FAQs

What is the structure of the day for day pupils?

Day pupils are fully integrated into all aspects of Canford life.   Pupils arrive for registration in their houses at 8.15am in time for assembly, chapel or house meetings. The teaching day ends at 6pm when day pupils can go home.   There are Saturday morning lessons, after which day pupils may leave although many will be involved in sports matches in the afternoon. Day pupils are not required to attend chapel on Sundays although many are members of the choir and will attend certain services.

Will I miss lots of activities if I don’t board?

Canford is run as a seven days a week boarding school and there is a full programme of evening and weekend activities on offer.   Day pupils are always welcome to join these school events and many do often stay on in the evenings to take part in activities such as music concerts, plays and societies.    

Will I mix with boarders or are the houses kept separate?

There are seven boarding houses and three day houses at Canford.    All houses are run along similar lines and are all located on the school site so there is plenty of opportunity for pupils from different houses to mix.   All meals are taken centrally in the Great Hall, allowing pupils to meet those from other houses at key points in the day.   For senior pupils there is a Sixth Form Centre complete with networked PCs and a fully equipped kitchen area.   The Tuck Shop, known as the ‘Grubber’ is also a popular meeting point.

Can I stay overnight if I want to?

There is no provision for overnight accommodation within the day houses.  Occasionally, and when space allows, day pupils opt to board for a period of a term or so and pupils can swap from day to boarding if sufficient notice is provided.

How can parents get in touch with house staff?

The welfare of our pupils is paramount at Canford and we aim to foster the strongest of links with parents.  House staff are contactable via telephone or email and a face-to-face meeting can always be arranged to discuss your son or daughter should the need arise.