MixedIndependentBoarding

Canford School

Wimborne, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, South West · BH21 3AD

Set in Wimborne, Canford School has been educating boys and girls since 1923 and today combines day and boarding places across the 13-18 age range. Around 643 pupils are on roll, with a substantial sixth form of 280 lending the upper school real depth. The Independent Schools Inspectorate awarded its highest grade of 'excellent' for both education and personal development, while compliance standards were fully met. With an Anglican foundation and a strong commitment to access, the school offers means-tested bursaries worth up to the full fee.

643

Pupils

excellent

ISI

£40,902

Day fees / yr

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Overview & data

Gender: Mixed
Type: independent (fee-paying) school
Age range: 13-18
Pupils: 643
Location: Wimborne, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, South West
Website: https://www.canford.com/
Telephone: 01202 841254

Headteacher

Headmaster Mr Christopher Wheeler

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Latest results

GCSE grade 9-7

71%

A-level A*-A

55%

A-level A*-B

84%

Teaching & academics

Results are consistently strong, with 71% of GCSE entries graded 9-7 and 84% of A-levels at A*-B, including 55% at the top A*-A grades. The sixth-form curriculum leans towards sciences and the humanities, with Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English Literature, History and Economics among the most popular choices, alongside Drama and Theatre Studies. An EPQ is offered for those wanting to stretch beyond standard A-level study. Notably, almost 39% of pupils receive SEN support, suggesting a school used to backing a wide range of learners.

Sixth form

Sixth-form pupils: 280

Popular A-level subjects

MathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyEnglish LiteratureHistoryEconomicsDrama and Theatre StudiesGovernment and Politics

Qualifications offered

GCSEA-levelEPQ

Learning support & SEN

SEN support: 38.85%
EHC plans: 0%

Arts & extracurricular

Scholarships

AcademicMusicSportDramaDesignArt

Languages

FrenchSpanish

Popular GCSE subjects

BiologyBusiness StudiesFrenchSpanishDesign & TechnologyDrama & Theatre StudiesMusicPhysical Education/Sports StudiesReligious Studies

Sport

Main sports

rugbyhockeycricketnetballtennisrowing

Beyond the classroom

Sport is clearly central, with rugby, hockey, cricket, netball, tennis and rowing all on offer. Beyond the games field, scholarships in Music, Sport, Drama, Design and Art point to genuine breadth in the arts and creative subjects.

Ethos & heritage

Founded: 1923
Religious character: Anglican/Church of England
Boarding: Yes

Mobile phone policy

Pupils permitted to bring mobile phones but use restricted during school day. No mobiles allowed during lessons or in dining hall at lunch. In Year 9, mobile phones not allowed until end of formal school day and taken away at bedtime in boarding houses. Day pupil parents encouraged to follow same policy.

Money matters

Day fees (per year): £40,902
Boarding fees (per year): £54,495
Bursaries up to: 100% of fees

Means-tested bursaries worth up to 100% of fees offered throughout the school

Inspection reports

ISI rating: excellent
ISI personal development: excellent
Last inspected: 11 November 2025

Read the full inspection report ↗

The last word

A well-rounded independent boarding and day school where excellent inspection grades meet a serious bursary commitment - worth a look for families drawn to strong academics and a full co-curricular life.

The Passmate verdict