‘Stand-out academics alongside exceptional facilities and a Head absolutely on top of his game’
We were delighted to welcome a researcher from The Good Schools Guide to Canford recently to update their review of Canford. This long standing publication is trusted by prospective families across the globe to offer a balanced, accurate view of UK independent schools.
Canford has received high praise in the resulting review across all aspects of school life. It is described as ‘a busy busy busy place, totally fulfilling’ where ‘stand-out academics come as standard alongside exceptional facilities in a glorious setting and the top-notch staff who make it all happen.’ Headmaster Ben Vessey is seen as ‘a head absolutely on top of his game’ who gets a ‘universal thumbs up from everyone’ including parents who describe him as ‘a dynamo!’. Academic life not only involves ‘hard graft and excellent teaching; to achieve ‘those outstanding exam results’ but there is a ‘tone of intellectual enquiry from the start’ and an academic offer which is ’rich and wide’.
Canford is ‘famed and loved for’ its arts and extra curricular, with ‘students rating the drama’ and ‘music-making open to all’ within splendid facilities. Sport is ‘everything you might expect in a school of this calibre and scope – and then some’ where, according to a parent ‘The school punches above its weight’.
Pastorally, boarding life is ‘full and fun’ at weekends with ‘bright, modern and functional’ houses and there is ‘universal praise’ for house staff with matrons described as ‘off the charts’! The quality of care for pupils across Canford life was particularly noted – ‘the virtues of kindness and loving thy neighbour as thyself play out every day.’
Canford is well known for its work in the local community and the Guide has ‘rarely seen such a degree of community partnership’ in schools. Parents are ‘grounded and constructive’ and ‘the school places importance on its values rather than its name.’
The final view that for ‘a mere 100 years old, the school has done well to establish itself on the national stage, giving bigger names a run for their money.’ is a wonderful tribute to the hard work and commitment of every member of the Canford Community as our centenary year draws to a close. Thank you to The Good Schools Guide for taking the time to visit us and to record such a reflective and positive review.
Please follow the link to read the full report: