What is Canford School like?

Canford is said to occupy one of the most beautiful campuses of any British independent school and a visit quickly confirms this. Spread over a vast area of beautiful Dorset countryside, Canford boasts wonderful facilities and offers an excellent boarding school experience to around 650 boys and girls from the age of 13-18. Approximately 35% attend as day pupils but are very much integrated into school life, aided by the long school days – students are occupied from 8.00 – 6.00 six days a week.

Students belong to houses, which accommodate 12 boys and girls from each year group. Younger students share with 2 or 3 others, Years 10 and 11 are in double rooms, and 6^th formers all have their own study bedroom, some en-suite.

Canford is a very successful school academically, and students are not allowed to fall behind. There are regular assessments in every subject and any problems are quickly picked up so that support can be provided.

Sport is a huge strength of the school, which has its own golf course and boat house for rowing as well as facilities for virtually any other sport you could think of. Drama, music and art are also very strong.

Would Canford be suitable for my child?

Canford would suit any boy or girl who is strong enough academically to cope with the rigour of the curriculum and would enjoy getting involved in the many extra-curricular opportunities on offer.

How can I apply to Canford?

The main entry point to Canford is at 13+ and registration is recommended by the end of Year 5. Students sat prep schools sit the ISEB pre-test in year 6 or 7. There are opportunities for later registration in some cases or very occasionally into other year groups. Please contact us for information about the application process.