This will be my final contribution to the ‘From the Headmaster’ section of the Development Annual Report. As I reflect on my time in this role, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the Canford Community for its unwavering support. Engaging with Old Canfordians, parents, pupils, and staff across countless events has been a privilege, and your ongoing dedication ensures that our community remains a vital and dynamic part of School life.
The coming year heralds a period of change at Canford, but we view these changes as opportunities to build on our strengths. At the heart of our mission is the continuous enhancement of teaching and learning, ensuring our pupils receive an education that prepares them for the future. This September, we welcomed several new staff members, including our new Director of Music, Will Ings, who has already begun broadening the department by incorporating contemporary music opportunities alongside our well-established traditional curriculum.
From the HEADMASTER
opportunities which change always brings. In order to thrive we need to ensure our educational offering is relevant, dynamic and of the highest quality but within the context of a business case that is effective and sustainable. I am most grateful to the Governing Body for the considerable time, commitment and expertise they offer in this regard.
ISC annual Partnerships report which was launched at the House of Lords last month. We are proud of the success of our 13 year partnership with the pupils and staff there. We all gain greatly from this partnership and it is wonderful to see such a positive collaboration recognised within the sector in such a high profile way.
Headmaster
In last year’s report I outlined the broader contributions which the independent sector makes to the UK economy. This year I am sharing data around what Canford contributes to our local economy which I have been sharing with local politicians and influencers also.
• Our total contribution to UK GDP is £38.9m, of which 50% is generated locally
• We are just under 0.5% of Poole’s GDP and support just over 0.5% of all jobs in Poole
• Total UK jobs supported by us is 867, just over half of which are on site
our Sixth Form College initiative. This project aims to provide a vibrant, forward-thinking education that equips Canfordians for life beyond School. We are eagerly anticipating the opening of the College Hub, the first phase of this development.
• Total UK tax supported by our activities is £12.4m, of which £5.9m is direct from the School
• It would cost taxpayers £4.3m if our eligible pupils went to state schools.
At Canford, we carefully balance tradition with innovation, honouring the past while embracing the future. Change is never pursued for its own sake but as a means of enriching what we already do well. The ideas and enthusiasm brought by new generations of pupils and staff infuse fresh energy into our School, while the core qualities that define Canfordians remain steadfast. Speaking with Old Canfordians over the years, it is clear that certain enduring values continue to resonate, shaping the character of our community across generations.
We will see what the next year brings on the political stage but signs suggest that Labour will win the next election. They have been clear that they will be focusing swiftly on their stated policies towards independent schools, in spite of the impact this will have, underlined by robust data. We continue to lay plans to ensure Canford will remain in a strong position to meet these headwinds successfully.
by a growing number of families requiring significant financial assistance to be able to afford a place at Canford.
The Martin Marriott Foundation for bursaries provides financial support via our donors. Pupils in receipt of bursaries not only benefit personally but also enrich the entire School. Already, recent alumni are finding ways to give back, embodying the spirit of Canford. I encourage you, if you are able, to support our efforts to expand this vital provision. This provides me with an opportunity to express my thanks to donors who support our bursary provision. You are making a difference to many lives.
Canford also remains firmly focused on ensuring that access remains as viable as possible to as many young people as possible who could not otherwise afford to access the amazing things a Canford education offers. This requires a clear emphasis on fundraising for bursaries and this is gathering momentum each year. The telethon was a great success raising over £74,000 with a total of 114 donations from OCs and parents. Almost 50% of donors agreed to start making a regular donation. In addition we now have five pupils who are being wholly supported by Old Canfordians.
To further support these efforts we are considering setting up a bursary endowment fund to provide a perpetual source of funding, ensuring sustained support for bursaries over time. This will enable us to support multiple generations of pupils contributing to a lasting impact on their education and the development of our community. It will also allow donors to leave a lasting legacy with their contributions continuing to make a difference to the lives of pupils for generations to come.
We live in extraordinary and unpredictable times, marked by significant political, economic, and cultural shifts. Globally, the war in Ukraine continues to bring devastating impacts, while domestic policies, including the new government’s decision to impose additional taxes on independent schools, pose challenges for our sector. Despite these uncertainties, Canford’s pupil admissions remain strong. However, we are increasingly approached
Within the context of this future planning Canford remains fully committed to the work we do in partnership with our local community. Canfordians continue to be heavily engaged in extensive ongoing community partnership work as set out on the Schools Together website.
In recognition of this work, we were honoured that our collaboration with The Bourne Academy featured in the
As I prepare to hand over to Chris Wheeler, I am confident that Canford will continue to flourish under his leadership. By learning from the past and embracing change, the School will remain relevant and forwardthinking, while staying true to the enduring values that define this exceptional and vibrant community.
I wanted to close by thanking the whole OC community for all their engagement and support over the past year, and for the efforts to come as Canford embarks on its journey into its second century. As I enter my second decade as Head, it remains a real pleasure and a privilege to part of that journey.
News from the DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
From the
News from the DEVELOPMENT OFFICE
Development Office
At the end of each year we are fortunate to have a plethora of photographs, of Canford life, taken by Paul West, our inhouse photographer. In preparing this annual report it allows me to revisit these photographs which are a wonderful record and a reminder of the events we have organised and the people that we bring together. Reunions are amongst the happiest of occasions and the front cover of this report represents the joy of OCs seeing each other for sometimes over 20+ years after they left school. Friendships are rekindled, memories are shared of times spent at Canford and there is always a genuine warmth in the room. It is a real pleasure to be responsible for engaging our community and this provides me with an opportunity to thank you for supporting our events programme.
As I write, the calendar has just flipped over to 2024 offering a natural moment for reflection on the past year. What an extraordinary year 2023 was for the Canford community! A year ago at this exact time, I felt a profound responsibility to deliver a memorable series of events and celebrations to commemorate the School’s Centenary.
Crafting a programme that appeals to all members of our community entails designing something that will interest people whose ages range from nought to one hundred plus. That’s quite a wide range and we realise that not everything is attractive to everyone. However, for our two major centenary events, I can confidently say that all members of the community were represented in some way. The musical elements of the Foundation Service in Salisbury Cathedral and Proms in the Park on Mountjoy at Canford meant that pupils, staff and OCs were involved. The open invitation to both events saw our most senior OCs, international OCs, parents, staff and young OC families attend with little ones, making both events as inclusive as possible.
As I write, the calendar has just flipped over to 2024 offering a natural moment for reflection on the past year. What an extraordinary year 2023 was for the Canford community! A year ago at this exact time, I felt a profound responsibility to deliver a memorable series of events and celebrations to commemorate the School’s Centenary.
Crafting a programme that appeals to all members of our community entails designing something that will interest people whose ages range from nought to one hundred plus. That’s quite a wide range and we realise that not everything is attractive to everyone. However, for our two major centenary events, I can confidently say that all members of the community were represented in some way. The musical elements of the Foundation Service in Salisbury Cathedral and Proms in the Park on Mountjoy at Canford meant that pupils, staff and OCs were involved. The open invitation to both events saw our most senior OCs, international OCs, parents, staff and young OC families attend with little ones, making both events as inclusive as possible.
The activities and events that we organise have to appeal to an age range of 18 to 90+ which is challenging but we hope that, in the main, we get the balance right. We are trying to focus a little more on OC sport and hosted an OC Hockey day in March which is now planned to be a biennial event along with an OC Real tennis day and an OC Football day which will take place in the Easter Term. Our events for parents continue to be popular with the History and Arboretum Tours being just a couple of the traditional events alongside the Boat Club Dinner and Jazz Night. In 2024 we introduced Commando Quest, for parents keen to experience a taster of CCF sessions at Canford which was well received.
For those with a sporting interest, an OC hockey fixture with Stowe was re-visited and former OC Boat Club captains took part in a row past at Henley Royal Regatta. From a visual arts perspective, we were delighted to commission the Canford Sphere and mural so generously sponsored by donors. Staff enjoyed a morning break with a difference indulging in homemade cakes for the 100th birthday bake-off and small gatherings took place in different parts of the globe.
For those with a sporting interest, an OC hockey fixture with Stowe was re-visited and former OC Boat Club captains took part in a row past at Henley Royal Regatta. From a visual arts perspective, we were delighted to commission the Canford Sphere and mural so generously sponsored by donors. Staff enjoyed a morning break with a difference indulging in homemade cakes for the 100th birthday bake-off and small gatherings took place in different parts of the globe.
We are a team of two! I would like to take this opportunity to thank Rachael Daniel, Development Officer, who played a major part in all aspects of the Centenary year along with the fabulous support that we received from Canford staff and alumni. From the positive and congratulatory feedback we’ve received I feel content that for the most part, we got it right!
Our work to raise funds for bursaries is becoming increasingly important and remains steadfast. The political and financial landscape for independent schools is challenging but at Canford we are deeply committed both morally and
Celebrating a centenary doesn’t mean that the normal day-to-day work in the Development Office can grind to a halt. We continued to organise the usual OC reunions, numerous Friends events and still managed to find time to raise funds for the Martin Marriott Foundation (MMF) and a few other projects. You will read later in this report about the difference that our fundraising can make.
financially to increasing access for bright and talented pupils who enrich our community in countless ways but may not have the financial means to afford the fees. The implications of the October ‘24 budget are wide ranging but the School is in a strong position and has prepared for this new phase. The support of our donors is hugely appreciated and of paramount importance to allow us to continue providing bursary places. We could not achieve all that we do without your support, thank you. However, there is so much more that we could do.
Celebrating a centenary doesn’t mean that the normal day-to-day work in the Development Office can grind to a halt. We continued to organise the usual OC reunions, numerous Friends events and still managed to find time to raise funds for the Martin Marriott Foundation (MMF) and a few other projects. You will read later in this report about the difference that our fundraising can make.
The economic and political climate is rarely stable but what remains constant is that young people need our help in many ways. At Canford it is our duty and pleasure to increase access to bright, talented young people who can contribute so much to our community in numerous ways but simply lack the financial backing to afford fees. As I embark on my ninth year at Canford, the list of young people that the MMF has supported continues to grow with commitment from School funds and your most generous help. Young OCs are going out into the world making a difference and are forever grateful for the opportunities that you have helped to provide. More details will follow as we explore the possibility of establishing an endowment fund, aiming to offer ongoing, sustainable support for pupils to access a Canford education.
The economic and political climate is rarely stable but what remains constant is that young people need our help in many ways. At Canford it is our duty and pleasure to increase access to bright, talented young people who can contribute so much to our community in numerous ways but simply lack the financial backing to afford fees. As I embark on my ninth year at Canford, the list of young people that the MMF has supported continues to grow with commitment from School funds and your most generous help. Young OCs are going out into the world making a difference and are forever grateful for the opportunities that you have helped to provide. More details will follow as we explore the possibility of establishing an endowment fund, aiming to offer ongoing, sustainable support for pupils to access a Canford education.
In this report you will see the difference a bursary can make to pupils and the gratitude that they have for these opportunities is immense. If you are able to help, we would be delighted to hear from you.
As I write, the calendar has just turned to 2025 and we have a host of events to welcome you to. Our new-look Canford Global Connect has been re-developed brilliantly by Rachael Daniel and I urge you to join the platform. All our events are listed, booking is easier, you can explore photos from past events, read news about OCs, and find out more about how to support us.
We look forward to welcoming you to Canford in 2025.
Looking ahead to 2024, the calendar is once again brimming with events, both familiar and new. I encourage you to join us and actively participate. I don’t hear regrets from those who return for reunions or attend Canford events, but I understand that many are unable to make it. Let 2024 be the year you engage. As we bid farewell to 2023, I extend my gratitude to everyone in the Canford community for your support and enthusiasm. I look forward to seeing you in 2024.
We are a team of two! I would like to take this opportunity to thank Rachael Daniel, Development Officer, who played a major part in all aspects of the Centenary year along with the fabulous support that we received from Canford staff and alumni. From the positive and congratulatory feedback we’ve received I feel content that for the most part, we got it right!
Looking ahead to 2024, the calendar is once again brimming with events, both familiar and new. I encourage you to join us and actively participate. I don’t hear regrets from those who return for reunions or attend Canford events, but I understand that many are unable to make it. Let 2024 be the year you engage. As we bid farewell to 2023, I extend my gratitude to everyone in the Canford community for your support and enthusiasm. I look forward to seeing you in 2024.
Rowena Gaston | Development Director
Rowena Gaston, Development Director
Rowena Gaston, Development Director
LADY CHARLOTTE’S WALK
LADY
Lady Charlotte’s Walk leads up to the new library at Canford. It is edged with stones on both sides which are growing in number as more from our community set their names in stone and in doing so contribute to the Martin Marriott Foundation for bursaries.
Lady Charlotte’s Walk leads up to the new library at Canford. It is edged with stones on both sides which are growing in number as more from our community set their names in stone and in doing so contribute to the Martin Marriott Foundation for bursaries.
Many leave a simple message with their name, house and year, some honour their parents and a few have quirky humorous messages.
Sponsor a stone and have your name engraved for a lifetime link to Canford.
Many leave a simple message with their name, house and year, some honour their parents and a few have quirky humorous messages.
www.canford.com/lady-charlottes-walk
If you would like further information, please contact community@canford.com
lady-charlottes-walk
If you would like further information, please contact community@canford.com
Scan the QR code to find out
For every stone sponsored, Canford donates a book to the Bourne Academy. They have now received 245 books.
For every stone sponsored, Canford donates a book to The Bourne
“Having your support with our reading programme really allows us to grow the programme and increase our students’ vocabulary knowledge and cultural capital.” Claire Peel, Literacy Coordinator
“Please can I add my thanks. Going into tutor rooms daily and reading these books to our students is a real highlight of my day.” Mark Avoth, Headteacher
FUNDRAISING
The Martin Marriott Foundation FUNDRAISING
The Martin Marriott FOUNDATION
We are proud to celebrate a bursary programme that continues to grow, enabling children to thrive, embrace every opportunity, and fully enjoy their Canford education. This would not be possible without the generosity of our donors. By supporting these pupils, you are not only transforming their lives, but also enriching the Canford community and their home communities.
The beauty of the Martin Marriott Foundation lies in its ripple effect: by helping individuals, you empower them to venture into the wider world with a commitment to not only succeed themselves but also to help others. You are making this a reality.
At the end of Canford’s 100th birthday, it is with real pleasure and pride that we can celebrate a bursary programme that is growing and supporting children who are thriving, grasping every opportunity offered to them and thoroughly enjoying their Canford education. This is only made possible by our generous donors. Not only are you changing the lives of individual pupils but their presence within both the Canford community and their home communities enriches the lives of many others. The beauty of the Martin Marriott Foundation is that in helping individuals, they each go out into the wider world with the inbuilt responsibility to not only flourish themselves but to help others. YOU are making that happen.
THE FUTURE
All donations are currently used within the year that they are received but we are considering creating an endowment fund to provide longevity and stability for our bursary programme.
We have ambitious plans for our bursary programme and make no apology for this.
Our aim is to have 10% of our pupils on 100% bursaries by 2033.
We need your help to achieve this.
At Canford 88 pupils (13.5%) are in receipt of bursary support
In 2023 we raised over £379,000 for the MMF to support a number of pupils. This encapsulates collective giving from our generous and loyal regular donors and one-off donations.
42 pupils (6.5%) receive 75%+ support (this includes the 22 below)
22 pupils (3.4%) receive 100% support
We currently have five pupils in receipt of a bursary who are being funded individually by Old Canfordians and Canford parents. Donors receive an anonymised annual report about the pupil(s) they are supporting. This is a very special commitment and one which our donors take seriously but in turn, gain a lot of joy from.
In 2024, we raised a total of £357,342 for the Martin Marriott Foundation.
13.1% of pupils at Canford are in receipt of bursary support 6.6% receive 75% in bursary support 3.3% receive
Currently, five pupils are receiving bursaries funded by Old Canfordians and Canford parents. Donors receive anonymised annual reports about the pupils they support. This is a special commitment, one that donors approach with dedication and, in return, find deeply rewarding.
Currently the bursary fund operates on a ‘pay as you go’ model. Donations made are generally utilised and drawn down within one year to fund pupils. This approach provides instant impact and satisfaction for our donors, who see their gift realised during their lifetime. To provide a more stable and enduring source of support, we are in the throes of researching an endowment model as another donation option which could provide a continuous long term source of financial assistance. This stability would allow for ongoing support to deserving pupils, creating a lasting impact on their educational journeys and in turn, the security of the School.
We hope that an endowment fund will inspire potential donors in knowing that their contributions will have a lasting impact and serve as a legacy and impact on the education of future Canfordians. More details about our endowment plans will be available in the coming year.
If you would like to find out more about supporting a Canford pupil, please contact Rowena Gaston rjg@canford.com
Whilst an endowment fund is a long term plan, there are still many pupils who need help today and we will continue to support as many children as possible but to do that we need your help. If you would like to discuss how you might support our bursary programme, please email Rowena Gaston rjg@canford.com.
WHY DO I SUPPORT?
As many do, I look back at my time at Canford as being a fantastic experience where I learnt a great deal and made important friendships that continue through to today. As the youngest of four boys, by the time I went to Canford money was extremely tight, and it was decided that, like my brother Simon, I would leave Canford after ‘O’ levels. However, with Martin Marriott’s support, I gained a small bursary from The Worshipful Company of Haberdashers and, very importantly, I also became the first recipient of the Mc Bride bursary, set up by a former Canford Bursar. This enabled me to stay through to the Sixth Form. I therefore have firsthand experience of how important bursary systems are. Having had that great fortune, I am very happy to support the Martin Marriott Foundation – which, considering my experience, has the perfect name!
I came from the state school sector to Canford on a scholarship which opened up the most amazing next five years of my life. I developed exponentially academically and through sport beyond any thoughts or ambitions I had for myself. Canford gave me experiences and confidence and showed me what was possible with hard work and investment from the school and myself. I am really committed to giving to the bursary programme so that young individuals with potential, who would not usually have the opportunity to go to Canford, can deservedly contribute their unique characters and skills to the community, so that Canford continues to have breadth and diversity which enriches everyone there.
Marie-Louise Sharp S03
Mark Tennant C86
FUNDRAISING
Personal Stories
The following quotes provide a taste of the difference our bursary programme makes with the support of your generous donations.
KIT
“It has been a great 5 years and given the Covid epidemic too, my schooling has been vastly different from many others for which I am truly grateful. Canford has provided me with opportunities to develop all of my skills and different facets of my life. I feel ready now for real world experiences and I have the confidence to learn and feel I could achieve anything!”
OLIVIA
“The biggest change for me was the attitude at Canford. Everyone is so encouraging. The impossible is possible! If you want to do something the support is there to help you to achieve it. Nothing is too much trouble. Canford is all about the people. Everyone is so open and welcoming. The opportunities that I have been afforded have been amazing, thank you.”
TIEGAN
“Canford helped me by pushing me out of my comfort zone to give a talk to teachers from both The Bourne Academy and Canford on my experience in both schools and what each can learn from the other. This was definitely nerve-wracking but helped with my public speaking so much. By attending Sixth Form at Canford, I have been provided with so many opportunities. I have had fabulous support with my university applications. My exam technique improved, my grades are better and I have developed confidence and social skills that I almost don’t recognise.”
JAMES
“My resilience has developed beyond recognition. Canford provides you with so many opportunities, this in turn gives you confidence and the ability to explore new things. It creates a virtuous circle for which I am extremely grateful. My personal growth over the past two years has been astronomical!”
JANSCI
“The education I have been gifted has placed me on track to achieve solid A level results and attend a good university. I think I was naturally smart but Canford has nurtured me to achieve great things. I am no longer scared about my future, I feel secure and know that in time I will be able to provide for my family. It could have been so different…”
BETH
“Canford instilled in me a work ethic that I have wholeheartedly enjoyed. Everyone wants to do well and works hard. I would never have been able to achieve this at my previous school. I am more confident, I have great friends and am able to articulate my thoughts and ideas clearly.”
KERRY
“My experience at Canford has completely transformed my life. I am now able to think clearly and faster without external influences and I have developed my own clarity of speech. I have become more independent and I can see now that my future is in my own hands. My House family at Canford has been incredible, welcoming me with open arms providing me with a real sense of togetherness. It has been my home for 2 years – I wish it was longer!”
ABI
“It’s impossible to leave Canford without being more confident in your own ability. Coming to Canford has been life changing for me. The teachers have been fantastic and Mr Coward has helped me enormously. I couldn’t even have imagined applying for university but I got as far as the interview stage for Oxford! My time here has given me real direction. The friends that I left in Yr 8 are not going to university and that could so easily have been me.”
If you Will, they can NINEVEH LEGACY SOCIETY
Peter Littman W49 set up the Perseverance Foundation with a view to supporting Canford. His legacy is now supporting one of our SpringBoard pupils to complete their five-year education at Canford.
Each year we take the opportunity to thank and honour those who have signalled an intention to leave a gift in their Will to Canford by inviting them to the Nineveh Legacy Society Lunch. It is a lovely occasion to see our donors gather together, meet with other Old Canfordians over lunch and listen to an OC who has benefited from a bursary place. Anna van Wingerden jumped at the chance to join us and share with us just what her place at Canford meant to her, how it helped to shape who she is today and how she regularly uses valuable skills that she learnt at Canford.
REDUCING YOUR INHERITANCE TAX BILL BY LEAVING A LEGACY TO CANFORD
Obituaries for Charles Rawlinson and Rodney Jelfs are available via the Canford obituary web page at www.canford.com/community/old-canfordians/tributesand-obituaries
Canford is a registered charity (No. 306315) and therefore legacy gifts are a tax efficient way to give providing you leave 10% of your estate to charity. The 10% can be gifted to a number of charities.
Gross estate of £1,000,000 No charity bequest With a 10% charity bequest Gross estate
In many ways, providing for Canford in your Will is the greatest gift you can make to the School. It signifies your belief in all that Canford stands for and creates an enduring testimony beyond your death. In the past year, three Old Canfordians who made such a commitment sadly passed away and I would like to take this opportunity to share their commitment and passion for Canford.
Below are examples of how this would work in practice. Therefore the estate’s
Rodney Jelfs S46 might be known to some OCs for helping to organise the OC Northern Lunch in past years. I unfortunately never met Rodney in person but spoke to him on the telephone and his character and enthusiasm for life was infectious, he was such a positive and outgoing man. Living in the north of England made it difficult for him to attend events but he kept in touch regularly via email. It was during Lockdown in 2020 that Rodney called to let me know that he would like to make a gift in his Will to Canford. “I like reading about what you are achieving with the bursary programme and I want to be able to help…”. Rodney’s legacy has allowed a bright talented pupil to attend Canford on a 100% bursary place.
Remaining estate (Incl. nil rate band)
Therefore the estate’s beneficiaries would forego £16,200 but the charity would benefit from a total of £67,500
If you would like to know more about how you can leave a gift in your will to Canford (including the inheritance tax benefits), please get in touch.
Could you pledge a gift in your Will that would last a lifetime?
Leaving a gift to Canford in your Will is one of the greatest legacies you can offer, reflecting your belief in the School’s values and leaving a lasting impact.
Each year, we express our gratitude to those who choose to leave a gift to Canford in their Will by inviting them to the Nineveh Legacy Society Lunch. This special event allows donors to connect, enjoy lunch together and meet some of our current Canfordians. This year, we heard from Connor Elliot-Murray L19 and Lucy Thorne S22 about the impact their Canford bursary has had on their lives.
For more information visit globalconnect.canford.com/ pages/leave-a-gift-in-your-will or contact Rowena Gastonrjg@canford.com
Thank you to OC Anna vanWingerden L18 for joining us.
THE COLLEGE, CANFORD SIXTH FORM
It has been a long term plan to increase Canford’s capacity across all pupil categories (Day, Boarding, Boys and Girls). This has required a complex, interlinked matrix of moves and building projects culminating in the building of the Sixth Form Hub and the Upper Sixth accommodation blocks. If we liken the strategic plan to a gothic arch, the projects completed since 2019 can be seen as the individual stones that form the arch’s vertical sides. Over the next 2 years or so we will slide the all-important keystone, the Sixth Form College buildings, into place to form the lock that holds the plan together.
Opening in the Easter Term of 2025, the Sixth Form Hub, formed from the 1930s building that previously contained Wimborne Day House and Monteacute Boarding House, will provide lodges for Upper Sixth day pupils as well as impressive social spaces and occasional workspaces for all Sixth Formers (Upper and Lower Sixth). Facilities for careers and higher education advice and preparation for life beyond Canford, such as a teaching kitchen, will also be located in the Hub.
The following year will see the opening of the Upper Sixth Accommodation, 120 single ensuite study bedrooms in 2 separate blocks (one for boys and one for girls) centrally located close to the Hub, the dining facilities, the library, theatre, music school and the sports centre. Together, the new accommodation and the Hub will create a college-like facility that will encourage collective and individual study and bring together all of our Sixth Formers in an inspirational setting ideal for helping them make the transition from school to the worlds of University and work.
David Brook | Bursar
For more information on the College, visit canford.com/sixth-form/new-sixthform-college
Name a Room
With the former home to Beaufort, Monteacute and Wimborne Canfordians being transformed to create the main Hub of the College at Canford we are delighted to be able to offer you the opportunity to name a room in the renovated building. All donations will support the Martin Marriott Foundation for bursaries.
This building is important to many OCs and we know it holds special memories so we hope that you are excited to see it become such an integral part of our Sixth Form development that will be visited by all Canfordians in their Sixth Form years. By naming a room, you can leave your mark for years to come.
Your donation will support pupils who do not have the chance of a Canford education without a significant bursary. You will help to make a transformational difference to a pupil who has huge potential and will grasp their opportunity with enthusiasm and hope for a better future.
Further details of the rooms that we think will attract the most interest are opposite. However, if you wish to sponsor a different room because it has sentimental significance to you then please do get in touch to discuss further. We are open to either personal or business names for rooms.
Large L-shaped social area - assigned
Teaching Kitchen - suggested donation of £15,000
Our Sponsors
We extend thanks to our generous sponsors. Their input plays a vital role in supporting activities at Canford. We are proud to partner with these organisations, whose contributions make all of this possible. Their commitment to our success is deeply valued.
T15 logo – needs a dark background
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Once again, the Canford community delivered! At the end of 2024, our annual online auction featured a fantastic range of prizes. With your help, we raised a grand total of £23,870 to be shared between the Martin Marriott Foundation, Friends of Canford School and The Richard Porter Family Foundation.
Special thanks go to our auction sponsor, Feltham Construction who were keen to support this year…
“Feltham Construction are proud to be working with Canford School on the refurbishment of their Sixth Form Hub and new student accommodation. Once completed, these projects will further enhance the facilities available at Canford and we are delighted to assist in making these facilities accessible to a wider range of students through the Canford bursary programme. These partnerships are integral to our business values of encouraging education and enhancing the social, economic, and environmental well-being of the communities where we operate.”
We extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who donated prizes and placed bids. Your generosity and support are deeply appreciated!
Please contact Rowena Gaston rjg@canford.com, if you would like to sponsor our 2025 auction or could offer a prize
OC s PLANT TREES IN CANFORD GROUNDS
The Canford Arboretum has been enriched with the planting of two rare and unusual trees, generously donated by Ed and Fiona Marley, owners of Pinnacle Plants International. Their daughters, Tessa and Imi, former pupils in Marriotts House, left in 2020 and 2024.
The Marley’s wanted to give back to the school where their daughters thrived, contributing a Large-winged Wingnut (Pterocarya macroptera var. insignis) and a Chinese Red Birch (Betula utilis subsp. albosinensis ‘Chinese Garden’). With guidance from Resident Arboriculturist Nathan Scheller, the trees were planted at the southern end of the Adby astro,
Dr Michael Toosey Awards
Dr Michael Toosey, a charismatic man with fond memories of Canford, made a generous donation in 2017 to help bursary recipients fully experience all that Canford offers. His gift continues to provide additional financial support each year for activities that might otherwise be out of reach.
This year, thanks to his generosity, bursary pupils have participated in enriching excursions such as the CCF trips to the Cairngorms and Norway, trips to Granada, the Battlefields in France, a Classics trip to Rome, DofE Gold Award expeditions and the Model UN.
Our gratitude endures, and Dr Toosey’s legacy lives on.
Dr Michael Toosey W44 May 1927 – July 2018
where they will have the space and light to grow to their full potential.
Ed Marley commented, “Tessa and Imi really enjoyed their time at Canford and, as parents, we also loved coming to the school, so we all wanted to give something back.”
Donors 2024
We are extremely grateful to the following for their support of Canford in 2024. We also thank several donors who have asked to remain anonymous. In any listing such as this, there will almost certainly be inadvertent errors or omissions, and we apologise if this is the case, but please do let us know if we have got it wrong!
OCs
1940’s & 1950’s
Nicolas Barling F56
Ward Bullock S59
Ken Dix S47
Julian Luttrell C50
Paul Merritt B54
Henry Taylor C59
1960’s
Jeff Archer SH69
John Austin-Williams S66
David Austwick M65
Tony Baron F76
John Baxter B68
Giles Biddle B61
Anthony Collins F67
Simon de Halpert F64
Nick Edmonds SH62
Robert Forber SH68
John Gibbs W69
David Hall S64
James Harvey F69
Timothy Hughes W60
Patrick Jenkins C61
John Jones-Pritchard B62
Tim Kirk W61
Brian Langer S66
John Lenton SH67
Mervyn Pannett M65
Christopher Ridler W60
Steve Rippon-Swaine S66
Clive Vero C61
John Walker C63
Richard Way F67
Jeremy Wingate-Saul W63
1970’s
David Adams C76
Andy Bell M70
John Bingham M74
John Buckmaster S70
Hugh Chissell S78
Dudley Ellis S77
Jonathan Guest SH70
Martin Hewitt M74
Bill Hoath F78
Simon Marriott S79
Andrew Oatts F74
Kevin Pratt SH72
Fiona Price F79
Robert Upshall S70
Nigel Westbury W79
Tony White F76
1980’s
Tim Barnes S85
Simon Black W85
Julian Brockman SH85
Paul Churchill M85
John Churchill M85
Jamie Crittall SH87
Helier de Veulle M89
Paul Dugdale SH85
Mark Falconer S82
Andy Farmer W85
Michael Griffiths F81
Philip Hammick M80
Christopher Hawkes W85
Roz Haynes SH85
Stephen Headford SH85
Joanna Jensen W88
Rob Johnson W85
Matt Keats S89
John Legat M81
Charles Moss SH86
Cleeves Palmer C80
Johnny Payne B88
Tim Porter SH85
Nick Robertson C86
Nick Rogers S82
Rupert Ryall SH80
Jon Silversides B85
Richard Smedley SH85
Duncan Tatton-Brown W83
Mark Tennant C86
Julian Thorne S82
Gianluca Tramontana SH85
Simon Whatmore SH85
Tim Wiltshire F87
Robyn Wright W84
James Zeal M81
1990’s
Kenneth Appleby C93
Catherine Brookes S93
Kate Brown W14
Hamilton Ford SH93
Dominic Fry F93
James Hallam S96
Eli Kerr F93
Andrew Ketteridge C96
Adam Key B92
Paul Mawdsley S96
Rory McCormick F93
Nicholas Shaftesbury F97
Chris Sharp S99
Annabel Thomas F95
Ashton Ward W93
Andrew Young C94
2000’s
Timothy Allen L07
Chloe Beattie M01
Justin Etherington M02
Hugh Farquhar M02
Rory Ferguson W08
Samuel Ross M01
William Rottenburg C04
Emily Salvesen L02
Tom Scott F09
Marie-Louise Sharp S03
Alex Silk F09
Simon Stringer C01
2010’s
Matthew Borghi SH13
Ed Durkin C10
Harry Griffiths SH13
Marna Judson B13
Henrietta Lane B12
James Lee W12
Henry Wilkinson F10
2020’s
James Kelly S24
Freddie Porter M20
CURRENT PARENTS
Stephen Allen
Lucie Allen
Edward Aspinall
Beverley Blackman
Alexa Bona
Timothy Brown
Katharine Butler
Adam Carswell
Stuart Christie
Ewan Clark F86
Sarah Cole
Michelle Crorie
Lucy Cutler
Alexandra Dirou
Lorna Farbridge
Heather Field
Katie Gallagher
Rohan Glynn
Boris Granovskaya
Charles Grant
Nicola Jinks
Jayson Kenny S86
Timothy Knatchbull
Richard Laird C94
Kirsty Lane
Vicki Lee
James Lock C94
Pollyanna Montagu
Antonia Patrick F85
Sebastian Pawlowski
Jane Pinchiaroli McMillan
Vershal Relan
Helen Robertshaw
Mary Rodber
Ros Scott
Alex Sloley
Elizabeth Smith
Shaun Stacey
Mel Stephenson
Clare Tee
William Tilbury F91
Alex Walter S90
Ali Warner
Paul West
Sau Wong
FORMER PARENTS
Anita Ambrose-Hunt
Francesca Ashby-Rudd
Toby Branston
Judith Chapman
Heather Culpan
Tiffany Fleming
Tom Fountain
Sophie Hogan
Steve Hutchings
Robert Janaway
Dina Jankovich-Besan
Shirley Jin
Charlotte Keen
Andrea König
Lynda Le Boutillier
Steven Loveridge
Fiona Marley
Ed Marley
Roger Morris
Yvonne Motsi
Olaide Okubanjo
Kaaren Paget
Elizabeth Park
Susannah Pinner
Louise Porter
Susan Rance
Neil Saunders
Julia Sullivan
Annabel Walters
Oliver Westberg
Laura Windsor
Danny Witter
Jian Yuan
CURRENT STAFF
Jonathan Cumberlege
Rachael Daniel
Sascha Deblander
Ian Dryden
Rowena Gaston
Edward Johnson
James Ryan
FORMER STAFF
Andrew Powell
Jane Vacher
WIDER COMMUNITY
Chris Taylor
Deena Blake
Easy Fundraising
Farmer Palmers
Feltham Construction
Judy Vero
Katherine Holdstock Coaching
Keith Parkhouse
Laura Harrison
Lighthouse Poole
Michael Hicks
Moors Valley
National Garden Scheme
Porsche Centre Bournemouth
Rose Shepherd
SI Poole
Snowtrax
Swanage Railway
The Grange Hampshire
NINEVEH
Philip Alford S71
Richard Booth L06
Max Bowsher W01
Jon Boyle W80
Colin Chalkly-Maber S73
Simon Cooper S80
Jimmy Faure M52
Colin French C59
Allan Futty SH52
Sarah Galbraith
Keith Galbraith
Donald Geikie C67
Michael Goodliff W50
Keith Hay
Viv Horwood
Pippa Howarth B12
David Lazenby CBE B55
John Lever
John McFarlane S67
Andrew Minter
Sophie Minter M96
Tom Montgomery C68
Roy Napier M50
Roger Palin SH57
Robert Pierson SH58
Roy Pointer
Ken Quin M57
Ben Richards B84
Hugh Robinson C62
Adrian Scott B56
Phil Smith SH70
Paddy Target F74
Eric Wallington
We would also like to thank pupils, staff and parents who donated to Mufti Days.
ENGAGEMENT
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ENGAGEMENT
The Canford Community
The Friends of Canford School committee has once again surpassed itself this year by delivering a host of events and activities, all of which have been extremely well attended. The group continues to thrive and provide a full calendar of fun. February was all about fashion, with our sustainable Fashion Show in collaboration with the Wardrobe Foundation, just one of the amazing organisations FCS has been able to support. Spring saw Zoe Wilson, renowned sculptor and creator of the School’s centenary sculpture, capture the imagination of our lunch guests when she spoke passionately about her work, while summer was all about outdoor activities. We were blessed by wonderful weather for our annual Charity Golf Day and for our History and Arboretum tours which always prove so popular. This year, we hosted a Commando Quest activity for the first time, a unique afternoon combining paintball target practice, shooting range, assault course and room clearance activities; perfectly pitched to give a taste of what the children get up to at the School’s outdoor education facility. Our last big event for the year was our most popular annual Quiz Night! We are always delighted to welcome so many parents to our events and, while at the same time, raising funds for those causes Canford pupils hold dear. We have also been on an active recruitment drive which has seen our volunteer numbers increase. Our thanks go to all those who have contributed, particularly to our committee members for all they have done and continue to do, the Canford School staff without whom none of this would be possible and our very generous parents, participants and patrons. It has been a very special year indeed.
Tiffany Fleming | Chair Friends of Canford School
Our stretch of the River Stour may be comparatively short, but the lengths our rowers go to with their determination, hard work and effort are the very essence of Canford’s values: courageous attitude, humble ambition and purposeful engagement. They have these by the boat load!
Following on from last year’s excellent sponsored twelve hour ergo, staff, parents and rowers threw themselves into action and another one took place in February. The money raised was again generously matched by an anonymous donor and enabled the boat club to buy a new boat over the summer. It was duly christened in September and has subsequently been put to good use during training and at regattas with rowers really appreciating this wonderful new boating addition.
Feeling that a more obvious presence on the riverbank was needed, FCR designed and had made the perfect summer accompaniment: a Panama hat in Canford colours. It has been a great success in helping Canford parents locate each other amongst the crowds at regattas and more will be on sale this year through the Development Office and FCR.
At the Boat Club Dinner following this year’s House Regatta, our guest speaker was the captain of Cambridge University Boat Club, Sebastian Benzecry. Everyone enjoyed his entertaining insights into life as a student rower both at Cambridge
FRIENDS OF CANFORD ROWING
FRIENDS OF CANFORD SCHOOL
University, when competing for three years in the Boat Race, and also when rowing in the USA.
The season culminated with a well attended lunch reception at Henley Royal Regatta complemented by the new cohort of school rowers wearing their Henley blazers.
In the Autumn, 75% of Head races were cancelled due to what is becoming an annual conundrum - heavy rain leading to dangerously high river levels. However the rowers put in some very determined and encouraging performances in the remaining events (Henley Sculls, Kingston Small Boats and Avon Head) which bodes well for 2025. The last event of the Christmas Term was the hugely anticipated Christmas Races. This event took place for the first time in five years, previously cancelled due to inclement weather conditions. Racing in mixed eights in their Santa hats (and variations of!), tinsel and Christmas jumpers followed by mince pies, it was a great way to finish off the year.
Alex
Crowhurst-Jones
| Chair Friends of Canford Rowing
MUSIC
2024 proved a year of significant change for the Music Department. After 25 years of service the Director of Music Christopher Sparkhall tendered his resignation. Without doubt Canford Music experienced a Golden Age under Chris’ direction. His passion, care and commitment to the pupils and quality of musicianship at Canford was outstanding. He nurtured potential, he developed confidence and had a significant impact on the journey of many scholars and other musicians who were able to engage in a broad spectrum of musical traditions and ensembles.
Behind the scenes Martin Hancock, Chair of the Friends of Canford Music Committee also stepped down on the completion of his time as a Canford parent. We likewise owe Martin gratitude for his most able contribution.
So it was that the Christmas Term opened with fresh impetus and a meeting of the Friends Committee, newly Chaired by parent Charlotte Bowater. Dr. Neill, Deputy Head Co-Curricular, introduced new Director of Music, Will Ings, and the Committee welcomed his remit to maintain the high standards while also expanding music participation and music throughout the School.
Subsequently a meeting was convened between the Directors of Music, School Finance, Development and the Chair of the Friends of Canford Music Committee as its representative. The Department was considered from all angles including the fitness of facilities in the context of wider school development, music technology provision, pupil engagement with music making and creativity therein beyond those studying an instrument, the image of music within the pupil body and finance and bursary provision.
It was decided to instigate the development of a plan for the Music Department. There follows a process requiring consultation and inviting contribution from Leadership and our Community at appropriate stages. While in the conceptual stage at the time of writing it is intended to move forward without delay and we look forward to reporting further.
In the meantime, as an early signal of evolution to the pupil body a set of DJ Decks are being funded by the Friends of Canford. These will be housed in the new Sixth Form Hub opening in February but be widely accessible to the Community.
Charlotte Bowater | Chair
Friends
of Canford Music
FRIENDS OF CANFORD
VOLUNTEERS
Careers Convention
Many Old Canfordians, parents, grandparents, friends and staff generously dedicate their time to support the Canford community in various ways. Whether assisting at events, participating in the Careers Convention, helping with school trips, speaking to pupils, mentoring Canfordians and OCs, or serving as Governors, their contributions are invaluable. Without this support, much of what we offer simply wouldn’t be possible.
The purpose of the Careers Convention is to provide Lower Sixth Form pupils with valuable insights into career paths beyond school by connecting them with parents and OCs. These connections may lead to mentoring relationships or work experience opportunities. This year, we were delighted to welcome 70 volunteers from diverse industries, including Business Management, Entrepreneurship, Environmental Science and the Public Sector.
The event began in the Music School, where pupils and volunteers gathered for an engaging talk on money management and future investing. Canford parents Tim and Katie Gallego,
from Poundbury Wealth Management and St James’s Place, shared their passion for helping young people develop healthy financial habits early in life.
A new addition to this year’s programme was a networking buffet lunch in the Assembly Hall, where pupils and volunteers mingled in an informal setting. The afternoon featured two industry panel sessions, allowing for in-depth questions and discussions. The day concluded with the ever-popular ‘speed-dating’ style networking session, giving Canfordians the opportunity for one-to-one conversations with volunteers in specific fields of interest.
Simultaneously, newly appointed Degree Apprentices from JP Morgan gave a presentation on Degree Apprenticeships, discussing their experiences working in a global organisation and offering guidance on the application process.
After the event, OCs and parents were invited to enjoy a drink in the Rathbone Room to round off the day.
Are you an OC looking for careers advice? Would you be able to offer advice to an OC? Join Canford Global Connect and also contact community@canford.com. We are here to help.
Volunteers 2024
We are extremely grateful to the following for their support of Canford in 2024. In any listing such as this, there will almost certainly be inadvertent errors or omissions, and we apologise if this is the case, but please do let us know if we have got it wrong!
