Scholarships and Financial Assistance

It is Canford's policy to encourage excellence through the awarding of scholarships and for those awards to be funded by a financial package to enable pupils to come to the school who, without the assistance of a scholarship, would not be able to do so.  As a guide, scholarships are generally worth between 5% and 20% of the fees, which may be enhanced by a bursary if parents are able to demonstrate, through means-testing, that they could not otherwise send their child to the school.

All Canford's scholarships are indexed as a percentage of the fees so that their relative value remains constant throughout the scholar's school career. Awards for new entrants to the school are made at both 13+ and 16+, for excellence and potential in various fields.

Admissions Timeline - What Happens Next?

In all cases the Governors reserve the right to determine the number and value of scholarships to be awarded. All scholarships are tenable with effect from the September of the year in which they are awarded. They are renewable annually and are held throughout a pupil's career at Canford on the recommendation of the Headmaster. In accordance with HMC guidance, no award or combination of awards will exceed 50% of the fees. 

Financial Assistance

Pupils who have been awarded a scholarship may be eligible for additional help with the payment of school fees in the form of means-tested financial assistance, a ‘scholarship supplement’.  This is provided in the form of a discount of up to 100% of school fees, depending on the financial and other circumstances of applicants.

The school is also committed to broadening access for prospective parents and to supporting current families.  Help with the payment of school fees is available as means-tested financial assistance for parents/guardians who can demonstrate a genuine need for support.  Such ‘financial assistance’, traditionally known as a ‘bursary’ is provided in the form of a discount of up to 100% of school fees and extras, depending on the financial and other circumstances of applicants.  As part of the application process, we ask parents to see whether other organisations might be able to offer grants to assist with the school fees. Lists of charitable organisations who offer grants can be found through the Independent Schools Council or the Educational Trusts’ Forum.

Financial Assistance Scheme

Email Admissions

If you would prefer to telephone, please contact Admissions on 01202 847207.

HM Forces Families

Like many other independent schools, we offer particular arrangements for families currently serving in HM Forces.  A 10% discount is offered subject to conditions.  Please click on the link below for more details.

How we support HM Forces Families