“ Stand out academics come as standard, alongside exceptional facilities in a glorious setting and the top-notch staff who make it all happen. ”
A school community where all are inspired to explore, empowered to express and challenged to excel.
Welcome to the third edition of the Canford Impact report. This publication illustrates the value of a Canford education and the positive outcomes that are achieved for every individual pupil, whatever their passions may be or where their future aspirations may lie. We offer opportunities to explore their talents, to express their personalities and to excel in all they do within a warm and supportive school community. I hope you will enjoy reading how our school vision manifests itself in reality, not only through facts and figures but crucially also through personal stories and pupil experiences.
BEN VESSEY, HEADMASTER
The Canford Values
“We celebrate those who, through their attitude and approach to life in the school community, have made a real and positive difference, not just to their own personal development, but to the experience of others.” Ben Vessey
Canfordians are often commented on as being rounded, grounded individuals, confident without being arrogant, with a real sense of purpose and holding true to the school values of Purposeful Engagement, Humble Ambition, Gracious Leadership and Courageous Attitude when they leave us ready to make their mark on the world.
The Canford Values Awards are given by the Headmaster every half term to pupils who are nominated by their HsM as having particularly lived out these values in a meaningful way, as the examples below show.
COURAGEOUS ATTITUDE
“His courageous attitude was demonstrated by really digging in and performing phenomenally well during the recent CCF Whole Day Enterprises - his can-do approach certainly marks him out as a man of good character.”
HUMBLE AMBITION
“She has a willingness to try new things, commitment to skills she is developing and encourages others to be inclusive. Her humble ambition makes her stand out.”
OUR CORE VALUES
GRACIOUS LEADERSHIP
“She epitomises gracious leadership in her role as Deputy Head of House. She gets on with things tasks quietly and efficiently, and is extremely effective at bringing others with her; her manner is always positive, nurturing and encouraging.”
PURPOSEFUL ENGAGEMENT
“He has shown excellent purposeful engagement in lessons, and when revising for his end of year exams, ending up with superb UCAS predictions.”
A place to EXPLORE
Academic and intellectual aspiration is central to school life with a rich and extensive co-curricular programme providing further opportunity for creativity and self-discovery for all ages and ability levels. Every pupil is encouraged to explore, with the coherence of a Canford education across both academic and co-curricular elements promoting lifelong personal development and self-understanding.
“Our
son is thriving. The opportunities to take part in things, further his learning and broaden his thinking and outlook have been exceptional.”
CURRENT
20+ academic groups and societies
100+ teams playing nearly 1,000 fixtures across 16 sports each year
130+
26 Shell scholar talks trips and expeditions at home and abroad in 2023/4
67,000 academic lessons each year
Explore your interests, DEVELOP YOUR SKILLS...
A selection of the many ways in which pupils have the chance to EXPLORE as they move through the year groups.
FIFTH FORM
SHELL CAROUSEL
GIRLS HOCKEY TOUR F24
SHELLS
SHELL PROJECTS
LAND ROVER 4X4
SHELL ENTERRISE DAY
LOWER SIXTH
FOURTH FORM
CCF: ARMY, NAVY, MARINES CITY REACH WALK
BEYOND THE GATES
CCF NORWAY TRIP
UPPER SIXTH
CCF, MODEL UN, GROUND FORCE
FIELD TRIPS
CULTURAL CONNECTIONS WEEK
DofE
GLOBAL CONNECTIONS
ENTERPRISE DAY
CCF, MODEL UN, GROUND FORCE
PUPIL LEADERS
GLOBAL CONNECTIONS
DofE
TEN TORS
PARTNERSHIP TRIPS
CCF, COMMUNITY ACTION
PUPIL LEADERS
PEER MENTOR TRAINING
DofE
TEN TORS
FIELD TRIPS
Building healthy habits for life MENTAL
. PHYSICAL . SOCIAL
“We want our pupils to aim high and to achieve to the best of their ability, but never at the expense of their mental health. The happiness of our pupils is of fundamental importance to us. We believe the happier and more secure the pupil, the better their productivity, outcomes and success.”
MELISSA CLINTON, HEAD OF WELLBEING
CANFORD SLEEP PROGRAMME
EXPERT SPEAKER PROGRAMME
MINDFULNESS & YOGA
NUTRITION ADVICE
HEALTHY DINING OPTIONS
SPORT & FITNESS FOR ALL IN-HOUSE COUNSELLING
PEER MENTORING ANNUAL WELLBEINGFEST
“I just feel more confident in talking to everyone now, older and younger”
PEER MENTOR
A place to EXPRESS
“Do not go where the path may lead; go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Emerson’s quote epitomises what we aim for for our pupils. We want them to challenge existing wisdom, to create and to share their passions, views and opinions. We are educators, but we have much to learn from our pupils and a culture where all feel able to express thoughts, ideas and feelings makes for a dynamic and accepting school community.
“Canford has definitely boosted my confidence because working in a team with lots of different people makes you speak up and build connections with people I wouldn’t usually come across or socialise with in a classroom environment.”
4 pupil run Equity, Diversity and Inclusion groups
60 Music concerts in 2023/24
21 cultural whole school celebrations
15 Drama productions in 2023/24
600+ pupils involved in House Film, House Music and House Art
‘BEYOND THE GATES’ AT CANFORD
SHELLS
A place to EXCEL
We are ambitious for Canfordians, and you can read about achievements at the very highest levels by our talented pupils on these pages. Yet we define excellence as taking many forms and want to inspire our pupils to excel to the very best of their own abilities. Fine academic results, sporting records and top university offers are fantastic, but we commend those who grasp the opportunity to make a positive difference, as a Pupil Leader, as part of a team or offering support to a friend. These are all ways in which our pupils excel across their school lives.
“Pupils achieve academically and have excellent attitudes towards learning, to their subject lessons and their wide variety of cross-curricular activities.”
INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS INSPECTORATE
29 offers to Oxbridge in the past 3 years
16
Sixth Formers awarded ARSM diplomas or Grade 8s in 2023/24
45
Lower Sixth TED Talks to Fourth Form
90
Sixth Form Peer Mentors
30+ girls and boys currently on county, emerging player and academy pathways
Excelling in their field ...
Talent develops through education in the broadest sense. The Canford environment is structured and yet allows pupils to grow and excel as individuals through a very wide range of opportunities. As the American actor Danny Kaye said: “Life is a great big canvas; throw all the paint you can at it.”
Just some of the many individual successes by current Canfordians and recent leavers are recorded here.
ROBBIE: BRITISH SWIMMING’S WORLD CLASS PROGRAMME
REZA: 2022 ENGLISH KARTING CHAMPION
ELIANA: ARSM DIPLOMA WITH DISTINCTION FOR SINGING AND CELLO
ANOUSKA: 1ST PLACENSEA SHOW JUMPING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL
AARON: GB KARATE SELECTION FOR WORLD MARTIAL ARTS GAMES 2023
JOHANNES: NATIONAL YOUTH THEATRE
PROGRAMME
EDDIE: ENGLAND U19 CRICKET AND HAMPSHIRE
HUGO: BROMSGROVE
YOUNG MUSICIANS SENIOR WINNER
JASMINE: WINNER IN U18 CATEGORY - NATIONAL POETRY DAY
PHOEBE: ARMY OFFICER SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
“All pupils are encouraged to develop a love of learning. This is supported by their peers - it is all about creating that positive culture.”
IEUAN WEIR, DEPUTY HEAD ACADEMIC
of places in 2023 at university of choice –86% to Russell Group/Sunday Times Top 12
SIXTH FORM Building the skills for future success
Pupils also moved on to Art Foundation courses
Academic Excellence
Life in the Sixth Form is about much more than academic success, but exam results are important tickets to the next stage of life, whether that be to university, other higher education, apprenticeships or the world of work. We are proud of the approach our pupils take to their studies, and of the wonderful outcomes they achieve. Among the Top 10 co-ed Boarding Schools in the UK for A Level Results 2023
THE COLLEGE CANFORD SIXTH FORM
“An inspirational, innovative, integrated Sixth Form experience at the heart of the School.”
SIR GARY COWARD, CHAIR OF GOVERNORS
Following a review of key financial, economic and market information, alongside educational research, the Governing Body decided unanimously to support the next phase of the school strategic plan ‘Canford 2023 and Beyond’.
This involves the creation of The College which comprises The College Hub in the old Wimborne/ Monteacute building and two single sex residential wings for Upper Sixth boarding pupils.
TIMELINE FOR OPENING
Spring 2025
The College Hub opens for all Sixth Form
September 2025
Upper Sixth Day pupils locate to The College
September 2026
Upper Sixth Boarders locate to The College
Find out more about the latest developments at www.canford.com/sixth-form/new-sixth-form-college
“Our aim is for a Sixth Form providing opportunities and structures for pupils to lead their own learning and development in ways which are transformational in the transition from school to life beyond .”
STRATEGIC PLAN ‘TO 2023 AND BEYOND’
Main Atrium
A strong and supportive COMMUNITY
“I am grateful to Canford for its support of The Bourne Academy. It is clear that this has had a positive impact on the school’s educational outcomes.”
1,000+ junior pupils attending annual workshops and sports events
70
8,000+ hours of community action work by pupils and staff parent and alumni volunteers at Careers Convention 2024
£
105,504 donated in 2023/24 to the Canford Charitable Annual Bursary Fund
WimborneTownEngineeringProject
Beaucroft School Drama Science Tutoring Music for the Elderly
Over 60s Bridge Club RECYCLING Art in the Community
“I am grateful to Canford for its support of The Bourne Academy. It is clear that this has had a positive impact on the school’s educational outcomes.”
LORD AGNEW, FORMER ACADEMIES MINISTER Charity
OUR PEOPLE
There is a wealth of talent and creativity at Canford. Staff, pupils and Old Canfordians (OC alumni) here give an insight into the breadth of experience and personalities which make up our forward thinking, dynamic school community.
IEUAN WEIR DEPUTY HEAD ACADEMIC
DOMINIQUE DUC HEAD CHEF
SHAY LOWER SCHOOL PUPIL
TARA SIXTH FORMER
CLAIRE VANDVIK ADMISSIONS OFFICER AND PARENT
KAZANIECKI OC TECH SOFTWARE ENGINEER
WATCH MORE PROFILES ON THE CANFORD YOUTUBE CHANNEL
“All who are part of Canford know it is such a unique place. But it’s the people who are its beating heart and soul.”
HEADMASTER BEN VESSEY
KACPER
PARTNERSHIP
Canford’s partnership with The Bourne Academy began in 2008 when the DfE approached the school with a view to fully sponsoring a new Academy on the site of the failing King’s High School in East Howe, one of the most deprived areas of Bournemouth. The doors of the new Academy officially opening in September 2010. The collaboration has gone from strength to strength and is among the most successful independent/state school partnerships in the UK, highlighted in the latest Independent Schools Council ‘Celebrating Partnerships’ annual review.
BOURNE ACADEMY STUDENT
WAYS WE COLLABORATE
• Bourne Scholar Programme at Canford for 60 gifted and talented students
• Combined Student Leadership Groups
• Joint training for Medical School interviews
• Joint preparation sessions for Oxbridge applications
• Youth Parliament Hustings
• Carnegie Book Club
• Canford Sixth Former revision support for Bourne Science GCSE students
• Joint Chat Club with children in Kenya
• Year 10 twinning project
• Greenpower F24 racing
• Bourne pupils attend Canford annual Festival of Ideas
• Year 7/8 take part in annual Canford Geography quiz
• Joint staff inset sessions
“The programme offers scholars the opportunity to develop not only academically but also creatively, spiritually and morally.”
MARK AVOTH PRINCIPAL OF THE BOURNE ACADEMY
• Canford pupils attend talks and lectures at TBA
• Bourne staff assist judging Shell Poetry and Music events
• Canford CCF Royal Navy sailing with Bourne pupils
• Joint Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expeditions
• Joint hosting of international students
• Two Sixth Form bursaries each year for Bourne pupils
• Improving outcomes teaching and learning joint conference
• Annual staff cricket matches and social events
• Bourne TeachFirst spend training time at Canford
• Canford staff taking PGCE have second placement at TBA
Canford partnered with The Bourne Academy on this gifted and talented programme for their pupils as part of our exclusive sponsorship relationship. The Programme provides academic and co-curricular opportunities that puts them on a path to the world’s best universities.
Pupils chosen rank in the top 15% of their year group and are selected following a number of assessment points which demonstrate excellent Character and Commitment to the Academy. The aims of the programme are to provide a highly academic and rigorous curriculum to stretch and challenge the most academically able children whilst following the school’s progressive ASPIRE values to encourage the holistic development of all Scholars. The Bourne Scholars engage in weekly enriching activities and academic tasks.
Making a difference in our community and beyond
£43.8m
Total contribution to UK GDP of which 50% is generated locally
925
UK jobs supported by us
£18.2m
Total amount of UK tax supported by our activities
£4.2m
cost to taxpayer if eligible Canford pupils went into maintained schools sector
Source: ISC Schools Economic Impact report 2024
BURSARIES CHANGE LIVES
MERLIN
Merlin first came across Canford when attending a sports course at the school. He attended junior school in Ringwood but on seeing Canford, was keen to see if he might be able to gain a place. He took the scholarship exams and did very well. He was offered a bursary-supplemented scholarship which allowed him to accept his place.
IMY
“I only looked at Canford, and once I had visited, I knew that I didn’t want to go anywhere else so I had to make it happen.”
He settled in quickly and found the House structure very comforting, especially on the long days which were exhausting to start with. Canford encouraged him to be more independent and he could see very early on that the opportunities he would be offered would provide him with excellent experience. Canford has opened up new perspectives. “At Canford, you are not pushed but encouraged to explore. You feel fully supported to look at all the opportunities on offer. I also recognise that I am part of a very valuable lifelong network and community which will continue to support me in different ways.” Merlin achieved four top A level grades (A*A*AA) and has continued to look for unique opportunities by studying a BEng (Degree Apprenticeship) at the Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology.
Imy found Canford a very diverse school where everyone was kind, considerate and accepting. She has definitely made friends for life. “In my previous school I was labelled as a distracting influence. I was simply bored. At Canford small class sizes make such a difference and you get so much more attention. They have been able to cater for my needs which has made me work harder and perform so much better.”
Imy has taken up every opportunity on offer. She took part in Les Misérables being the youngest cast member on stage, took part in many music concerts, STEM challenges and then she found rowing. She started out with a blade in hand but soon realised her potential as a cox. Imy coxed at Henley Women’s Regatta, HRR and SHORR and won a medal at National Schools. “There are so many opportunities at Canford. I have never ever had an experience like this before. I used to hate school and now I’m really sad to leave.” Imy has secured a rowing scholarship and will study Philosophy at Newcastle.
“We want to provide the opportunity to add structure, substance and reality to the dreams and ambitions of young people whose life chances are likely to preclude this. This is very much a partnership as not only will pupils accessing a bursary benefit greatly, but their presence within the Canford community will add breadth and richness to the educational and life experience of all within it.”
BEN VESSEY, HEADMASTER
Our aim is to have 10% of our pupils on 100% bursaries by 2033.
ExperienceFOR LIFE
Canford has definitely been so much more than an education for me. My confidence has grown incredibly and I now want so much more in my life than to keep my head down.I definitely want to stand out and make an impact because I know the value that I can bring.
CURRENT PUPIL
“Our son absolutely thrived at Canford. All I wanted was for him to be happy at school but he became head of house and his good grades at A level set him up to go to Exeter and obtain a first class honours. Thank you for instilling happiness, pride and dedication in our children.”
FORMER PARENT
“I’ve really enjoyed the experience of receiving an excellent education in the UK, especially at Canford. I will definitely come back to Canford because of the amazing opportunities it gave me. I know I’m now an OC, but I’ll always be a Canfordian at heart.
INTERNATIONAL PUPIL
“When I first came to Canford I had lost my passion for learning and I was living day by day. However, ever since I have joined your forward thinking school I look to the future with inspiration.”
UPPER SIXTH LEAVER
THINGS THAT MAKE
A
CANFORD EDUCATION
OUTSTANDING
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
UNIQUE ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES
FULL BOARDING ENVIRONMENT
TEACHING EXCELLENCE
EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
INSPIRATIONAL SETTING
IMPRESSIVE PUPIL OUTCOMES
THE SUNDAY TIMES PARENT POWER SCHOOLS GUIDE 2024
BEST CO-EDUCATIONAL INDEPENDENT SCHOOL IN SOUTH WEST FOR 2023 A LEVEL PERFORMANCE
