Sixth Form boarding pupil
Learning
Sixth Form is a time of transition in your education. GCSE courses are a distant memory and the exciting wider world lies just ahead. We realise that as a Sixth Former you will want more freedom to make your own choices, more independence, to take more responsibility for your own actions and perhaps also the opportunity to become leaders both among your peers and in the wider world.
9
Average class size for A Level
40
Pupil Leader roles each year
56
Sixth Form NCOs in the CCF
13
Ted talks run by Sixth Formers to Fourth Form scholars
The Canford Sixth Form learning experience
We will offer you all this within the stability of an established school community, providing guidance both inside and outside the classroom. You will be expected to work hard, to participate, to make the most of the opportunities you are given. In return, you will be given the chance to put forward your views, to challenge existing wisdom and to make a real difference. Staff will encourage you to think seriously about what you want from your future, and they will give you all the support to try and get you there.
We will give you a coherent and connected learning experience which will equip you with the best possible academic results you can achieve, and through a range of co-curricular opportunities you will gain the confidence, the insight and the skills which combined will give you every chance to realise your dreams.
At Canford, we have taught A levels for many years. For us, the excitement of A level teaching remains undimmed and we believe that there are huge challenges in mastering the content of any of the A levels we offer. The A* grade, introduced in 2010, provides a real and demanding target for the most able.
We believe that there is ample scope at GCSE level for pupils to test their ability in a wide range of subjects. Sixth Form academic choices are the start of the process of specialisation for a University degree.
While we do not offer the IB at Canford, there are elements of the IB programme which we like and have adapted these into our Sixth Form curriculum. The IB's extended essay has led to the introduction of Extended Project Qualifications (EPQs) and the Ivy House programme for interested Lower Sixth pupils.
By using the Cambridge Pre-U where appropriate (currently in Art and Modern Foreign Languages) alongside A levels we believe we have a modern Sixth Form curriculum that offers the most flexible combination for today’s Sixth-Former.
Explore our Sixth Form learning opportunities
"All pupils are encouraged to develop a love of learning. This is supported by their peers - it is all about creating that positive culture.”
Ieuan Weir - Deputy Head Academic
44
Oxbridge offers in the past 5 years
80%+
Offers each year to Russell Group/Sunday Times Top 12 universities
54%
A Level A*/A Grade in 2024
10
Pupils to US universities in past 2 years
Our People
Sixth Form boarding pupil
Sixth Form boarding pupil
Sixth Form day pupil
The Canford Blog
Latest educational and intellectual comment from the Headmaster, senior staff and pupils at Canford School.
Learning and Resources
The new library offers over 300 linear metres of open book shelving and a multimedia area providing multiple online resources.
Support for Learning
Teachers meet regularly to share good practice across departments and develop awareness of differing needs.