Canford
Canford
Canford
Canford
top 200
special category
Canford Wimborne, Dorset Visit
school

Canford
Wimborne
660 pupils, ages 13-18
Mixed
Day and Boarding

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...
To unlock all our insider school
reviews, sign up now for FREE
Sign Up Now

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
Boy on the catwalk at a fashion show
Aerial view of Canford School
Pupils playing musical instruments outside
Boys sailing wearing faded red life jackets with a blue sail
External images of Canford School
  • Academic results

  • Subjects offered

  • 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

  • Transport links

  • FAQs

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.
    Outstanding performance by Canfordians at GCSE
  • 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.
    Canford outperforms nationally, regionally and sector wide at A Level 2024
  • 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.
    Announcement of new Headmaster for Canford School
  • 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.
    Best Schools Award News
  • 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.
    Music success in Eurovision Young Musicians 2024
  • 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.
    Canford ranks Top Co-ed Independent at A Level in Sunday Times Parent Power 2024
  • 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.
    Canford - An Award Winning Education
  • 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.
    School Centenary marked with a Proms in the Park celebration
  • 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.
    Over 550 university offers plus prestigious degree apprenticeships
  • 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.
    Success for Canford Cricket at National and International Levels
  • WATCH: Canford School Centenary Film 'Always a Canfordian'

    WATCH: Canford School Centenary Film 'Always a Canfordian'
  • See Canford in our Senior Boarding Schools Guide

    See Canford in our Senior Boarding Schools Guide
  • WATCH: Open Day at Canford School

    WATCH: Open Day at Canford School
  • WATCH: The Essence of Canford - a pupil view

    WATCH: The Essence of Canford - a pupil view
  • WATCH: Academic Life Overview

    WATCH: Academic Life Overview
  • WATCH: Sport at Canford

    WATCH: Sport at Canford
  • WATCH: Perspectives from Fourth Form pupils

    WATCH: Perspectives from Fourth Form pupils
  • Visit Canford's YouTube Channel here

    Visit Canford's YouTube Channel here
  • WATCH: An introduction to Canford by Headmaster Ben Vessey

    WATCH: An introduction to Canford by Headmaster Ben Vessey
  • WATCH: 10 Questions with Ben Vessey, Headmaster of Canford

    WATCH: 10 Questions with Ben Vessey, Headmaster of Canford
  • Choosing a sixth form: should I stay or should I go?

    Choosing a sixth form: should I stay or should I go?
  • WATCH: Canford Partnerships

    WATCH: Canford Partnerships
  • WATCH: A pupil tour of Canford

    WATCH: A pupil tour of Canford
  • WATCH: Sixth form life at Canford

    WATCH: Sixth form life at Canford

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

Open days and how to visit View Open Days Register for open Day

Open Morning
26 April 2025


Click for a larger version of map

Need help?

Don’t panic! We have more than ten years’ experience of visiting schools and advising parents, and we are all parents ourselves – we can make this easier for you.

Talk to our team
TE Logo

TE Schools Advice

Choosing your child’s school is one of the most important decisions you will ever make – let our experienced team help you. We will guide you through the decision-making process and give you the confidence to make the right choice, armed with the most up-to-date insider knowledge. We are all parents ourselves – we know how hard this is, and we can make it easier for you.
read more