Canford School

[nametapes]

Can any one advise me about Canford school in Canford Magna near Wimborne, Dorset. I have an 11 yr old and we are looking for a senior school for 13+.
Thankyou in anticipation.......

[100lilgreen]

It is an exceptional school in terms of results and 2 daughters of a very close friend of mine go there and are delighted with it. However, my nephew went for an interview there about 2 years ago and maybe is not an 'over-achiever' but still is bright and the headmaster said to him "And what do you have in that little head of yours ..."
I don't know if you agree but I just find that abit patronizing and my db and dsil were put off. Instead he went to Fettes College.
Although that happened I am unaware of anything else and it is a lovely school. What other schools are you considering? is it a dd or a ds?

[nametapes]

That does sound very patronizing! Is this really true? , If so this is the most awful thing a headmaster could say. I find this unbelievable !
On the other hand your nephew may have misheard and came up the word "little", in which case the question really wasnt so bad.
Anyway we are looking at Canford and will see for myself if its good or bad.

[100lilgreen]

Yes, well according to him it's true! But then again 12 year old boys ...
Go see for yourself .. It is a magnificent school

[yotty]

Visited Canford twice now, loved it on both occasions. It is easy to get swayed by the child who shows you round. On my first visit I was shown round by a charming spotty 15 year old. He admitted he was not one of the bright ones in his year group but was a good sportsman. He conducted himself very well and was clearly in awe of some of the brighter multi talented kids. During my second visit, was shown round by very bright sixthformer who was into drama and was also charming despite being slightly more geeky than cool! The teachers we met were very enthusiastic about their subjects and the atmosphere seemed relaxed and unpretentious. Considering the schools broad intake their exam results are excellent.

[JaneyPal]

Hi,
It is wonderful school - physically stunning. One thing to note though, I have a nephew there and he went because he was not so academic, and they have done a wonderful job with him. His friend went to but was somewhat brighter and eventually left as the parents realised that , whilst it is wonderful for the right child, it is not so results driven, and a bright child will likely achieve more elsewhere.
JP