The short version
Below-average GCSE results. At capacity. Strong sixth form (A- average).
- GCSE results are below the national average (Attainment 8: 26.8 vs national 43.8)
- This is a Anglican/Church of England school, so faith criteria may apply to admissions
- The school is at capacity (95% full)
Selective intake
This school offers places by entrance exam. See how 11+ formats differ between schools — and which exam boards they use.
Performance
DfE published dataOfficial DfE Results
Attainment 8
Average points across 8 GCSE subjects
26.8
17.0 vs nationalEnglish & maths (grade 5+)
Strong pass in both core subjects
0%
EBacc entry
Academic subjects including a language
0%
A-Level Average
Mean grade across subjects
A-
A-Level Value Added
Progress vs expected
+0.32
Band 2Source: Department for Education Performance Tables 2024-25
Special Educational Needs
39% of pupils have identified special educational needs or disabilities.
Breakdown
Source: DfE School Census
School details
Published dataProfile
- Type
- Other independent school
- Ages
- 13–18
- Intake
- Mixed
- Character
- Anglican/Church of England
Numbers
- Pupils
- 646
- Capacity
- 95%
- Admissions
- Selective
Governance
- Local authority
- Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
- Head
- Mr Ben Vessey (Headmaster)
Provisions
- Sixth form
- Yes
- Boarding
- Boarding school
Inspection record
Official linksIndependent school not found on standard Ofsted provider pages; defer to later ISI-specific handling.
Location
Canford Magna, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 3AD
Rural setting
Schools nearby
Within 2.5 kmMerley First School
Primary · 1.4km away
Hayeswood First School
Primary · 1.8km away
The White House School
Independent · 1.8km away
Hampreston Church of England Voluntary Aided First School
Primary · 2.1km away
St John's Church of England First School, Wimborne
Primary · 2.1km away
Colehill First School
Primary · 2.2km away
Beaucroft Foundation School
Special school · 2.3km away
St Michael's Church of England Middle School, Colehill
Middle deemed secondary · 2.4km away
Questions parents ask
Is Canford School a selective school?
Yes. Canford School has a selective intake, which means places are offered based on performance in an entrance exam. Check the school's admissions page for the current exam format and registration deadlines.
How many pupils attend Canford School?
Canford School currently has 646 pupils on roll, according to the latest Department for Education data.
What ages does Canford School take?
Canford School caters for pupils aged 13 to 18.
Where is Canford School?
Canford School is in Wimborne, BH21 3AD, in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole local authority area. The map on this page shows the exact location and nearby schools.
Does Canford School have a sixth form?
Yes, Canford School has a sixth form, so pupils can continue to A-levels or equivalent qualifications without changing school.
Premium school profiles
Researching a selective school?
We hold deep admissions intelligence on the UK's top selective schools — exam breakdowns, interview formats, and parent strategy briefs.