Canford School achieved 57.6% A*/A grades at A Level, compared with 28.2% nationally.
Senior school
Canford School
One of the UK’s top co-educational boarding and day schools with outstanding pupil outcomes, ranked No.1 in the region for A* at A Level.
Day fees
£40,902
Entry
School Exam + InterviewSelective
Next deadline
Sun 11 Oct 202616+ registration closes
Updated 4 months ago
At a glance
Key facts
Head
Chris Wheeler
Gender
Co-ed
Pupils
650
Location
Wimborne, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
Rural setting
Day or boarding
Day and boarding
Age range
13 to 18
Religious ethos
Anglican/Church of England
Founded
1923
Entry points
13+, 16+
ISI inspection
Excellent
Inspected 2025
School buses
Yes
Average class
9 pupils
Show 6 more factsShow fewer facts
School day
8.20am to 5pm
Saturday school
No
Bursaries
Available
Scholarships
All-rounder, Academic, Music +4
A-level A*–A
58%
2025
GCSE 9–7
64%
2025
Overview
About Canford School
Canford School is a leading co-educational boarding and day school offering outstanding academic results, including top regional A* A Level performance. The school has a new Sixth Form College with excellent facilities and a supportive community. Pupils benefit from a broad curriculum, extensive extracurricular opportunities, and strong university progression, including Oxbridge and US universities.
Houseroom EditorialOur take
Houseroom Editorial
Our take
Independent co-ed senior school in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole for ages 13–18, day or boarding. Selective entry, top-tier fees.
Best for
- Families seeking a senior school for ages 13–18, with thinking already on 11+ or 13+ entry.
- Families who prefer a co-educational setting over single-sex.
- Families weighing day vs boarding — both are offered.
- Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school.
- Families comfortable with top-tier independent fees in exchange for the level of provision.
Watch-outs
- Fees sit at the top of the independent market. Factor in extras (uniform, trips, lunches, music tuition) before committing.
- Selective entry — assume some form of assessment at the relevant entry point. Plan tutoring or familiarisation early if needed.
- SEND provision isn't documented in our profile. If your child has an EHCP or specific learning needs, ask admissions about case-by-case capacity before applying.
AdmissionsApplication timeline
Admissions
Application timeline
- TBCOpen dayTo be confirmedJune of Year 8 or Year 11Familiarisation Day
- TBCRegistration closesTo be confirmedLast year: 31 Jul 2026
- TBCAssessmentTo be confirmedJanuary/February of Year 6Year 6 Assessment Day
- TBCInterviewTo be confirmedSunday in May of Year 7Offer Holders' Day
- TBCOffersTo be confirmedLast year: 1 Apr 2027
- TBCAcceptance deadlineTo be confirmedLast year: 1 May 2027
Not yet published: registration opens, bursary deadline.
UpcomingOpen events
Upcoming
Open events
Private tours by arrangement with admissions.
Fees & costFees
Fees & cost
Fees
£40,902per year · Day · 2026-27
Inc. VAT £40,902VAT TBC5 years: £221,538
vs London avg (£24,000)70% above
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Quick answers about Canford School
Answered only from Canford School's verified details on Houseroom, with sources. For anything else, ask admissions.
Financial supportBursaries & Scholarships
Financial support
Bursaries & Scholarships
What sets it apartDistinctive features
What sets it apart
Distinctive features
full boarding experience
personal guided tours with pupils
strong academic and co-curricular departments
Beyond the classroomActivities & co-curricular
Beyond the classroom
Activities & co-curricular
sport
AthleticsCricketFootballGolfHockeyNetballReal tennis and SquashReal Tennis & SquashRowingRugbyRunningSwimmingTennis
music
Music
drama
Drama
academic club
Maths OlympiadsModel United Nations
service
CCF
other
Duke of Edinburgh Award
On campusFacilities
On campus
Facilities
sports
9-hole golf courseAward winning Cricket and Hockey pitchesCricket pitchesHockey pitchesMultiple rugby pitchesNetball courtsOutstanding facilities for Tennis and RugbyReal Tennis courtRowing facilitiesSquash courtsSwimming poolTennis courts
boarding
24/7 full boarding environmentBoarding housesCommunal areas in housesHouse kitchensJunior common roomsMain dining hallPrep rooms in houses
academic
New Sixth Form College building with community and social spaces
OutcomesLatest exam results
Outcomes
Latest exam results
Outcomes2025 A-LEVELS
30
of GCSEs were graded 958%
A-level A*–A
64%
GCSE 9–7
DestinationsWhere leavers go
Destinations
Where leavers go
10%
to Oxbridge (2025)
| 2025 | |
|---|---|
| Cohort | 131 |
| Oxbridge | 13 |
| US Ivy | 0 |
CurriculumQualifications offered
Curriculum
Qualifications offered
GCSEA LevelEPQPre-U
In the newsRecent coverage
In the news
Recent coverage
January 2026
Canford School was recognised by the Independent Schools Inspectorate for its pupil leadership, which was awarded a "significant strength".
January 2026
Canford School celebrated the topping-out of its new Upper Sixth Form residences as part of its Sixth Form development.
AlumniNotable alumni
Alumni
Notable alumni
Sir Tim Berners-Lee (inventor of the World Wide Web)Sir Peter Bazalgette (media executive)Sir John Keegan (military historian)Sir John Stuttard (former Lord Mayor of London)Sir Richard Dearlove (former head of MI6)Sir John Parker (businessman)Sir John Gurdon (Nobel Prize-winning biologist)Sir Michael Redgrave (actor)Sir John Betjeman (poet laureate)
Recommended next step
Registration closes 11 Oct 2026 (16+)
Add it to your plan and book a visit before you apply.
Fit for your child
Is Canford School right for your child?
Score it on travel, academics, support and budget.
Check fit for my childCommunityHouse system
Community
House system
Total 13 boarding and day houses, each with an appointed Housemaster or Housemistress.
Pastoral careWellbeing
Pastoral care
Wellbeing
CounsellingTutor systemSafeguarding
Canford prioritises pupil safeguarding and wellbeing through a supportive community, onsite medical and counselling services, caring house and tutoring systems, mentoring, sleep programmes, nutritious food, and pupil-led equity, diversity and inclusion committees.
RegulationInspection
Regulation
Inspection
ISI inspection, 11 Nov 2025
Excellent
CalendarTerm dates 2026/27
Calendar
Term dates 2026/27
Autumn8 Sept 2026 → 11 Dec 2026Half-term 16 Oct 2026–1 Nov 2026
Spring5 Jan 2027 → 19 Mar 2027Half-term 12 Feb 2027–21 Feb 2027
Summer13 Apr 2027 → 2 Jul 2027Half-term 28 May 2027–6 Jun 2027
Also considerSchools like Canford School
Also consider
Schools like Canford School
FAQQuestions parents ask
FAQ
Questions parents ask
What kind of child is Canford School best for?+
Canford School suits: Families seeking a senior school for ages 13–18, with thinking already on 11+ or 13+ entry; Families who prefer a co-educational setting over single-sex; Families weighing day vs boarding — both are offered; Children who can demonstrate strong academics at entry assessment — this is a selective school; Families comfortable with top-tier independent fees in exchange for the level of provision.
How much are the fees at Canford School?+
Day fees at Canford School are £13,634 a term in 2026-27 (£40,902 a year). Boarding fees are £18,165 a term in 2026-27 (£54,495 a year). Extras such as lunches, uniform and trips are on top.
When is the next open day at Canford School?+
No dates are listed yet. Save Canford School and we'll email you when booking opens.
How does admissions work?+
Canford School is selective. Expect an entrance assessment at each entry point.
Does Canford School support SEND?+
We don't hold SEND details for Canford School. Ask admissions early if your child has additional needs.
What ages does Canford School take?+
Canford School takes pupils from age 13 to 18.
Is Canford School a day or boarding school?+
Canford School offers both day and boarding places.
Is Canford School co-educational or single-sex?+
Canford School is co-educational, taking both boys and girls.
Where is Canford School?+
Canford School is in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, BH21 3AD.
How do I contact admissions at Canford School?+
Contact Canford School by email at admissions@canford.com or phone on 01202847434.
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