Canford School
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.
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Latest results
GCSE grade 9-7
71%
National average 23%
A-level A*-A
55%
National average 28%
A-level A*-B
84%
National average 55%
Inspection reports
- ISI rating
- excellent
- ISI personal development
- excellent
- Last inspected
- 11 November 2025
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.
Languages
GCSE subjects
Headmaster · Mr Christopher Wheeler
Sixth form
- Sixth-form pupils
- 280
A-level subjects
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.
Main sports
School life & ethos
- Founded
- 1923
- Religious character
- Anglican/Church of England
- Boarding
- Yes
- SEN support
- 38.85%
- EHC plans
- 0%
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.
Fees & bursaries
- 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
Schools nearby
The White House School
Poole, South West
Dumpton School
Wimborne, South West
The Lion Works School
Poole, South West
Castle Court
Wimborne, South West
Langside School
Poole, South West
Portfield School
Christchurch, South West
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
Start preparing for Canford School →Canford School 11+: frequently asked questions
Compiled from public data. Last checked 5 June 2026.