Canford School

Word From The Head

From Ben Vessey, Headmaster

Set in 250 acres of landscaped parkland on the outskirts of Wimborne in Dorset, rated 'Among the top 10 most beautiful schools' by The Daily Telegraph, Canford is an inspirational place to live and study. The high quality of its education has been recognised through numerous national industry awards, including 'Tatler Public School of the Year 2019/20','Independent School Parent Boarding School of the Year 2018/19' and a finalist in the TES Awards for three consecutive years including 'Senior School of the Year' and 'Community Partnerships' work. It has established a commanding reputation built on its excellent academic record and fresh lively approach.

Canford's vision is for every pupil to 'Explore, Express and Excel', a vision underpinned by the core values of Courageous Attitude, Purposeful Engagement, Humble Ambition and Gracious Leadership. We want our pupils to leave us equipped with the attitude and skills to live successful and happy lives, whatever the future may hold.

The school is well known nationally for high quality pupil outcomes, including academically where it has ranked No.1 in the South West by The Sunday Times Parent Power for two consecutive year for its excellent A Level results. The university route remains popular and over 95% of Canfordians move on to higher education each year, with 90 Oxbridge offers in the past decade, and over 100 places for highly competitive Medical Schools and for Veterinary Science. Over 80% of all offers are to institutions in the Russell Group/Sunday Times Top 12 in recent years.

Alongside the overall high quality educational offering, emphasis is placed on individual development; Canford is ambitious for its pupils in all aspects and provides all the academic, emotional and spiritual support pupils need to reach their potential across their school lives. Canford is known for its warm and supportive school community, and the recent Independent Schools Inspectorate report said that "pupils' learning and achievements in their academic courses and in games and co-curricular activities are outstanding". With a culture which encourages participation and hard work, breadth and excellence jostle to good effect. Many clubs and societies, educational trips and facilities give pupils the opportunity to develop strong personal qualities as well as lifelong skills and enthusiasms. Leadership within the school is seen in terms of service. Canford regards service as a natural dimension of learning. The pleasure and enthusiasm with which Canfordians embrace community service, as well as care for each other, is one of its proudest achievements.

Pastoral care is based on the house system, which provides the continuity and security in a pupil's life within which personal development can take place. The houses consist of 60 or so pupils, large enough to create a varied and challenging community, small enough to promote a sense of belonging. Above all else, the house is home.

Broadening access to a Canford education is a further aim, with around 40 scholarships offered each year for academic excellence or talent in Art, Design Technology, Drama, Music or Sport. Means tested bursaries are worth up to 100% of fees.

Despite its success, Canford does not rest on its laurels. New boarding accommodation, a new library, extended dining facilities and a new Assembly Hall have all opened in recent years. In 2025/26 a new Sixth Form College building will open, including a Future Pathways Centre to develop life skills and offer careers guidance, Sixth Form social spaces and accommodation for Upper Sixth boarding and day pupils.