excellence in Mental Health and Wellbeing (2023, Winner), School House Community Engagement (2023, Finalist), Tatler Public School of the Year 2019. Community outreach: One of only seven independent schools to fully sponsor an Academy School – www.thebourneacademy.com. Global links: Association with schools in Rajasthan and Princeton, USA, outreach in India, Cambodia and Ghana alongside 30+ community projects in the UK. A 24/7 full boarding and day school – no flexi/weekly boarding. Known for the warmth and strength of its school community. Inspirational setting: Among the top 10 most beautiful schools (The Daily Telegraph).