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: Fees 2024/25: £15,780 boarding per term, £11,957 day per term
Head Teacher: Ben Vessey MA MBA (from September 2025 Chris Wheeler BA MBA)
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: 5 October 2024 and 26 April 2025
The Curriculum
Outstanding outcomes with 23% A*, 53% A*/A and 82% A*/B grades at A Level/Pre U 2024 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 2024 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
Our extensive pastoral programme aims to foster in pupils the capacity to cope with demands of 21st century living. 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. An award winning Wellbeing programme (BSA Awards 2023) promotes 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’. As part of this dynamic educational ethos, a new College Sixth Form will open in 2025/26 with facilities including a Future Pathways Centre, Teaching Kitchen and social and study spaces plus Upper Sixth boarding and day accommodation. Find out more at www.canford.com/sixth-form
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, Winner), 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).
The College – new Sixth Form facility opening 2025/26 (artist impression)
