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Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

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Original poster

Canford School

20 replies

DressageGirl · 24/02/2020 12:43

Dear all, I see there have not been any recent posts about Canford School and wondered if any of you have any more recent feedback. We are considering it for our son.

We are predominantly based abroad but do fly back often. I am told from the school that 70% of children are in over the weekends. Would hate to think there was a exodus every Sat!

What is discipline & pastoral care like?

Which boys houses would you recommend and why?

We are looking for a well rounded caring school. Where children are happy and not too racey!

OP posts:

SoozyC · 25/02/2020 07:17

We are also considering Canford so would also be hearing any views from past or present parents. We found it to be very caring, with extremely friendly and enthusiastic staff and kids. Would your son be starting in Shell?

Original poster

DressageGirl · 25/02/2020 08:27

Yes SoozyC, it did come across like that, however wanted to double check it is really the case. Yes, shells for 2021. Thinking of Court House.

OP posts:

Original poster

DressageGirl · 02/03/2020 18:06

Which house were you thinking of SnoozyC?

Anyone else have any comments about Canford school?

OP posts:

SoozyC · 03/03/2020 05:32

We've just accepted a place for 2020, Monteacute House. My son is very excited. New to this MN business so don't know how to email you directly but more than happy to chat in direct message if you know how!

Original poster

DressageGirl · 06/03/2020 08:07

That's great news! Yes would love to chat, but like you not sure how to message I'm afraid!
Do you know people who have children at Canford?

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jugglingexpat · 23/04/2020 21:33

Hello! We live overseas and have two children currently at Canford and a third starting this September. Our children absolutely love it - my eldest has been to several schools on various international postings so has points of comparison and says that she can't think of anything about Canford that she would change. Even now, in this virtual schooling environment, they're bouncing around and happy to be 'back'. Roll on the end of lockdown... There are plenty of students in at weekends, and the boarders are a combination of UK, international from a wide range of locations, and British expats. I know there's lots of worry about 'which house' but my children's perspective is that everyone seems to like the house they're in so I don't think it matters too much. Good luck with your decisions! We are all so happy that we chose Canford for its excellent teaching and pastoral care; varied extra-curricular activities; warm, unpretentious atmosphere; and values (the volunteer/community action programme is brilliant). Do PM me if you'd like to know anything else - all distractions welcome at the moment!!

toughgetsgoing · 27/04/2020 15:41

It's largely a weekly boarding/ day school. I'd look at others like Marlborough, Oundle, Welly, King's, Rugby, Teddies. Not that academic either - just overall for the same fees you could get a school that doesn't empty out and is more robust? If you're looking for a gentle school and don't mind the lack of weekend activities and sleepy town then it's a good school.

jugglingexpat · 27/04/2020 17:24

Hello - just for clarification, although 30 per cent of students at Canford are day, there are NO weekly boarders (the OP is correct - 70 per cent of boarders are in most weekends and the rule regarding maximum number of weekends out is strictly adhered to) and there is lots going on at weekends. My children are overseas boarders and always have plenty of friends with whom to hang out. Wimborne is pretty quiet but they like it when they visit and are often as happy just to enjoy their beautiful surroundings at school on Sundays. There are always activities on Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons for those who want them. Welly and Teddies are far more weekly boarding than Canford - this was a consideration for us as one of our children was offered scholarships to all three schools. She's highly academic and is thriving at Canford; it doesn't only serve the very academic but certainly challenges those who are. All these schools are excellent; it's worth visiting to see how you feel (a bit like buying a house). Lucky children having the opportunity, wherever they end up!

Original poster

DressageGirl · 30/04/2020 08:45

Thank you for your input it's highly appreciated - especially from someone who has children in the school!

My eldest is at Oundle and wouldn't rate it particularly. Think all these bigger boarding schools are pretty much the same. Was looking for something a lot smaller, more caring and with more discipline. Canford does seem to fit the bill.

It is unfortunately a big move for us as our uk house is in Oundle, so big decision!

An alternative was Greshams in Holt - Norfolk. Does anyone have any input regarding Greshams by any chance?

Canford is still first choice though...

OP posts:

toughgetsgoing · 30/04/2020 11:11

Why wouldn't you recommend Oundle? It's academic and full boarding, no major faults?

Original poster

DressageGirl · 30/04/2020 13:59

@toughgetgoing, Yes it has all the attributes one would look for. It has disciplinary issues and have found over the years that teaching varies dramatically. I just think it's too big to be able to deliver the individualised care children need.

OP posts:

Sergir · 23/05/2020 06:17

I actually joined Mumsnet to post this. I removed my son from Canford because he was so unhappy there. He developed a gaming addiction whilst there which he is still being treated for 2 years on. Weekends pretty much unsupervised. Canford failed to take the issue seriously or our concerns that he had become withdrawn and a very different ( and sad) child to the one before he went . It was pretty much boys will be boys and it is just adolescence. Yes it is a beautiful school with fantastic grounds, gets great results and I am sure it would have a different experience had he been a day pupil, but the appropriate , effective pastoral care was lacking. I sincerely hope they have overhauled their approach as I would not want any child or family to have gone through what we have gone through .

jugglingexpat · 23/05/2020 17:25

Very sorry to hear about your experience, Sergir, and hope that your son is ultimately able to beat his addiction. The school recently introduced very strict rules on access to electronic devices & phones for students below 6th form age but I realise your concerns go deeper than this. Good luck to you and your family and I hope you all have happier times ahead.

Original poster

DressageGirl · 29/07/2020 22:25

Thanks for the reply and info everyone! So grateful for the insight.
So sorry to hear about your son Sergir. Thank you for the feedback. Pray he is doing well now.

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CaraCruise · 06/08/2020 17:33

@dressagegirl a friend of mine has just removed her son from Oundle to Stowe. Quite a few leaving and Stowe def on the 'up' so we are hearing!

Nomad16 · 06/08/2020 20:37

@caracruise that's interesting. Why did they pull out of Oundle?

A friend recommended Stowe but it traditionally has a reputation of being very 'liberal'....

Anyone know anything of Gresham's?

Insertfunnyname · 11/09/2021 08:50

Just bumping this for any recent views on canford for 13+

Emanresu9 · 04/09/2022 21:36

also bumping for any recent views please? My daughter is considering it for 13+ and I'm worried that it is a bit 'woke' (I"m concerned about the recent trend for pushing the LGBTQIA+ onto young people)

Pandabox · 05/09/2022 06:29

My experiences are very positive. My son is there and very happy. Fantastic head. Great results this year and a really special community feel. Sport also particularly strong. Kids are driven but in my opinion pretty normal and not entitled. And where isn't work these days?!

sidneyrocks1119 · 28/09/2022 13:45

I have 2 children at Canford and can honestly say they are having the time of their lives! Both say regularly how happy they are and how much they love their school. It has a very unique family/community feel, the children really feel like they are at an extension of home/family when they are there. There seems to be an ethos of have lots of fun but work hard - they are given a sense of freedom within sensible boundaries. Latest results from summer 2022 are amazing, best by far in the area and well above the independent school national average. But it definitely isn't a hot house. I actually got a lovely email from one of my daughters teachers saying that she can take her foot off the peddle a bit, they already think she is wonderful and she doesn't need to feel that she needs to do everything, she must pace herself and look after herself. Pupils seem very happy, well grounded and with zero pretentions. The place builds confidence in children through encouraging them out of their comfort zone, so many different opportunities, brilliant pastoral care. If your children like mine thrive on praise they will do very well, achievements and success (however small and in whatever field) are celebrated, children want to do well and encourage each other to do so. It suits all sorts - very academic, sporty, all-rounders, art lovers. Children are encouraged to find their own passions and supported to really develop them. The head is amazing, inspiration, inclusive and embodies everything that Canford is about.

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