13+ Entry
Pupils join Canford from around 50 different schools each year at 13+, mainly from Prep Schools but also some from the maintained sector. Pupils come to us from schools across the UK and some internationally. We strive to build good relationships with staff, parents and pupils at all schools with which Canford has a connection.
We are aware of just how crucial and often difficult the decision is for parents and pupils when choosing a senior school. In order to make an informed choice about whether we are the right school for you, we are in regular contact with all the schools with which we have links, and there is a programme of academic, cultural and sporting events held at Canford for junior pupils throughout the academic year to give the chance to experience life here.
The 13+ Admissions Journey
Scroll through the timeline below to see the general admissions journey by school year.
If you have missed any of the deadlines please contact the Admissions team via email, admissions@canford.com, to enquire about your options.
If your child is in Year 4 or below, an Open Morning is the first step on your Canford Admissions journey.
![Canford-School-Admissions-Open-Morning-2]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1678111195/canfordcom/cnykovjvayjac3zfwpfo/Canford-School-Admissions-Open-Morning-2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1678111195/canfordcom/cnykovjvayjac3zfwpfo/Canford-School-Admissions-Open-Morning-2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1678111195/canfordcom/cnykovjvayjac3zfwpfo/Canford-School-Admissions-Open-Morning-2.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1678111195/canfordcom/cnykovjvayjac3zfwpfo/Canford-School-Admissions-Open-Morning-2.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1678111195/canfordcom/cnykovjvayjac3zfwpfo/Canford-School-Admissions-Open-Morning-2.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1678111195/canfordcom/cnykovjvayjac3zfwpfo/Canford-School-Admissions-Open-Morning-2.jpg","width":2200}])
- Year 5
Now is the perfect time to come and attend one of our open mornings in either Spring or Autumn.
![Canford-School-Admissions-Open-Morning]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1678112154/canfordcom/qfmmihf8nxwtquuoh9ae/Canford-School-Admissions-Open-Morning.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1678112154/canfordcom/qfmmihf8nxwtquuoh9ae/Canford-School-Admissions-Open-Morning.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1678112154/canfordcom/qfmmihf8nxwtquuoh9ae/Canford-School-Admissions-Open-Morning.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1678112154/canfordcom/qfmmihf8nxwtquuoh9ae/Canford-School-Admissions-Open-Morning.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1678112154/canfordcom/qfmmihf8nxwtquuoh9ae/Canford-School-Admissions-Open-Morning.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1678112154/canfordcom/qfmmihf8nxwtquuoh9ae/Canford-School-Admissions-Open-Morning.jpg","width":2200}])
- Year 5
If you have attended one of our Open Mornings but would like to explore some aspects of Canford in more detail before registering your child you can book a private visit.
![Canford-School-Admissions-Explore-Day-5]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1678112649/canfordcom/zn6tmbc9et3ixohcohf6/Canford-School-Admissions-Explore-Day-5.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1678112649/canfordcom/zn6tmbc9et3ixohcohf6/Canford-School-Admissions-Explore-Day-5.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1678112649/canfordcom/zn6tmbc9et3ixohcohf6/Canford-School-Admissions-Explore-Day-5.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1678112649/canfordcom/zn6tmbc9et3ixohcohf6/Canford-School-Admissions-Explore-Day-5.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1678112649/canfordcom/zn6tmbc9et3ixohcohf6/Canford-School-Admissions-Explore-Day-5.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1678112649/canfordcom/zn6tmbc9et3ixohcohf6/Canford-School-Admissions-Explore-Day-5.jpg","width":2200}])
- Year 5
You may register your child as early as you like and can do this online.
A registration by the end of July in Year 5 will allow your child to be invited to our fun, non-assessed Explore Day held at the end of September in Year 6. It will also allow them to be included in our Year 6 assessment process which is our first round of assessments.
![Canford-School-Admissions-Open-Morning-4]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1677844913/canfordcom/vypy3lbfgo09ndbwnw1z/Canford-School-Admissions-Open-Morning-4.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1677844913/canfordcom/vypy3lbfgo09ndbwnw1z/Canford-School-Admissions-Open-Morning-4.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1677844913/canfordcom/vypy3lbfgo09ndbwnw1z/Canford-School-Admissions-Open-Morning-4.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1677844913/canfordcom/vypy3lbfgo09ndbwnw1z/Canford-School-Admissions-Open-Morning-4.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1677844913/canfordcom/vypy3lbfgo09ndbwnw1z/Canford-School-Admissions-Open-Morning-4.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1677844913/canfordcom/vypy3lbfgo09ndbwnw1z/Canford-School-Admissions-Open-Morning-4.jpg","width":2200}])
- Year 6
If you haven't visited Canford yet or would like to explore further then please book to attend one of our Open Mornings or alternatively a private visit. However it is possible to register your child without visiting.
![Canford-School-Admissions-Explore-Day-3]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1678116506/canfordcom/hgzwln9m467abbffaaq6/Canford-School-Admissions-Explore-Day-3.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1678116506/canfordcom/hgzwln9m467abbffaaq6/Canford-School-Admissions-Explore-Day-3.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1678116506/canfordcom/hgzwln9m467abbffaaq6/Canford-School-Admissions-Explore-Day-3.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1678116506/canfordcom/hgzwln9m467abbffaaq6/Canford-School-Admissions-Explore-Day-3.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1678116506/canfordcom/hgzwln9m467abbffaaq6/Canford-School-Admissions-Explore-Day-3.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1678116506/canfordcom/hgzwln9m467abbffaaq6/Canford-School-Admissions-Explore-Day-3.jpg","width":2200}])
- Year 6
Those children who were registered by the end of July in Year 5 will be invited to attend our Explore Day in September of Year 6. This is a fun non-assessed day for your child to explore all Canford has to offer.
![Canford-School-Admissions-Explore-Day-2]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1678116846/canfordcom/kzenw86ojjyhyaulpnwb/Canford-School-Admissions-Explore-Day-2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1678116846/canfordcom/kzenw86ojjyhyaulpnwb/Canford-School-Admissions-Explore-Day-2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1678116846/canfordcom/kzenw86ojjyhyaulpnwb/Canford-School-Admissions-Explore-Day-2.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1678116846/canfordcom/kzenw86ojjyhyaulpnwb/Canford-School-Admissions-Explore-Day-2.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1678116846/canfordcom/kzenw86ojjyhyaulpnwb/Canford-School-Admissions-Explore-Day-2.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1678116846/canfordcom/kzenw86ojjyhyaulpnwb/Canford-School-Admissions-Explore-Day-2.jpg","width":2200}])
- Year 6
Year 6 Assessments
Those children who have registered by the end of July in Year 5 will be invited to an assessment day at Canford in January/February of Year 6. Outcomes will be communicated at Easter.
![Canford-School-Admissions-Explore-Day-4]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1678114886/canfordcom/vbsktdgf9j6ylqlkcb69/Canford-School-Admissions-Explore-Day-4.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1678114886/canfordcom/vbsktdgf9j6ylqlkcb69/Canford-School-Admissions-Explore-Day-4.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1678114886/canfordcom/vbsktdgf9j6ylqlkcb69/Canford-School-Admissions-Explore-Day-4.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1678114886/canfordcom/vbsktdgf9j6ylqlkcb69/Canford-School-Admissions-Explore-Day-4.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1678114886/canfordcom/vbsktdgf9j6ylqlkcb69/Canford-School-Admissions-Explore-Day-4.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1678114886/canfordcom/vbsktdgf9j6ylqlkcb69/Canford-School-Admissions-Explore-Day-4.jpg","width":2200}])
- Year 6
A registration by the end of July in Year 6 will allow them to be included in our Year 7 assessment process (which is our second round of assessments).
![Canford-School-Admissions-Explore-Day-1]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1678118613/canfordcom/nergrtlsoqrqrsprsajf/Canford-School-Admissions-Explore-Day-1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1678118613/canfordcom/nergrtlsoqrqrsprsajf/Canford-School-Admissions-Explore-Day-1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1678118613/canfordcom/nergrtlsoqrqrsprsajf/Canford-School-Admissions-Explore-Day-1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1678118613/canfordcom/nergrtlsoqrqrsprsajf/Canford-School-Admissions-Explore-Day-1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1678118613/canfordcom/nergrtlsoqrqrsprsajf/Canford-School-Admissions-Explore-Day-1.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1678118613/canfordcom/nergrtlsoqrqrsprsajf/Canford-School-Admissions-Explore-Day-1.jpg","width":2200}])
- Year 7
Year 7 Assessments
Those children who have registered by the end of July in Year 6 will be invited to an assessment day at Canford in January/February of Year 7. Outcomes will be communicated at Easter.
![Canford-School-Junior-Rainbow-Run]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1678119455/canfordcom/xej98npqy44aza82spyo/Canford-School-Junior-Rainbow-Run.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1678119455/canfordcom/xej98npqy44aza82spyo/Canford-School-Junior-Rainbow-Run.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1678119455/canfordcom/xej98npqy44aza82spyo/Canford-School-Junior-Rainbow-Run.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1678119455/canfordcom/xej98npqy44aza82spyo/Canford-School-Junior-Rainbow-Run.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1678119455/canfordcom/xej98npqy44aza82spyo/Canford-School-Junior-Rainbow-Run.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1678119455/canfordcom/xej98npqy44aza82spyo/Canford-School-Junior-Rainbow-Run.jpg","width":2200}])
- Year 7
Pupils who have confirmed places will be invited to our Offer Holders day which takes place on a Sunday in May of Year 7. There is the opportunity to visit houses and meet staff on this day as well as take part as a family in our legendary Colour Run!
![Canford-School-pupils-co-education]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1678120114/canfordcom/gfzciwawnqwiijojw8qy/Canford-School-pupils-co-education.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1678120114/canfordcom/gfzciwawnqwiijojw8qy/Canford-School-pupils-co-education.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1678120114/canfordcom/gfzciwawnqwiijojw8qy/Canford-School-pupils-co-education.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1678120114/canfordcom/gfzciwawnqwiijojw8qy/Canford-School-pupils-co-education.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1678120114/canfordcom/gfzciwawnqwiijojw8qy/Canford-School-pupils-co-education.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1678120114/canfordcom/gfzciwawnqwiijojw8qy/Canford-School-pupils-co-education.jpg","width":2200}])
- Year 8
The deadline for applications for 13+ scholarships in Academic, Art, DT, Drama, Music and Sport is 1st December of Year 8. Those who are applying for financial support via a bursary will also need to apply by 1st December of Year 8. Scholarships then take place in January and February of Year 8 with outcomes by Easter. For further information please visit the link below:
![Canford-School-Sixth-Form-Walking]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1678120719/canfordcom/bvm3kwxhmu9gdudgcqgd/Canford-School-Sixth-Form-Walking.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1678120719/canfordcom/bvm3kwxhmu9gdudgcqgd/Canford-School-Sixth-Form-Walking.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1678120719/canfordcom/bvm3kwxhmu9gdudgcqgd/Canford-School-Sixth-Form-Walking.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1678120719/canfordcom/bvm3kwxhmu9gdudgcqgd/Canford-School-Sixth-Form-Walking.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1678120719/canfordcom/bvm3kwxhmu9gdudgcqgd/Canford-School-Sixth-Form-Walking.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1678120719/canfordcom/bvm3kwxhmu9gdudgcqgd/Canford-School-Sixth-Form-Walking.jpg","width":2200}])
- Year 8
Those with offers who have signed their terms and conditions will receive their house allocation by Easter of Year 8. Parents will also receive the new joiners information around the same time.
![Canford-School-Family-Day]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1678121110/canfordcom/ath2ctwrd4htxcpakkqd/Canford-School-Family-Day.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1678121110/canfordcom/ath2ctwrd4htxcpakkqd/Canford-School-Family-Day.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1678121110/canfordcom/ath2ctwrd4htxcpakkqd/Canford-School-Family-Day.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1678121110/canfordcom/ath2ctwrd4htxcpakkqd/Canford-School-Family-Day.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1678121110/canfordcom/ath2ctwrd4htxcpakkqd/Canford-School-Family-Day.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1678121110/canfordcom/ath2ctwrd4htxcpakkqd/Canford-School-Family-Day.jpg","width":2200}])
- Year 8
All our new joiners will be invited to Familiarisation Day in June of Year 8 which is a great opportunity for them to get used to Canford life, have some fun and make some new friends!
![Canford-School-Pupils-Pastoral]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1678121662/canfordcom/i6ncqb5ddrxleupzdiea/Canford-School-Pupils-Pastoral.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1678121662/canfordcom/i6ncqb5ddrxleupzdiea/Canford-School-Pupils-Pastoral.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1678121662/canfordcom/i6ncqb5ddrxleupzdiea/Canford-School-Pupils-Pastoral.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1678121662/canfordcom/i6ncqb5ddrxleupzdiea/Canford-School-Pupils-Pastoral.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1678121662/canfordcom/i6ncqb5ddrxleupzdiea/Canford-School-Pupils-Pastoral.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1678121662/canfordcom/i6ncqb5ddrxleupzdiea/Canford-School-Pupils-Pastoral.jpg","width":2200}])
- Year 9
Your Canford journey starts in September of Year 9. It is a busy term for our Shells with House Music, the Shell Carousel, Shell Projects, House Art, House Sport and the Crystal Maze day!
![Canford School]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1724328787/canfordcom/hsg8xqmv386syydtyipm/CanfordSchool_1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1724328787/canfordcom/hsg8xqmv386syydtyipm/CanfordSchool_1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1724328787/canfordcom/hsg8xqmv386syydtyipm/CanfordSchool_1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1724328787/canfordcom/hsg8xqmv386syydtyipm/CanfordSchool_1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1724328787/canfordcom/hsg8xqmv386syydtyipm/CanfordSchool_1.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1724328787/canfordcom/hsg8xqmv386syydtyipm/CanfordSchool_1.jpg","width":2200}])
If your child has missed our assessment testing options, please get in touch to find out if registration is still open for your child's year of entry. If last minute places remain available we will arrange testing. Contact us via email:
13+ Admissions Guide
The admissions process can be daunting but our 13+ Admissions Guide explains the process step-by-step.
13+ Scholarships Guide
Our 13+ Scholarships Guide explains the process and details all the different scholarships options.
“All your staff in every department are so kind, understanding and nothing is ever too much trouble. Being a parent at Canford has been an absolute pleasure.”
Parent of Upper Sixth leaver