
Headmaster Ben Vessey writes:
We want our pupils to encounter formative experiences through their education in the academic, co-curricular and pastoral aspects of their time here. These in turn will lead them to question, to make decisions and to act vigorously, both as individuals and through their engagement with others.
Such characteristics are crucial if our pupils are going to make the most of their own future, and contribute all they can to the world in which they live. If they don’t aim high, they will fall short. Life is full of challenges, and we want to equip Canfordians with the confidence and resilience to embrace and overcome them.
We seek to instil a deep understanding of the wider moral and social responsibilities that arise from living and working with others. This is embodied in the vision, aims and ethos of the school where we want all our pupils to have the opportunity to explore, to express and to excel in all aspects of school life as part of our Canford community. Our values of courageous attitude, purposeful engagement, humble ambition and gracious leadership underpin everything we do and help to forge the strong bonds between staff, pupils and parents which are a fundamental feature of Canford life. Education is and has to be a partnership driven by mutual respect, trust and a willingness to work together for a better future.
Boarding at Canford
Canford has a 21st century boarding model, which commits to genuine 24/7 full boarding rather than weekly or flexi boarding options, but also allows pupils to spend a proportion of Saturday nights at home each year if they want to. Yet with a packed programme including Sunday trips to the beach and water parks, weekly Saturday night Sixth Form socials, film nights in the Layard Theatre and fun Sunday activities such as juggling lessons, pizza making and boarding ‘Bake offs’, alongside full use of the school’s facilities such as the boat club, indoor 25m pool, gym, dance studio and 9 hole golf course, it is perhaps not surprising that at least 70% of boarders choose to stay in on any given weekend.
https://www.canford.com/prospective-parents/life-at-canford/house-life/life-as-a-boarder