Canford School officially opens new College and Residences for Sixth Form

Published by Canford School on Friday 16th of October 2026

Canford School has officially opened its new College and Residences, marking a significant investment in the future of post-16 education and providing pupils with a dedicated environment designed to support greater independence and preparation for life beyond school.

The official opening ceremony took place on Thursday 15 October in The College Quad, bringing together governors, project partners, local preparatory school heads, Old Canfordians, as well as staff and pupils to celebrate the completion of this landmark project.

The plaque was unveiled by Professor Ewan McKendrick, Emeritus Professor of Law at the University of Oxford, whose distinguished career in higher education reflects the aspirations behind Canford's new Sixth Form provision. In his address, Professor McKendrick said the College had created the infrastructure to support independence of thought and a community in which pupils support one another, both important catalysts in developing young men and women of integrity.

Designed to bridge the gap between school and university, the new College complex creates a dedicated environment where Sixth Form pupils can live, study and spend time together as a community. The facilities encourage greater independence while providing opportunities for collaboration and maintaining the strong pastoral support that underpins life at Canford.

Speaking at the event, Canford School Headmaster Chris Wheeler said:
"The College reflects a school that is not standing still. We are continually looking at how we can best prepare young people for the next stage of their lives. One of the things we often hear from Old Canfordians is the significant jump from their boarding houses to the world that sits beyond. Those experiences have provided a strong endorsement of the College strategy."

Chair of Governors Sir Gary Coward reflected on the ambition behind the project, explaining that the vision from the outset had been to provide Sixth Form pupils with a broader pre-university structure, greater independence and the very best facilities. He noted that "buildings only acquire meaning because of what happens inside them" and that the project was "ultimately about the pupils who will benefit from the opportunities it creates." Sir Gary described the development as a reflection of Canford's confidence in its young people.

Guests heard from Sixth Form pupils Erika M and Alex E, whose reflections highlighted the impact that the new facilities are already having on pupil life. Their speeches reflected the opportunities for pupils to take on greater responsibility, contribute to College life and develop their confidence and leadership skills. Following the ceremony, visitors were invited to tour the College and Residences, led by members of the Sixth Form.

The event also provided an opportunity to recognise the many individuals and organisations whose expertise and dedication brought the project to fruition. Particular thanks were given to members of the Canford team, governors and professional partners, including Williams Lester Architects, Kendall Kingscott, Martin Thomas Associates, Godsell Arnold Partnership and main contractor Feltham Construction Ltd.

The project also demonstrates Canford's commitment to sustainable design, incorporating ground source heat pumps and other energy-efficient technologies to help reduce the long-term environmental impact of the new facilities.