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I knew about Canford as my sister also came for her Sixth Form years. I was reasonably happy in my state secondary school but felt quite stagnant. I had explored as much as possible and felt that I had reached my full potential in that setting. I knew that if I could be given the opportunity to come to Canford, I would grow as a person significantly.

To be able to come, I felt, was a long shot. I told myself that I wasn’t sure if I even wanted a place. This was part of my defence mechanism. If I wasn’t awarded a place, then that would be fine and I wouldn’t be disappointed. However, I knew that deep down, I really did want the opportunity. I’d seen how much my sister had gained from her two years, although from what she had told me Canford seemed like a complete fantasy world! I know it’s a cliché but it did sound like a truly magical place. This made it feel even more unattainable but secretly made me long for a place more than ever. I was so happy when I found out that I had been accepted and financial support would be available.

I worked hard for my GCSEs but I found the interviews and tests at Canford quite daunting in such an impressive setting. Now, it’s just my lovely school!

Starting at Canford made me very nervous. There was a fear amongst all of the new Sixth Form pupils about how they would fit in and what friends they would make. Ultimately, everyone was so friendly and new allegiances were made quickly. My first few days and weeks seem like such a long time ago now and Canford friends will be friends for life.

The teachers were where I saw a big difference. At Canford they are so passionate and it seems that they teach their subject not because it’s a job but because they love it and want to share their knowledge. They are constantly encouraging you to go further, research more and work hard. It has been so much better in so many ways.

I’m not particularly sporty but I have enjoyed playing netball and have been amazed at how much sport takes place at Canford on a regular basis. My main extra-curricular activity has been singing. I joined the Chapel Choir and started taking one-on-one lessons. This was a brave move for me as before I came to Canford I had dropped everything to do with performance. I’d become quite socially anxious and I didn’t ever want to be the centre of attention. I took part in Les Miserables in my first term at Canford which was one of the best decisions that I made, not just for getting me back on the stage but for making some fabulous friends. Countless debating and public speaking opportunities have also pushed me out of my comfort zone. I was also able to take part in the overseas trip to the Hun School in Princeton. It really was the trip of a lifetime and the most surreal week. It was one of the many experiences that have boosted my confidence over the last two years.

I hope to be going to the University of Oxford to read English Language and Literature this autumn. Again, I always said that I didn’t want to go to Oxford (but that was because I never thought I’d be capable of getting a place!) I’ve always had big aspirations but never thought I’d achieve them. The recent Canford College programme and Connections talks throughout Sixth Form have been incredibly interesting and listening to the numerous speakers has really made me understand that almost anything is possible. After university, I’m not sure what I might do but I know that I have gained so many skills at Canford that whatever I choose I have an amazing grounding and foundation for the next steps that I decide upon.

No matter how daunting it may seem, if you are provided with the opportunity of a place at Canford, you should without doubt do your very best to achieve it. It will change your life

I’d heard Canford mentioned at school and I knew that the the Bourne Academy were partners but I didn’t really know anything about it. It was only in Y11 when my teachers encouraged me to apply that I started to find out more. I very much felt ready for a change of scenery and I also could see that there were more opportunities open to me at Canford. I was really impressed by how much activity took place outside of the classroom, it wasn’t just academic but sport, music, drama and volunteering also seemed to be big priorities for pupils. This was a big attraction as I knew it would give me more chance to experience the real world and make a difference.

I had to work really hard to pass the entrance tests and in my GCSEs and I actually managed to get some extra tutoring to help me. Some of my friends at school didn’t want me to leave but I knew that this would be the best move for me. I am still in touch with them but I can see that my Sixth Form experience has been starkly different from theirs with the opportunities that I have been afforded in so many different areas.

Everyone was very welcoming and whilst I’m not shy, it was easy to make friends. The first person I met welcomed me with a big hug which was lovely but something I wasn’t used to!

I had so much experience in my two years that I feel so much better prepared for the world outside of school. I volunteered in care homes and realised how valuable it is for people to have someone to talk to. I actually went back and taught in my old school which was a bit weird! I’d seen pupils in the Canford uniform visit before and now that was me! I also volunteered and taught in a primary school so I have an appreciation for what it is like to be a teacher. This experience has influenced me and I do feel that whatever career I choose, I would like to think that I can help and support others.

Classes were different at Canford and some were a lot shorter than I’m used to. However, teachers have a lot more time and are always there for you. There is a lot of one-to-one help at Canford which I hadn’t experienced before and your tutor is always checking up on how you are getting on.

I was involved with some sport and I remember standing in at the last minute for House Hockey when they were a team player down – I’d never played hockey before but it was fun. I got involved in drama and took part in the play Earthquakes in London and House Drama.

Sidney studied ‘A’ levels in English, History and Philosophy and hopes to go to Kings College London to read philosophy. “I’m not sure after that but my plan is to potentially follow on with a Law conversion course. I may choose to do that in America as I have family there.

I definitely aimed a lot higher as a result of coming to Canford. I think I would still have gone to university but I’m not sure in my previous school if I’d have been encouraged to work as hard. It definitely opened my eyes to bigger opportunities.

I have definitely made friends for life! I have been exposed to people who have a more luxurious lifestyle than me but this was never a problem. I have always wanted to do well in school as I want to do well in life. Canford has certainly helped me to really push myself and friends took me for who I was, not what I have.

Coming to Canford boosted my confidence in myself and helped me to learn that I must try to push myself as much as possible, to strive for what I really want to achieve and to never shy away from things that I may feel are out of my reach. I need to seek out opportunities and keep my mind active.

When I was young, I considered going to stage school but it never really came off. Once at Highcliffe school, I think I worried that I’d never leave the local area and spread my wings! At first, the prospect of going to Canford was a bit of a joke as in reality it seemed quite out of reach. I did a performance at the Layard Theatre at Canford when I was in year 9 and was totally blown away by the facilities. I didn’t really know much about the school but everything about it was amazing – it felt just like Hogwarts! For me it was crazy, I couldn’t believe that a place like Canford could really exist. This experience stayed with me and so we decided to attend the Open Day.

It was a dream come true to find out that I had been given a provisional place and the financial support that I was offered made me feel as though Canford valued me and trusted me. This was hugely comforting to know that the school had faith in me and was something that hadn’t happened to me before. I was immensely grateful for the opportunity.

I knew that I had to get mostly As in my GCSEs and my mocks hadn’t gone too well so I knew that if I had any chance of making Canford a reality, I had to knuckle down and work really hard. I barely went out from January until my last exam! The possibility of a place at Canford was a massive motivation for me and I know I definitely worked harder.

The first two weeks at Canford were totally crazy, it was a whirlwind, a shambles but I loved it. I had no idea what I was doing, I was really scared that people weren’t going to like me which worried me. How would a state school kid be accepted in this environment? It was fine. I made friends really easily, I never encountered any problems at all with friendships.”

Sammy started as a day boy but soon changed to board. This came about initially when he secured the lead role of Jean Valjean in Les Miserables. The journey from Highcliffe to Canford, leaving at 6am every morning was simply too much so additional financial support was provided by the school to make this a reality.

“The experience of taking part in Les Mis felt like I’d come full circle. From performing in that theatre as a Y9 pupil to now actually being part of the school and taking the lead in a brilliant show was incredible. It was so cool but at first I didn’t enjoy it as it was so much work on top of what was already a massive shock to my system! Now, if I could re-play that show week over and over again I would. It was so much fun and 100% worth all of the hard work.

Lessons were completely different, they were brilliant, so much fun. It felt like you were being addressed on a much more personal level. Teachers are so committed and would sit with me for hours until I understood. They were always just an email away and I could walk down the corridor at any time and they’d always be there to help.

Sammy has studied English, French and Spanish ‘A’ levels and is hoping to do Modern Languages at Durham – French as base language with either Russian, Mandarin or Arabic. “I’d always enjoyed languages, but I really fell in love with studying them at Canford.

I played in the first team rugby. I would have liked to row but there was no way I could have combined the two. First Team Rugby is a massive commitment, but I loved that. I was also in the choir and having been in a local choir really helped me to gain the scholarship place for music.

Lockdown has made me realise how many friends I have made and how much I miss them already. I have mixed with people from such different backgrounds. I’m glad that I went to a state school

initially as I feel that this has provided me with a real grounding of what ‘normal’ life is and how the majority of people live. School is a great leveller as we are all going through the same things so it doesn’t really matter what your background is like, we all have similar challenges at school, we are all in the same place and we are in it together.

Coming to Canford has given me the confidence to be myself which is testament to the teaching that I’ve received and the relationships that I’ve made. They have been so inclusive and supportive and you can’t put a price on that.

Stefan came to Canford for the Sixth Form. He was previously at Thomas Hardy School and also in the Bath Rugby Academy. He found out about Canford at a rugby tournament. A lot of his friends were considering an independent education for the Sixth Form to enable them to develop their rugby skills. Stefan approached Peter Short to find out if Canford might be an option for him for Sixth Form, coming from a state school. Peter recommended that he should attend one of the scholarship days. He registered and went through the rigorous testing and interviews. “If honest, I was doing this for experience. I never really thought I’d get a place as I knew that I would need a scholarship and big bursary. I feel extremely lucky that those series of events have led to be where I am today.”

What was it like the day that you received the letter from Canford confirming your place with financial support? “I have to admit, I cried! It was totally overwhelming. We weren’t expecting to receive financial support, it was incredible, and I was so happy.”

“I made friends quickly through rugby and the familiarisation day really helped. It’s quite different when you finally arrive as a student. You feel part of it, everyone was very friendly, and the House structure really helps with this. I quickly got involved with so many activities – SMaC, dinners, book clubs, teaching at The Bourne Academy, SFC and sport.

Lessons are so different and teachers have enormous amounts of time to help and support you. Smaller class sizes help and the Tutor system is amazing. Mr Jeffrey encouraged me to explore so much more of my subject than I would have done and he was a very influential person when I came to write my personal statement for UCAS.

I got involved with sports that I hadn’t tried before – squash and Real tennis. We were always playing sport in our free time. I taught at The Bourne Academy for two terms, teaching sciences and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I had to test out different techniques to effectively teach them as many of them had absolutely no confidence in themselves or their own abilities. This is a massive hurdle for them to overcome and it really helped to open up my eyes to the opportunity that I had been given.

I am hoping to go to Durham to read Maths. As we are unsure of what our grades will be, I am working over the summer in case I need to take exams in September! I love maths so I’m pretty sure that it would have been my chosen subject for a degree, but I don’t think I would have been in a position to be looking at such a good university.

I love my friends at Canford and will definitely keep in touch with them. Mixing with different people has broadened my horizons. There is no doubt that whilst friendly and caring, Canford is also a competitive environment. Seeing other lifestyles has encouraged me to strive for the very best but actually, having friends to my home has been very interesting for them and has enabled them to realise how fortunate they are.”

What difference has it made to you to come to Canford?

“Canford has instilled belief and confidence in myself. At the moment I have no idea what I want to do in the future but my time at Canford has provided me with the skills to do whatever I choose and that is invaluable. It has been the most fantastic two years of my life.”

Kacper 

Kacper came to Canford from St Peter’s School.  He found out about Canford and made an enquiry to admissions himself.  He attended all of the tests and although he knew he was intelligent he was very unsure that he would be good enough to gain entry to Canford.  The day that the offer letter was to arrive he told his mother to wait until he got home.  He was delighted to be accepted on a 100% bursary.  “This for me was the equivalent of winning £50,000 just to spend on my education, I couldn’t believe it!” 

On arrival at Canford, Kacper was overwhelmed with all of the opportunities on offer.  He had always worked hard and been driven to succeed but he was desperate not to waste his time at Canford.  “The teaching I received at Canford was brilliant both in the classroom and beyond.  Teachers always have time to go through things with you that you don’t understand.”  Kacper had a go at virtually everything on offer at Canford!  In fact, after his first term at Canford his tutor had to ask him to withdraw from some extracurricular activities so that his academic studies didn’t suffer.   

Kacper has made great friends for life at Canford and worked on a small business called Lemon Juice with two other pupils. He gained work experience at Southampton University and took part in a partnership to Ghana.  Kacper has an offer from Imperial to study Computer Science needing A*, A, A and also an offer from Warwick.   

 

Javier 

"At Canford I feel that I have been able to truly be myself and have been accepted for who I am.  There is no prejudice here and in my U6 year particularly, I have made friends that I know I will stay in touch with for many years.  My mother and family back in Venezuala are incredibly proud of what I have achieved.  With my interest in politics, they are very keen for me to run for President of Venezuala - in time, this is something I would very much like to consider, to make the country a better place for all. 

Educationally, I have been able to study 'A' levels that were not an option at my previous school which has allowed me to apply for specific university courses.  Teaching at Canford is incredibly different and extremely effective.  The support that I have achieved outside of lessons has been excellent and has allowed me to excel in my chosen subjects.  I received a lot of help in applying to my chosen universities.  I am sure that this support would have been limited at other schools." 

Javier has an offer to study Human, Social and Political Sciences at Cambridge (A*, A, A) and Exeter to study Politics and International Studies (A, A, A) 

 

Anna 

“My outlook on life has opened up tremendously since joining Canford. I have higher aspirations regarding what I can achieve.  Being surrounded by hard working, intelligent friends has allowed me to develop lifelong friends.  I doubt I would have applied to the universities I have offers for and I am confident that I have a bright future ahead of me.  I will always be keen to come back!  

The support around university applications has been excellent.  I have a gap year paid internship at Accenture in London.  Alongside this, I have offers at Durham and Warwick to read English although I’m not quite sure whether to choose English or Maths!” 

 

Chantelle 

“I never really considered applying for a place at Canford but I had nothing to lose and everything to gain so I applied, more for the experience than anything else and was both surprised and delighted when I was awarded a place.  The first few days were a little daunting but small class sizes really helped me to make friends quickly.  I was quite used to being very quiet in a class of 30 pupils but at Canford there is nowhere to hide, you are expected to get involved and contribute.  I hope to go to university in September, something that I never thought I would be able to achieve before I came to Canford.  I will be the first person in my family to go!  I have been involved in the school musical, I’ve learned to play Lacrosse (a sport I didn’t know existed!) and I have also been involved in the City Reach project working with young people from deprived areas of Southampton.  The support from teachers at Canford is phenomenal – I still can’t believe that teachers respond to pupils’ emails with such speed.  If I could sum up what Canford has given me I would say that it has been a complete lifestyle change for me, full of opportunity, my aspirations have been raised considerably and I am more motivated than ever to succeed.” 

 

Georgia 

“Academically Canford has been good for me, as it has pushed me to work hard.  At Canford, it is cool to be clever – not something, I encountered at my other school.  You can try new things and feel comfortable about having a go.  Nobody thinks you’re odd for being musical or wanting to be in the school play.  Having done a lot of dancing before coming to Canford, I thoroughly enjoyed being involved in theatre productions – some of my favourite times.  I’m not particularly sporty but you can still have a go and represent your school even if you don’t make the first or second teams.  Sport is very inclusive here.” 

Georgia was given a Dr Michael Toosey Award which enabled her to join the partnership trip to Ghana.  “This was an amazing experience that I will never forget.  It opened my eyes to a very different culture that you simply cannot experience from the TV screen.  The Ghanaians are all so happy but have so little!  This trip gave me a totally different perspective on life.  I would never have had this experience if I hadn’t come to Canford and I am extremely grateful for the Award without which I wouldn’t have been able to go”   

Georgia has an offer to study English – her real passion – at Exeter (A, A, A).  She has loved her time at Canford and is very reluctant to leave!  “I will be back whenever I can!” 

 

Elle and Hayley  (Bourne to Canford Bursary Pupils) 

Elle and Hayley came to Canford in September 2012 from The Bourne Academy. Both admit to having been very nervous making the transition from the Academy to Sixth Form at Canford, and not being sure of how they would fit in but from day one, they felt accepted as part of the new Sixth Form intake. 

“Canford really changed our attitude to work … we had to work very hard to keep up but we did and we enjoyed it …  

I would never have achieved the GCSEs that I got let alone ‘A’ Levels without the drive to get to Canford and then the support I received once I was here.  Teachers were always available. You could always email them. We were so well prepared for Uni.  I don’t think I would have gone to Uni if I hadn’t come to Canford and certainly not the Uni that I’m at.  Canford showed me that I can achieve more and it ‘raised my game’ considerably.  I’d come back in a heartbeat..” 

So what difference did it really make? 

“A lot!  It felt like a winning lottery ticket.  From the people we met, to the Community Service we were involved in, having so many opportunities to try different things, the grades we achieved and above all, a much greater confidence in myself.” 

“Work experience at a London investment bank and applying to a university far from home are two things I never would have thought of before Canford, but now I have done both.”   

Elle is now studying Management and Marketing at Leeds University.  She has big ambitions and will be embarking on a work placement with Goodyear Dunlop.  Hayley is studying Sociology and Criminology at the University of Exeter.   

 

Nic (Scholarship & Bursary recipient) 

Nic was keen to study at Canford from an early age. However changing family circumstances led to Nic studying at a local grammar school prior to Canford. Having rediscovered Canford on open days his mother encouraged Nic to take the state entrance exam, which he passed, and especially remembers an interview with John Lever.  He applied for the drama scholarship and was successful, also receiving a substantial bursary. Throughout his time at Canford, Nic was mindful of the commitment that his Mother had made to his education, making him motivated to succeed. 

On starting at Canford, Nic remembers being nervous about how he would fit in as many pupils knew each other from Prep school.  Lessons were very different moving from class sizes of 30+ to 15-20.  He took every opportunity available to him at Canford and enjoyed school tremendously.  Thanks to his House Master, Dan Culley, who looked out for him, he fitted in quickly and made good friends.  “The pastoral support at Canford is superb.” 

Nic wasn’t involved in Drama at his previous school but at Canford Nic took part in every school production available – “around 10 in total and I loved it.  It was a great release from the pressure of my academic work.” 

In the Fifth Form Nic was told that if he wanted to study medicine, he needed to start thinking seriously about it.  At this early stage he did work experience over 3 weeks in the A&E, Geriatrics and Orthopaedic departments of Poole Hospital.  He also gained work experience at a local GP surgery. “The good thing about the Canford community, was that I could happily ask other students, and their parents, for help in securing work experience, and teachers for advice in the application process”  

Nic decided to apply to Oxford.  He recalls Dr David Neill being in charge of Oxbridge applications and David encouraged Nic to apply.  He was always told to aim for the very best and so he “went for it!” Nic had numerous meetings with Mike Doherty, Head of Careers and HE, asking for countless practice interviews.  “The support was brilliant and the application process was an amazing experience in itself - just to stay overnight at such an iconic University for my interview was worth it!” 

The first person in his family to apply for Oxbridge, Nic started reading Medicine at Oxford in 2013. 

“If I could sum up what Canford gave me, I would say that it gave me the confidence to aim high.  Without it, I’m not sure I would have applied for Medicine at Oxbridge, never mind succeed in my application.  I am extremely grateful for the scholarship and bursary that I received from Canford, and believe I wouldn’t be where I am today without it. I am delighted that there is a continuing drive to raise funds to provide the opportunities which made such a difference to my life.” 

 

Brianna 

Brianna came to Canford on a substantial bursary for Sixth Form in 2006. As well as excelling academically, a place at Canford allowed her the freedom to pursue her other love: rowing.  “Suddenly I could do both, and I had the academic support, the coaching and the facilities to do so,” she says. She won her first Junior International vest at the age of 16.  

Brianna went on to gain a place at Oxford to study medicine, stroke two winning Oxford Blue Boats, and row internationally at Under-23 and Lightweight level. She is now Lottery funded and hoping to represent Great Britain at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. She is also studying for a DPhil in Biochemical Physiology at Oxford, and plans to return to her medical studies after Rio. 

“A full bursary allowed me not just to go to Canford, but to take part in the full range of activities the school was able to offer. I took my sport to new levels, went on the Partnership Trip to Argentina, and was phenomenally well prepared for Oxbridge entrance.  Having people from all backgrounds at Canford makes it special, and giving young people like myself a chance to come can change their lives forever.” 

 

Veronika (Canford’s first HMC pupil) 

Veronika was always determined that at some point she would study in England for a year and the opportunity arose through the HMC bursary project which she undertook in the Czech Republic in 2013.   

“I couldn’t believe that I had been awarded a place to study at such a beautiful school.  It was hard to leave my home and friends and there is no doubt that the first few weeks weren’t easy as my English was not very good and I was really shy.  However, I soon adapted to the different teaching style, made friends and I relished having teachers that were interested and enthusiastic.  I loved reading my reports which gave me a considerable boost to my self-confidence.  As well as discovering my passion for Economics, I got involved with the Music School playing the piano, saxophone and singing.  My music lessons were paid for which helped a great deal.  Being at school all of the time meant that I was constantly occupied and engaged in useful activities.  I would never have been so involved in school at home.” 

In Autumn 2016 Veronika will go to study Economics at University in Prague and she will also attend the Prague Conservatoire.  It was her time at Canford that introduced and developed Veronika’s love and talent in singing.  Before coming to Canford she had no idea what career path she would follow but her passion for Economics was discovered here and she has studied extra maths to support this. 

So what difference did it really make? 

“My self-confidence increased considerably.  I felt able to let other pupils know that children from different backgrounds can achieve and I was able to help them to understand that we are not inferior and we can contribute to society - just look at what I have achieved!  I cannot imagine what my life would be like now if I hadn’t attended Canford.  I would like to go on to do something useful in society and perhaps work for a not-for-profit organisation.  It is so important that other children are given the opportunity that I received at Canford.” 

 

Iliyana Nalbantova (HMC pupil 2016) 

Iliyana was one of six pupils from Bulgaria who came to study in the UK on an HMC bursary in 2014.  Iliyana was very keen to study in the UK as she was very aware that the opportunities open to her in Bulgaria were limited.  Following a three day orientation at Cambridge University, she arrived at Canford.  It was a cultural shock being the first from her family to be educated abroad but making friends was not an issue for Iliyana.  Canford lessons were vastly different with smaller class sizes and so much more detail and depth was required.  “The learning environment is incredible.” 

“I enjoyed being part of the John o’Gaunt’s Debating Society, especially when we debated the EU Referendum!  I thoroughly enjoy public speaking and I have grown in confidence during my time at Canford.  I was involved in the school magazine, community service and I took part in the Vellacott History Prize and enjoyed it immensely.  My parents can see a marked difference in me – I am more confident, very adaptable and more independent,” 

 

Letter from a parent of a bursary recipient pupil 

Dear Headmaster, 

It is hard to believe that our daughter’s Canford days have come to end – it seems only yesterday that, to our astonishment, she had applied to the school, and then to our even greater astonishment she had been offered a place thanks to a scholarship and an extremely generous bursary. Regardless of what her results may be, she has been privileged to enjoy the very best tutelage in all subjects, unparalleled support and truly magnificent surroundings. She has also made many friendships that will certainly endure for many years to come. 
 
I know that she has had a wonderful time. It goes without saying that the Ghana trip was a once in a lifetime opportunity. She loved every second of it and it was an experience that she still bubbles with enthusiasm about. It is another fine example of the school’s ethos of supporting education for those less fortunate than many of its own pupils, an ethos from which she has so greatly benefited. She has hugely enjoyed the Heretic Society debates, visiting speakers, school plays and the regular trips to hear lectures at other educational establishments – and much more. I think her only regret has been that having been a great sports fan, training regularly with Wimborne Athletic club, injury prevented her taking advantage of the excellent sporting facilities to the full. But here again, Canford was able to provide the physiotherapy that helped immensely. 
 
My wife and I would like to thank you and the school for giving our daughter the best possible means of fulfilling her potential. She is particularly indebted to her house master Mr Baugniet, Matron Mrs Wells, and tutor Miss Pick – but all the teaching and support staff have her greatest respect and gratitude. 
 
We now have a nervous wait for the exam results but, thanks to the help and preparation Canford has provided, we can already be confident that she will have done well and is destined for a place at one of her preferred universities.