Canford Wimborne, Dorset Visit
school

Canford
Wimborne

660 pupils, ages 13-18

Mixed

Day and Boarding

Visit school

Canford

Despite its magnificent setting and illustrious history, there is no sense of privilege or entitlement at this 100-year-old school in the beautiful Dorset countryside. Pupils are friendly, down-to-earth and outward-looking, happy in their own skin and modest about their achievements – even though there would be much to brag about, from ace exam results to stellar performances on the playing field and stage. It’s no wonder waiting lists are growing – this is a senior boarding school with serious game, turning out wonderfully grounded young men and women with a real awarene...

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Gallery See All

Canford pupils in white shirts all studying at laptops sitting on red chairs

Actors on stage in a drama performance with a bed and curtains

Rugby players playing a lineout wearing blue and red tops

Boys and girls sitting outside on the grass with their teacher

Boys in navy tracksuits on mountain bikes

Two people in blue jackets and gloves and poles standing up a snowy mountain

Boys on a banana on the water in yellow skullcaps

Pupils playing musical instruments outside

Boys sailing wearing faded red life jackets with a blue sail

Academic results

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Subjects offered

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Fees and bursaries

Day fees per term

Year 7	-
Year 8	-
Year 9	£11,957
Year 10	£11,957
Year 11	£11,957
Year 12	£11,957
Year 13	£11,957

Boarding fees per term

Year 7	-
Year 8	-
Year 9	£15,780
Year 10	£15,780
Year 11	£15,780
Year 12	£15,780
Year 13	£15,780

Bursaries
The school is committed to broadening access for prospective parents and to supporting current families. At present, over £1.4 million is offered each year in financial assistance, and at least 35 pupils currently benefit from bursary support of at least 75 per cent. Means-tested bursaries are available to those who can demonstrate a genuine need for support, and can be worth up to 100 per cent of school fees and extras. Pupils who have been awarded a scholarship may also be eligible for additional help with school fees in the form of a means-tested bursary. Additional awards are also available for children of parents serving in HM Armed Forces or the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office.

Bursary contact:
Director of Admissions Susan Hogan
admissions@canford.com

SEND

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Co-ordinator: Andrew Farbridge axf@canford.com
Transport links

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FAQs

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School Updates

Outstanding performance by Canfordians at GCSE
Following the fine achievements of our Upper Sixth last week in their A Level examinations, we are truly thrilled for our Fifth Formers who have excelled in their GCSEs, recording some of the best results in the school’s history.

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Canford outperforms nationally, regionally and sector wide at A Level 2024
Many congratulations to all our Upper Sixth Canfordians who have excelled in this year’s A Level examinations. 23% of all grades were at the top grade A* with over half of all grades, 53%, at A*/A, 82% at A*/B and 96% A*/C.

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Announcement of new Headmaster for Canford School
The Governors of Canford are delighted to announce the appointment of Chris Wheeler, currently Principal at Monkton Combe School, as Ben Vessey’s successor from September 2025.

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Best Schools Award News
We are very proud to announce that Canford been chosen as among the top 10 co-educational boarding schools in the country for A Level results for the second consecutive year.

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Music success in Eurovision Young Musicians 2024
Many congratulations to Fifth Form pupil, Hugo, on being selected to represent Sweden at Eurovision Young Musicians 2024 in Bodø, Norway on Saturday 17th August 2024.

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Canford ranks Top Co-ed Independent at A Level in Sunday Times Parent Power 2024
Canford has once again ranked the Number 1 co-educational independent secondary school in the South West for A Level results in this year's Sunday Times Parent Power report.

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Canford - An Award Winning Education
We are delighted to start the new academic year continuing success stories in our Centenary year, with a record school roll of 662 pupils, and selection in national and regional awards for Canford’s high quality educational experience.

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School Centenary marked with a Proms in the Park celebration
On Sunday 25th June, over 2,200 past and present pupils, staff, families, members of the local community and other friends associated with Canford gathered for a ‘Proms in the Park’ Garden Party to mark the school’s centenary year.

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Over 550 university offers plus prestigious degree apprenticeships
With all applications to university and higher education now completed, we hugely congratulate the 160 Canfordians who have in total received 582 offers this year, 81% of which are to Russell Group/Sunday Times Top 12 institutions in the UK.

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Success for Canford Cricket at National and International Levels
Canford cricket is having one of its most successful seasons which is a wonderful tribute to the sport at the school during our historic Centenary year.

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WATCH: Canford School Centenary Film 'Always a Canfordian'

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See Canford in our Senior Boarding Schools Guide

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WATCH: Open Day at Canford School

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WATCH: The Essence of Canford - a pupil view

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WATCH: Academic Life Overview

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WATCH: Sport at Canford

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WATCH: Perspectives from Fourth Form pupils

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Visit Canford's YouTube Channel here

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WATCH: An introduction to Canford by Headmaster Ben Vessey

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WATCH: 10 Questions with Ben Vessey, Headmaster of Canford

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Choosing a sixth form: should I stay or should I go?

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WATCH: Canford Partnerships

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WATCH: A pupil tour of Canford

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WATCH: Sixth form life at Canford

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Essentials

Address
Canford Magna, Wimborne, Dorset BH21 3AD

Contact
admissions@canford.com
01202 841254

Website
canford.com

ISI Report

Fees

Term Dates

Bursaries

Open Days

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