FIRST STEPS
REGISTRATION
Registrations for Sixth Form applications open in April of Year 10.
Prior to registration, please provide us with a copy of your current passport and most recent school report so that an initial assessment can be made. All 16+ candidates for whom English is not their first language, whether studying in the UK or abroad, must complete UKiset as part of the application process and the results must be received at the point of interest.
EAL
We offer excellent EAL support here at Canford. Pupils where English is not their first language are required to attend EAL lessons until their level of English is of the standard required to apply to UK universities. An Individual Learning Plan is made for each pupil with English support provided through one-to-one lessons
ASSESSMENT OPTIONS
All candidates take either the Canford Entrance Tests or the Academic Scholarship Examinations.
If you are currently studying at a school overseas and are unable to travel to Canford for the entrance tests, you can arrange for the papers to be invigilated either at your local British Council office, current school or at one of our approved invigilation offices. Your papers must be sat between the 21 October 2024 – 3 November 2024.
If you are already studying in the UK or wish to apply for any of our scholarships, you must attend the entrance / scholarship days in person.
To discuss our Admissions entry process further, please contact us via email admissions@canford.com
EXPECTED GCSE GRADES YEAR 11: TIMELINE
All scholarships and places are offered subject to candidates achieving a minimum of 42 grade points on the best seven GCSEs, including English and Maths. We would expect at least a grade 7 (or an A grade) in each subject to be studied in the Lower Sixth and at least a 6 (or a B grade) in English and Maths. If you are not taking GCSE examinations, your offer will be based on your performance in your entrance tests, interview and school reference.
A LEVEL CHOICES
Pupils must choose four subjects (unless one is Further Maths, in which case we ask for five initial subject choices). At some point during the Sixth Form most pupils will drop one subject. One subject must be chosen from each of the groups below. Pupils who wish to study Further Maths must also choose Maths in Group 4.
GROUP I: Art, Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Drama, Economics, English, Geography, History, Maths, Philosophy & Theology, Physics, Physical Education.
GROUP 2: Art, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Design Technology, Economics, English, Geography, Philosophy & Theology, Physics, Physical Education, Politics.
GROUP 3: Biology, Chemistry, Economics, English, French, Geography, History, Philosophy & Theology, Physics, Politics, Spanish.
GROUP 4: Biology, Business, Chemistry, Classical Civilisation, Economics, English, French, Geography, History, Maths, Maths & Further Maths, Spanish.
* 2024 groups - subject to change for 2025
5 OCTOBER 2024
From the April in Year 10 to mid-October, visit Canford for a private tour or attend one of our Open Mornings which include a dedicated event for Sixth Form. Book a place at www.canford.com/open-morning
13 OCTOBER 2024
The closing date for entries and applications for scholarships and financial assistance.
5 NOVEMBER 2024
Canford Entrance Tests and Assyrian Scholarships (except Sport).*
7/8 NOVEMBER 2024
Academic Scholarships and Assyrian Scholarships (if applying for Academic Scholarship)
8 NOVEMBER 2024
All Assyrian Sport candidates will be assessed in the afternoon.
12 NOVEMBER 2024
Canford Entrance Tests and Assyrian Scholarships (except Sport)*
2 DECEMBER 2024
Announcement of results (in accordance with the agreement between all HMC schools).
*Once the closing date for registration has passed, we will confirm which date you have been allocated to sit the Canford Entrance Test papers on.
CANFORD ENTRANCE TESTS
You will sit papers in three out of the four subjects you are expecting to take at A level. The papers must be written papers. It is not possible to be assessed for either Art, Music or Design Technology when sitting papers overseas. You will also sit a Verbal Reasoning paper and for those candidates whose first language is not English, an EAL (English as an Additional Language) paper.
If you are sitting your papers overseas, an online interview will be arranged with a member of our teaching staff. Sample past papers are available in advance of the entrance tests.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Candidates may enter for any combination of Sixth Form Scholarships. Scholarships can vary in value, but the majority are generally worth 5-15% of the fees. All scholarship candidates must attend Canford in person for the scholarship assessments.
ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIPS
These will consist of tests in Verbal Reasoning and three of the subjects that the candidate is expecting to take at A Level.
Candidates choosing to sit our Academic Scholarship papers must sit three written subject papers. It is not possible to choose Art, Design Technology or Music as a subject for assessment.
For those choosing to sit papers in Biology, Chemistry or Physics but not Mathematics, there will also be a Mathematics for Science test. Candidates whose first language is not English will sit an EAL paper.
Candidates sitting the Academic Scholarship Drama paper should also prepare one two to three minute monologue from a published text (not a LAMDA piece). If a candidate is interested in technical theatre, they should give a presentation on how they would approach two scenes from a play of their choice from a technical viewpoint.
During the two scholarship days, there will be both a group and academic interview.
Sample past papers are available in advance of the entrance tests.
MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS
Applicants are expected to have reached or be approaching grade 8 standard with distinction. Applicants should prepare two contrasting pieces on their main instrument/voice and one piece on each supporting instrument/voice. Candidates may offer singing either as a main instrument, or in support of other instruments and they may also wish to bring along original compositions. Scales and arpeggios, sight-reading and aural tests should also be prepared at a level appropriate to the standard of the pieces. The audition concludes with an informal interview between the applicant and the department’s music staff. Applicants should bring to the audition examples of their composing work for GCSE music and be prepared to discuss it with the department’s staff.
ASSYRIAN SCHOLARSHIPS
Assyrian Scholars are expected to make a leading contribution to the extra-curricular life of the school in either Art, Design Technology, Drama, Music or Sport.
ART: Candidates should bring their portfolio of work containing no more than 10 pieces along with a sketchbook (if available). An informal interview will also take place with a focus on the candidate’s creativity, passion for the subject and desire to learn.
DESIGN TECHNOLOGY: Candidates will need to bring a portfolio of work consisting of approximately 15 A3 pages. Additional material from other projects should also be provided showing the following skills: sketching and graphical communication, examples of any CAD work undertaken, written communication including layout of work (research pages, analysis, idea pages, production diaries etc.), written communication to show depth of understanding in analysis of problem solving, examples of the quality make outcomes. An informal interview will take place with a senior member of our DT department.
DRAMA: Candidates should prepare two 2 - 3 minute monologues from published texts (not LAMDA pieces) and be prepared to take direction on the pieces. Candidates should appreciate the context of the speech within the play. If an applicant is applying due to their interest in technical theatre, they should give a presentation on how they would approach two scenes from a play of their choice from a technical viewpoint. Interviews will take place with our Director of Drama and / or our Technical Manager.
MUSIC: Applicants should prepare one or two short pieces to perform and would normally be of a good grade 6 Associated Board standard. There will also be a general interview.
SPORT: Candidates at 16+ should be high performers in the focus sports played at Canford (Hockey, Netball, Rugby, Cricket) and ideally be involved in a recognised performance pathway. Other sports will be considered, but priority will be given to candidates offering sports played as focus team sports. The scholarship format will include a physical (fitness) assessment along with a technical assessment in their chosen sport/s and an interview.
For the academic element of these awards, candidates must sit either the Academic Scholarship or the Canford Entrance Tests.
SIXTH FORM ENTRY
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IS IT BETTER TO REGISTER AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE?
Registration opens from the April of Year 10 and closes in early October for entry the following September.
HOW MANY INTERNATIONAL PUPILS ARE THERE?
Currently around 10.5% of pupils are resident abroad, which includes 6.5% where English is not their first language.
WHAT HAPPENS IN EVENINGS AND AT WEEKENDS?
With a full programme of evening and weekend activities offered international families can be reassured that on average at least 80% of boarders are in school on any given weekend, and there are several weekends with 100% of boarders on the campus.
DO I NEED TO ATTEND CANFORD FOR THE EXAMS?
Yes, all applicants should attend Canford for both the Canford Entrance Tests and the Academic and Assyrian Scholarships. If you are currently studying at an overseas school and are unable to travel to Canford for the entrance tests, you can arrange for the papers to be invigilated either at your local British Council office, current school or at one of our approved invigilation offices. If you are already studying in the UK or wish to apply for any of our scholarships, you must attend the entrance / scholarship days in person.
DO I NEED TO PAY A REGISTRATION FEE?
A £250 registration fee is due at the point of registration. If you are intending to apply for financial support and will struggle to pay the registration fee immediately, please contact us prior to registration.
DO YOU ASK FOR A REFERENCE FROM THE CURRENT SCHOOL?
Yes. References add an important dimension to our understanding of individual pupils and are requested prior to tests taking place.
WHAT PROPORTION OF CHILDREN ARE OFFERED PLACES?
In recent years, approximately 1 in 5 applicants have been offered a place.
HOW MANY PLACES ARE AVAILABLE?
We normally have between 20 and 30 places available each year.
WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CHILD IS ON THE WAITING LIST?
Those not offered a place immediately after the testing process will join the waiting list. Pupils will be reconsidered as places become available.
DOES THE FACT I ALREADY HAVE A CHILD IN THE SCHOOL MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
Due to the competitive nature of our Sixth Form admissions process, no priority is given to those with a younger or older sibling already attending the school.
CAN I REQUEST A HOUSE PREFERENCE?
We are not able to accept a house preference for new Sixth Form pupils. Our new pupils will be divided between the day and boarding houses as space allows.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A SIXTH FORM SCHOLAR?
Our Sixth Form scholars will have the personality, ambition and enthusiasm to become leaders among their peers in their particular field. We want to see dedicated commitment to their talent, a positive work ethic and a strong record of success. In return, scholars will have the opportunity to make a real difference to both the Sixth Form and the wider school community. We will offer our Sixth Form scholars the support and specialist 1-1 guidance to reach for the stars and achieve their goals, academically, in co-curricular life and in their future education.
WHERE DO UPPER SIXTH LEAVERS HEAD NEXT?
Historically over 95% of our Sixth Form leavers have moved on to top universities at home and abroad each year, including 48 places to Oxbridge in the past 5 years and scholarships to prestigious colleges in the US. There is an excellent record of success also in applications to Medical Schools and Arts Colleges and for degree apprenticeships with organisations including PwC, Goldman Sachs and the Dyson Institute. A number of pupils enjoy a Gap Year or go straight into the world of work.