“Our Mission is to build a community of open-minded people who are motivated to embrace learning in all its forms, and commited to making a difference to their own lives and to the lives of others. Our exceptional education grants freedom to grow and creates opportunities for all to explore, to express and to excel”.
Canford is a school which aims to challenge the intellect and broaden the vision. Experiences in the academic, co-curricular and pastoral education we offer throughout their time at the school lead our pupils to question, to reflect, to make decisions and to act wisely, both as individuals and through their engagement with others. Such characteristics are crucial if they are to reach their full potential, and contribute all they can to the world in which they live. If they don’t aim high, they will fall short. Life is full of challenges, and we want to equip Canfordians with the confidence and resilience to embrace and overcome them.
Alongside ambition and strength of character, we seek to instil a deep understanding of the wider moral and social responsibilities that arise from living and working with others. This is embodied in the aims and ethos of the school - a shared passion for learning, a commitment to excellence, education in the broadest sense, good judgement and creativity, trust and mutual respect and a sense of community. These are articulated on the pages which follow, in turn nurturing the values of Purposeful Engagement, Courageous Attitude, Humble Ambition and Gracious Leadership which underpin everything we do, and which help to forge such strong bonds between all those who are part of the whole Canford Community.
I look forward to meeting you.
Canford offers a dynamic and intellectual culture which not only results in a high degree of personal achievement in external examinations but also instils a curiosity and engagement well beyond the confines of any syllabus.
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I’d never really considered the importance of concurrent activity when working in a team context before.
” The enthusiasm and attention to detail from the staff have nurtured what started as curiosity for the subject into a real passion.
Making use of both modern technology and traditional teaching methods, we want Canfordians to learn in a manner which is not simply defined by classroom walls, the exam hall, the school gates, the university campus or the internet. The school is proud of its strong academic profile and impressive record of success in public exams, but while such exams are critically important for our pupils’ futures and are steps on the ladder to self-belief, they don’t always stimulate intellectual endeavour or encourage independent thinking. Academic departments have it as their mission to foster these qualities.
Cross-curricular learning is a feature of our academic programme, recognising the connections and coherence across the educational experience while developing the skills of collaboration, the habit of determination and the power of expression.
With confidence and experience comes an openness to and an appetite for new ideas, within the classroom and beyond it. A variety of societies, discussion groups, external speaker visits, theme weeks and publications hone critical thinking. We encourage our pupils to learn and think globally, and links with schools internationally foster joint academic projects. The programme of subject-based enrichment often leads to a top UK or international university application.
Our record of Higher Education success speaks for itself; the programme allows pupils to find and develop a real passion for an academic discipline that will enrich their lives.
BIOLOGY BOOK CLUB
ENGINEERING SOCIETY
GLOBAL FORUM
HERETICS (Discussion group)
ICHTHYANS (Philosophy and Ethics)
JOHN O’GAUNT SOCIETY (Debating)
JOURNALISM AND CREATIVE WRITING
JUNIOR HERETICS
LAYARD SOCIETY (History)
PHYSICS BOOK CLUB
POLITICOS
RIVERFLY MONITORING
YELLOW HOUR
Canfordians are young men and women with extraordinary opportunities. Our hopes and expectations for them are great and we encourage every pupil to strive for excellence in all that they do, both as individuals and in a collective sense. Passing through the school unnoticed is not an option. Our pupils are taught to find their talents and confront their weaknesses.
Whether in the classroom, on the sports field, in the concert hall or on the stage, our pupils are encouraged to aim high in all that they do, both personally and with their peers. Exam results regularly lead the way in the region at both A Level and GCSE, our musicians see membership of the National Youth orchestras and choirs, our actors tread the boards with the National Youth theatre, and our artists exhibit at galleries locally and in London. Our young sports men and women achieve regular regional and national sporting success, both individually and in team play.
Yet proud as we are of those glittering honours, we aim to instil a sense of purpose and ambition into every pupil who passes through Canford. We want to develop vitality, so that the young people we educate have the insight and versatility to follow their favoured paths, are equipped with the best possible exam results and through a range of co-curricular opportunities develop the confidence, the insight and the skills to give them the very best chance of making their dreams a reality.
Please continue all the excellent work in helping to develop the individuality of the pupils, helping them to understand what they have to value in themselves and in others.
I’ve
thrown myself into life at Canford, which has resulted in a few long hours, but I don’t regret a minute of it.
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The Canford environment is structured and yet allows pupils to grow as individuals through exposure to a very wide range of opportunities. One cannot tell whether balls or greasepaint or water or bees will fire the imagination but the opportunities and encouragement are there. As the American actor Danny Kaye said, “Life is one great big canvas, go throw all the paint you can on it’’.
Canford doesn’t pigeonhole youyou are offered so many opportunities. It is up to you to grasp them.
Creativity, problem-solving and critical thinking are essential skills in today’s workplace and all the signs are they will be central to the workplace of tomorrow. One of the reasons why Canford is so successful is that we devote significant resources to the development of the whole child as we seek to unlock and build up intellectual, physical, creative and emotional skills and awareness.
We want our pupils to discuss and communicate in fresh, exciting ways. We work continually to weave in opportunities within the demands of the exam based curriculum, but also through provision of broader opportunities and challenges.
Our son has flourished.
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Our aim is to produce the very best outcomes for all our pupils not just in term of academic and other achievements but through outstanding personal development opportunities and experiences for each and every Canfordian.
4X4 DESIGN ARCHERY
ASTRONOMY
BADMINTON
BEEKEEPING
CCF
CHESS
CLIMBING
COMPUTING CROQUET DEBATING
DRONE FLYING
ENGINEERING EQUESTRIAN
FILM CLASSICS
FORMULA 24
GLOBAL FORUM
GREEK HERETICS
JOY OF DECKS
JUGGLING
KAYAKING
PHILOSOPHY FILMS
PHOTOGRAPHY
ROMAN MOSAICS
SHOOTING
TABLE TENNIS THIS WEEK
VOLLEYBALL
ZUMBA
We want our pupils to develop the qualities to live as full a life as possible. Wisdom, moral courage and open-mindedness are cornerstones of this and are developed through such attributes as tolerance, self-discipline, compassion, imagination and innovation.
He came to the school with little self-confidence and has grown into a self-assured and confident young man.
Our broad curriculum includes the opportunity to think creatively, to innovate and to believe in the art of the possible. At the same time we want our pupils to show good judgement, to be morally responsible and to work together to open minds and attitudes.
Through initiatives such as the Model UN, Shell Projects and the Business Enterprise programme, we encourage Canfordians to think creatively, to find solutions and to present reasoned argument to their peers.
In Music, pupils are encouraged to write their own material and in recent years have launched this on the national and international music scene. In Drama, we have seen sets designed and built by pupils using the latest technology and innovative techniques.
I can’t fault my Canford experience. It has been the best place to help me grow and develop.
Our Design Technology department is constantly challenging pupils to develop designs which revolutionise daily lives, while new methods of battery power are developed by our Physicists to progress our F24 race cars.
We believe bold aspiration and quiet service to others can flourish together. Our Sixth Form Pupil Leaders represent and develop many different areas of school life, from academia to sport, peer mentoring to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. Strength and sensitivity, individuality and a co-operative spirit, respect for all and yet fear of none: these seemingly contrasting aspirations result in a rich pattern that is harmonious and purposeful, within both individual lives and the community as a whole.
All pupils need support of one kind or another. They learn to tolerate and trust, to respect diversity and to support each other through challenging times. Houses are communities where every pupil matters, and a peer mentoring programme provides support and encourages communication.
Our aim is one of joined up education, where supporting the wellbeing of all pupils goes hand in hand with formal academic and broader education which prepares them for life beyond Canford. Developing the individual within a warm, supportive school community is central to our core values. Fostering the capacity to cope with the demands of 21st century living, while encouraging pupils to understand themselves and develop emotional resilience is what we aim for through our extensive, multi-layered pastoral programme.
The tutor system is a fundamental part of our pastoral care and is based around time dedicated for listening, monitoring, supporting and guiding. Pupils meet tutors regularly and the personal tutor becomes a mentor whose insight and constructive advice are vital so that pupils can make the best use of all their opportunities. However, we recognise that often young people prefer to talk to someone their own age about their concerns. Our mentoring programme offers mutual support and encouragement on a peer to peer basis. Canford has a Christian foundation whilst welcoming those from a variety of faith backgrounds (or none). The spiritual aim of the school is to nurture faith where it exists while arousing curiosity in all pupils towards their spiritual dimension. In addition to both formal and informal chapel services, societies and events, the work of the chaplaincy in our pastoral care is wide ranging.
Developing friendships has been really important to me. Canford has allowed me a wide and varied circle of friends, many of whom I am sure will be lifelong. The children are very natural and grounded. Nice teenagers with few affectations. I think my children shall become friendly, kind, genuine adults.
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Canfordians will be employees and employers, parents, spouses and citizens.
As long as we equip them well, they will grasp opportunities and responsibilities with style, imagination, conviction and compassion.
” The careers events gave me an insight into the different pathways open to me after Canford.
Pupils take responsibility for decisions about their futures ... inspectors saw an effective careers department. “ ”
Careers advice is available throughout a pupil’s time at Canford and beyond into the Old Canfordian community with its extensive network of contacts and regular programme of events. We want each pupil to make careful and informed decisions in what is an extremely complex field. An annual Careers Convention, careers mentoring programmes and links with industry help prepare pupils in a practical sense for the world of work ‘two steps beyond’ Canford. While the majority of Upper Sixth leavers move on to university, careers staff have to be on top of the fast changing world of not only university entrance in the UK and globally - Canford is an official SAT testing centre - but increasingly the option of alternative avenues such as degree apprenticeships.
Academic tutors and heads of department provide regular advice, encouraging pupils to reflect on what they learn and develop a range of key skills which will be important throughout their lives. A plethora of external speakers provides further insight and stimulation.
Within our education we place equal importance on the development of the individual through both formal and informal leadership and team opportunities. Self-understanding, instils integrity, decency, ambition and a sense of purpose – qualities which will serve our pupils well when tackling future challenges.
Aschool does not sit in isolation. It part of a community, in fact many communities on different levels from the local to the international. Our pupils are very aware of the privileges received and responsibilities expected that come with wider citizenship and are actively involved in partnerships and projects in the local area and beyond.
“ ” It is such a privilege for a child to be educated at Canford. The school has managed to instil a sense of appreciating that privilege without the arrogance that can accompany a private education at some other top boarding schools.
We are proud of our extensive Community Action work, which has been recognised nationally for both its extent and its high quality outcomes. Partnerships with individuals and groups beyond the school help define Canford’s role in the wider world and instil in our pupils a more accurate understanding of wider society, highlighting their social awareness and fostering social responsibility.
Senior pupils work in primary schools and with disabled and disadvantaged groups, liaising with many local institutions. These weekly commitments can be challenging but are very worthwhile. More ambitious programmes include a link with an inner city youth project in Southampton and the SHINE national gifted and talented initiative. There are also links with communities in India, Cambodia and Ghana. Taking part in a visit to one of these orphanages or schools can be life changing.
Canford is one of the few independent schools in the country lead sponsoring an Academy school. Involvement with The Bourne Academy in Bournemouth is demonstrative of our commitment to community partnerships.
CLASSROOM AND SPORTS
TEACHING IN LOCAL SCHOOLS
JOINT PROJECTS WITH THE BOURNE ACADEMY
SUPPORT FOR LOCAL SCHOOLS AND CENTRES FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS WITH LEARNING AND PHYSICAL DISABILITIES
VISITING DAY PATIENTS AT A LOCAL HOSPICE
WORK AT LOCAL CHARITY SHOPS
VISITING PATIENTS WITH ALZHEIMER’S AT A LOCAL CARE HOME
VISITING THE ELDERLY ‘SERIOUS FUN ON SATURDAYS’ WITH SHINE PUPILS
PARTNERSHIPS WITH ORPHANAGES AND COMMUNITIES ABROAD
All members of the school community feel part of something special.
The school has a very family friendly feel.
The heart and spirit of any community are forged by its people.
BEN VESSEY “ ”
Everyone associated with Canford is a member of our community, including those who are still prospective families yet to join us. Whether you are a parent, Old Canfordian, staff or friend, we like to hope that all share a common bond in the continued success of our school, aiming to provide dynamic, vibrant and inclusive environment. Our annual calendar of events offers an opportunity to get involved through a broad range of activities and events.
The restorative powers of gracious surroundings are valuable things in a fast-moving age. The Grade 1 architecture and the beauty of the park’s river, arboretum, woodland and wildlife enhance our lives every day. They inspire pupils who are looking ahead to what mark they can make on the future and what legacy they will leave for Canfordians of generations to come.
Clear air, spectacular beaches and magnificent countryside make Dorset one of the most unspoilt counties in the country. Home to England’s only natural World Heritage Site renowned for its geology and geomorphology, iconic landmarks, historic houses and gardens, famous literary connections and remarkable biodiversity, the county is brimming with educational resources. Poole Harbour, Europe’s largest natural harbour, and many blue flag beaches are on Canford’s doorstep too offering watersports and other leisure activities for our pupils to enjoy.
The school is well served by rail, air and road links. It is under two hours from London, Oxford and Exeter, 90 minutes from the M3/M25 junction and within easy reach of London Heathrow, Bournemouth, Exeter and Southampton airports.
KINGSTON LACY
DURDLE DOOR
CHESIL BEACH
NEW FOREST
OLD HARRY ROCKS
CORFE CASTLE
LYMINGTON
BROWNSEA ISLAND
POOLE HARBOUR
SWANAGE
JURASSIC COAST
BADBURY RINGS
LULWORTH COVE
PORTLAND CASTLE
Canford School, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 3AD
250 ACRES OF GROUNDS Seven HEADMASTERS Since 1923
3,000 Trees in Arboretum
OVER
67,000
27,000 LESSONS EACH YEAR
LIBRARY RESOURCES
8,000 Volunteer Hours
GIVEN BY CANFORD SIXTH FORMERS EACH YEAR OVER
500 UNIVERSITY OFFERS EACH YEAR
11,000 MUSIC LESSONS Each Year
OVER
700 ANNUAL SPORTS FIXTURES BY OVER 100 TEAMS
OVER OVER
1,250
Parents and Friends
ATTEND COMMUNITY EVENTS EACH YEAR
It is all too easy to play safe and go with the flow. We have to reflect carefully, and often, on whether we are using our intellectual, physical and creative powers to the full to make a real difference to our lives as individuals, and to the communities in which we live. In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path, and leave a trail.”