Life at Canford
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
- 7.30 am
Breakfast starts for boarders
- 8.10 am
Servery closes
- 8.20 am
Day pupils house registration
Day buses arrive from 8am in time for registration in house at 8.20am. Day pupils involved in sporting or other early school commitments may arrive earlier.
- 8.45 am
Lesson 1
- 9.25 am
Lesson 2
- 10.05 am
Lesson 3
- 10.40 am
Morning Break
Pupils can return to House or visit the Nineveh Cafe
- 11.10 am
Lesson 4
- 11.50 am
Lesson 5
- 12.30 pm
Lunch
Lunch – all pupils eat together as a year group in the Great Hall. (times vary)
- 1.50 pm
Sport, Combined Cadet Force, Shell Carousel, Enterprises or Community Service
Depending on the year group or day. Lessons continue on Wednesdays and Fridays.
- 4.30 pm
Clubs, Music groups and Drama Rehearsals
Or prep time in House
- 6.00 pm
Supper
All boarders eat supper together in the Great Hall (times vary depending on year group) and day pupils can join if staying on.
- 6.10 pm
Day Buses Leave
Buses leave for day pupils not involved in evening activities.
- 7.30 pm
Prep
Prep time for boarding pupils - the length varies depending on the year group. Day pupils are encouraged to follow the timing of boarding.
- 9.30 pm
Bedtime
Bedtime depends on the year group. Shells hand in tech at 9.15pm and are ready for bed at 9.30pm.