Canford named top independent school in the South of England
Published by Canford School on Monday 1st of December 2025
Canford School is proud and honoured to learn the news that it has been ranked top independent school in the South of England in the 2025 Independent School Parent industry awards.
Canford School is proud and honoured to learn the news that it has been ranked top independent school in the South of England in the 2025 Independent School Parent industry awards.
At a ceremony at the Law Society in London, Canford faced strong competition from schools not only in Dorset, but across Avon, Berkshire, Bristol, Buckinghamshire, Cornwall, Devon, East Sussex, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, Somerset, Surrey, West Sussex and Wiltshire. With the highest concentration of independent schools in the South region, everyone associated with the school is absolutely thrilled.
The judging panel wanted to know what made a school particularly special and how it made use of the area to stand out. Canford’s location in Dorset enables pupils to broaden their horizons through a vast range of experiences on offer both through the space within the beautiful 250-acre campus and educational opportunities right on the doorstep. From the school’s location just outside Wimborne, Canfordians have access to the New Forest and to the academic and cultural opportunities of London and also to the South West, where they regularly challenge themselves on CCF camps around Bovington, Ten Tors on Dartmoor and take advantage of the unique light on art trips to St Ives. Situated minutes from the Jurassic Coast, with its miles of coastline and second largest natural harbour in the world, keen Canford geographers can enjoy field trips and expeditions, get out on the water trying surfing, sailing and paddleboarding, and enjoy everything the beautiful beaches of Poole and Bournemouth have to offer.
What makes Canford’s location particularly special for all who live and work here is the opportunity to work so closely with the local community. Canford Magna parish church is in the grounds, used by the school and also parishioners in the area, and the Canford sports centre, theatre, music school, golf club and Real tennis courts are all open to the public. The school has links with over 70 other community projects across the South region, ranging from support for primary school teaching to hospices, local art projects through to a therapeutic farm and elderly care homes.
Canford’s partnership with The Bourne Academy in East Howe celebrated its 15 year anniversary this year. Since opening its doors in 2010, the partnership has gone from strength to strength, building meaningful relationships between the two schools, offering opportunities for staff and pupils to connect. From joint Oxbridge preparation and medical training to STEM challenges and theatre productions, pupils from both schools benefit from diverse learning experiences. Over 20 pupils have received bursaries to join Canford’s Sixth Form since the partnership started, and as a key member of the Bourne Scholars programme for gifted and talented pupils Canford offers access to a wide range of academic and extracurricular opportunities to enhance learning and prepare these scholars for the world's best universities.
Part of Canford’s vision is for every Canfordian ‘to make a difference to their own lives, and to the lives of others’. The school fulfils that vision, by offering both Canfordians and other pupils in the local area a balanced, rounded educational experience at the heart of the Dorset community. This award is for everyone who helps to make the area such a unique and vibrant location.
Chris Wheeler, Canford Headmaster, commented:
"It is wonderful to be recognised as the top school in the South, reflecting the culture of aspiration at Canford that underpins so many of our pupils’ extraordinary achievements and outcomes. It is also recognition for the whole county and all who live and work here, who we value as part of Canford’s wider community.”
