GOVERNING BODY DECISION
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
January/February 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
THE COLLEGE CONCEPT
Educational and personal development needs of 17-18 year olds about to enter a competitive world are very different to those of younger pupils – as is their mindset and outlook in the final school year.
The new College structure allows stage-specific guidance, appropriate expectations and demands.
The College Concept enhances opportunities for academic study, personal development and preparation for the future for all Sixth Form pupils.
The College provides a different transitional experience for the Upper Sixth to better manage the pressures of life beyond Canford within the supportive structure of the School.
THE COLLEGE
NEW FACILITIES AT THE HEART OF THE SCHOOL
The College facilities will include areas for the whole Sixth Form as well as those dedicated to the Upper Sixth:
The Hub and two single sex residential wings form three sides of an attractive quad in the heart of the school, close to the Library, Layard Theatre, Music School, Sports Centre, Manor House and academic teaching areas.
The College Hub
An exciting educational and social space for the whole Sixth Form with a central social hub.
- NEW
SIXTH FORM
FACILITIES
The Future Pathways Centre For Higher Education and Careers
Including conference and seminar space for workplace-style physical and virtual events and networking.
- NEW
SIXTH FORM
FACILITIES
A range of other educational and social spaces.
SIXTH FORM - NEW FACILITIES
A range of other educational and social spaces.
SIXTH FORM - NEW FACILITIES
SIXTH FORM - NEW FACILITIES
A teaching kitchen and entertainment dining area for small pupil-led functions.
SIXTH FORM - NEW FACILITIES
Dedicated mixed lodge space for Upper Sixth Day pupils.
Separate single sex residential wings with en suite accommodation for Upper Sixth boarders.
THE LOWER SCHOOL
The College Concept:
Provides an aspirational, dynamic progression as pupils grow through the School.
Offers difference and relevance as pupils start to look actively at what lies beyond.
Gives Lower School pupils access to The College facilities for some aspects of their educational programme when appropriate.
Allows existing house teams more time to support pupils across four year groups instead of five.
Enables improvement to the quality and feel of existing boarding and day facilities including providing more social space/other upgrades.
THE SIXTH FORM EXPERIENCE
We will aim to strike a balance between keeping the Upper Sixth at the heart of the school community and acknowledging the demands on their time during their final year.
Retaining the warmth and energy of our school community is fundamental.
The College Concept will provide facilities bringing together the whole Sixth Form educationally and socially.
Much will remain constant in terms of the focus, rhythm and flow of life in the Sixth Form and the role our Sixth Form pupils play in school life as a whole.
The educational experience of all Sixth Form pupils will be overseen by the Assistant Head College who will be a member of the SLT.
(Appointment – June 2024)
Specialist Sixth Form tutors guide and support tutees through the two Sixth Form years ensuring continuity of care and connection with key academic and pastoral staff - and parents.
THE SIXTH FORM EXPERIENCE
The Lower Sixth
A smaller social and pastoral base in the vertical houses for new Sixth Form joiners as they find their feet.
Existing pupils retain the physical and emotional familiarity of their vertical house at the start of their Sixth Form journey.
The Lower Sixth year will have enhanced opportunities for house leadership supported by bespoke training on leadership, mentoring and coaching.
The Upper Sixth
Co-location of the Upper Sixth will enhance opportunities for collaboration and a strong collective work ethic.
Upper Sixth pupils will broaden their networks across the whole year group.
Current (and additional) multi year group academic, co-curricular and pastoral programmes will ensure a significant level of cross year group interaction.
Upper Sixth pupils will continue to be closely involved in whole school pupil leadership until their final ‘exam-focused’ term.
THE SIXTH FORM EXPERIENCE
The College Pastoral Dean (Appointment by December 2024) and two Assistant College Pastoral Deans (Appointment by December 2025) supported by a College pastoral team will oversee the daily supervision, welfare and wellbeing of Upper Sixth pupils.
The College Pastoral Dean will have direct responsibility for the Upper Sixth Day pupils alongside leadership and management of the College Pastoral team as a whole. The two Assistant College Pastoral Deans will each have direct day to day responsibility for the pastoral welfare of the Upper Sixth boarding boys and Upper Sixth boarding girls respectively.
The College Pastoral team will work very closely with the Assistant Head College to ensure close co-operation and communication in terms of transition to The College for the Upper Sixth.
Upper Sixth will maintain close bonds with ‘their house’ through a carefully planned programme designed to keep the ‘house spirit’ strong and vibrant.
FURTHER INFORMATION
A podcast interview by the Heads of School with Headmaster Mr Vessey will be broadcast before Summer half term 2024.
FAQs about aspects of the College development can be found on the dedicated Sixth Form College webpage.
www.canford.com/sixth-form/new-sixth-form-college
