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Life at Canford

Canford-School-Boarding-Fun

One school, ten houses

All pupils, whether boarding or day, belong to one of ten houses. Each house buzzes with a life of its own, but all are very much part of our one school, ten houses ethos.

Each house is a physical building where pupils meet, relax and have fun, eat toast, do their prep and build friendships to last a lifetime. Your child’s house is the bedrock of their pastoral care, and quickly becomes their home-from-home through a tight-knit community of friends, tutors, house mentors and of course their Matron and Housemaster or Housemistress.

Canford is one of the few remaining UK full boarding schools – there is no weekly or flexi boarding - with day pupils able to take full advantage of all the opportunities afforded by 24/7 boarding school life.   We believe this is why Canford is such a strong and supportive community.  Our aim is to care for the wellbeing of every individual child and provide a safe and nurturing environment, while encouraging pupils to understand themselves and develop emotional resilience for the challenges of 21st century living.

“I had such a great time at school, and boarding especially gave me independence and resilience, a home from home, and friends for life.”

Alexander Trewby F93, OC and Tech Entrepreneur

“My house is like a family to me.”

Canford Pupil

Typical School Day

Canford-School
  • 6.00 pm

All boarders eat supper together in the Great Hall (times vary depending on year group) and day pupils can join if staying on.

Read More about Supper
Canford-School-boarding
  • 7.30 pm

Prep time for boarding pupils - the length varies depending on the year group.  Day pupils are encouraged to follow the timing of boarding.

Read More about Prep