The College - Sixth Form FAQs

You can take A Levels at Canford in 21 different subjects currently, plus an EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) which is worth half an A Level.  Generally pupils start with four A Levels and some then reduce to three subjects after the first term.  Information about the options can be found via this link:

A Level Curriculum

The deadline to make subject choices is in early February of Year 11, although changes after this may be possible depending on set sizes.

Yes, extended learning in academic interests is actively encouraged.  For example, departments run societies and social events, you are encouraged to enter national and international essay competitions and we have a Model UN debating team.   There are also opportunities to work with junior pupils.

At Canford, there’s no one-size-fits-all pupil. The best fit for our school are those with a “can do” attitude, ready to try new things and grow their skills. We have high academic standards, and our pupils achieve top results in external exams. But remember, your attitude is just as important as your ability. Listen to some of our recent Sixth Form leavers talk about their experiences here: 

Canford - The People

In one word, busy!   You will be joining a school which is jam packed full of opportunities.   The Sixth Form College building will have workspaces and social areas, and across the 250 acre campus you can develop your skills in many different ways using all the facilities on offer such as in sports, creative arts, the CCF, community work and in house competitions and events. 

You will have an individual tutor to guide you through your time in the Sixth Form who will be a constant support both academically and for your wellbeing.  Tutors can also help with guidance on careers planning and applications to make sure you manage your time.

The new College hub building has a number of social areas and a coffee/bar area for all Sixth Formers to use in free time, evenings and at weekends. Houses also have many social spaces alongside individual study rooms for day pupils and study bedrooms for boarders.  In the Upper Sixth, you will have your own study space or bedroom in the College buildings.

Canford runs as a full boarding school.  There are lessons on Saturday mornings for all pupils and activities in the evenings and over weekends too.   Registration for both boarding and day pupils is at 0815, Monday to Saturday.  Day pupils can leave at 1800 unless they have evening commitments, in which case they can have supper at school.  For boarders, supper is at 1800 and then there is prep in house plus other evening activities, generally house-based.

The College building will be your daily base in the Sixth Form, but you will move around the campus for lessons and activities.   All pupils from all year groups eat together in the main dining hall for all meals.  

All pupils are members of a house in the Year 9 - Year 12 year groups.  There are four houses for boy boarders, three for girl boarders and three mixed day houses.  New Lower Sixth joiners will join one of these houses.  As part of the College Concept in preparation for the move to the world beyond school, in the Upper Sixth, you will move out of your house into the College building where there are separate wings for boy and girl boarding.  Day Upper Sixth pupils will have accommodation in the College hub building.  However you will still have links to your legacy house for various activities.

Yes, pupils in all year groups wear school uniform.  The Sixth Form uniform is slightly different to the Lower School, with dark navy jackets and skirts/trousers and the option for girls to wear a striped shirt.   More information on uniform can be found by contacting the school shop.

Yes, pupil parking is available on site.  You will need to register your car with us.

There is a network of daily bus routes for day pupils up to an hour’s radius of the school and coach services for boarders on exeats and half terms/end of term.  Please visit this page for more information.

Bus transport routes

Pupil wellbeing is at the heart of all we do at Canford. We offer full medical care and onsite counselling at our Health Centre and support also includes caring House and tutoring systems, peer mentoring and sleep programs, nutritious and balanced freshly prepared food and a sport and physical wellbeing programme.  Our EDI pupil-led committees promote equity, diversity, and inclusion throughout our school community. Find out more here:

College Wellbeing

The College Futures programme is here to help you work out your next steps after Canford. Whether you’re thinking about university, taking a gap year, or diving into a career, our experienced team is here to support you with all the information and guidance you need.  We also have a wide network of former pupils (OCs) and current parents who can offer you advice and possibly valuable work experience to give you an advantage in an increasingly competitive world.

We’ll help you develop the key skills that universities and businesses look for, setting you up for future success.

To find out more about Canford Futures, please visit this page:

Canford Futures

Our futures team has many years of experience with CV writing, applications to University through UCAS and also offering guidance on applying for degree apprenticeships, international colleges (Canford is a SAT testing centre) and to Music, Drama and Arts colleges.   A monthly careers update gives information university open days, work experience opportunities and application deadlines.   Specific guidance is offered for pupils applying to Oxford and Cambridge universities, or for Medical Schools, Veterinary Science or Dentistry which have individual application processes.

Please see our Futures page for information on where Canfordians have moved on to in recent years:

College Futures