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Academic Excellence

Academic-lessons

A school community where all are inspired to explore, empowered to express and challenged to excel.

We define excellence as taking many forms and want to inspire our pupils to excel to the very best of their own abilities. Our Mission is to build a community of open minded people who are motivated to embrace learning in all its forms. Canford is proud of its high quality teachers who are specialists in their field with a genuine love and enthusiasm for their subject.

We offer A Levels and GCSEs plus the opportunity to take an Extended Project Qualification, worth half an A Level.  Exam results are important and we set the academic bar unashamedly high, with tailored support for every individual pupil.  We go way beyond the confines of the exam curricula as we look to develop enquiring minds through our intellectual enrichment programmes.   Academic life is complemented by our vast range of co-curricular options offering pupils opportunities to explore new experiences, develop leadership skills and prepare for life beyond Canford.  

“It is a privilege for us as teachers to be catalysts for our pupils’ learning. Teachers and pupils work collaboratively in the pursuit of academic excellence, motivated by intellectual curiosity and a shared passion for knowledge.”

Ieuan Weir - Deputy Head Academic

Best co-educational independent school in the South West for 2023 A Level performance.
Sunday Times parent power 2024

14

Average class size for GCSE

20+

Academic groups and societies

25,000

Library resources

22

External speakers at the Festival of Ideas 2022

Explore our Academic Curriculum

We offer A Levels and GCSEs plus the opportunity to take an Extended Project Qualification, worth half an A Level.

The Canford Blog

Latest educational and intellectual comment from the Headmaster, senior staff and pupils at Canford School.

Latest blog posts

Learning and Resources

The new library offers over 300 linear metres of open book shelving and a multimedia area providing multiple online resources.

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Support for Learning

Teachers meet regularly to share good practice across departments and develop awareness of differing needs.

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“Pupils achieve academically and have excellent attitudes towards learning, to their subject lessons and their wide variety of cross-curricular activities”

Independent Schools Inspectorate 

Our People

JenniferPlater

Acting Head of English, Rowing Coach, CCF 2nd Lieutenant and Old Canfordian

WillMoreland_Canford

Maths Teacher, Rowing coach, CCF Contingent Commander and Staff Common Room President

Academic news