Canford numbers

[sillysally2000]

Was thinking of sending my son to Canford next sept (27) but I have been told number this year for year 9 are down a lot. Does anyone know if there is any truth in this?

Also hearing good things about Bryanston any insights on how they are doing?

Boarder numbers this year are slightly lower than last year and boarding capacity (84 per year total ) hasn't been reached for a few years. However, the houses still feel busy and not being at capacity means they get a bit more space (so 3 in a 4 bed dorm etc) and flexibility about who rooms together. The day numbers are strong, despite being in a grammar area, so overall the school is pretty full in years 9-11 and boarders are still the majority. They just expanded the 6th form quite considerably - I'm not sure on the boarding/ day split there.

Re. Canford vs Bryanston - the Venn diagram of those schools would have v few kids (IMO) who would do equally well at both so I think go and see them both and see what you think. Bryanston is much academically broader than Canford but also quite a different vibe. It has flexi boarders which Canford (at present) doesn't. It also has fewer in at weekends.

Where do you live? Are you looking for flexibility around weekends or you want full boarding? My understanding is that B doesnt enforce weekends at all. C does to an extent - boarders should spend 50% Saturdays in school and this largely happens, at least IME. What are your son's interests? What sports does he like?

HTH - feel free to PM me if want to ask anything.

I would think that the indepedent sector everywhere is finding demand decreasing due to the VAT. We have a child boarding at Canford (and also a son starting in Sept 27 also as a boarder)

Our eldest child's boarding house is busy and active. We asked him about the new year 9 boys boarders that have joined this September and he said there is a decent number of them and they are definitely making plenty of noise ;)

Something we like about Canford is that it is in a hugely strong financial position. They won't take children who don't meet their academic requirements and they are sitting on enough cash reserves to be picky. Some schools in a worse financial position may not have been able to maintain their entry requirement as they need bums on seats to balance the books.

If you're researching schools you can compare them properly here https://www.chapelandtuck.co.uk/for-parents and compare them side by side. It has information like boarder numbers, finances etc.

The numbers at Canford are actually slightly up this year from last year. This is from official data. I attach a screenshot (taken from that website) and it shows that Bryanston's numbers are a little bit down and Canford's are a little bit up. I hope this helps, any questions about Canford let me know as I might know the answer as a current parent.

I've just gone and got other figures for you (in case you don't want to buy a subscription)

In terms specifically for boarders Bryanston have 22.4% fewer boarders than they did in 21/22 school year (5 years ago) and 56% more day. Showing that the ratio is rapidly changing there. Possibly in part as they offer flexi and all sorts which may put off full boarders? Overall numbers have gone slightly down.

Canford have 5.4% fewer boarders and 10.3% more day than 5 years ago (21/22 year). Overall numbers have gone slightly up. So boarding sector seems to be holding reasonably strong.

We very much feel that Canford is having a really strong run at the moment, is achieving superb results, and maintaining numbers and popularity despite VAT.

Another screenshot for the financials comparison.