UK Term Dates · Independent schools map
Canford School
Independent school · Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
| Address | Canford Magna, Wimborne, BH21 3AD |
|---|---|
| Ages | 13–18 |
| Pupils | 650 |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Boarding | Boarding school |
| Religious character | Anglican/Church of England |
| Phone | 01202847434 |
| Website | https://www.canford.com |
Term dates
Source: school website · checked 2026-10-16
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2026-27
| Term | Starts | Ends |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn 1 | Tue 8 Sep 2026 | Fri 16 Oct 2026 |
| Autumn 2 | Mon 2 Nov 2026 | Fri 11 Dec 2026 |
| Spring 1 | Tue 5 Jan 2027 | Fri 12 Feb 2027 |
| Spring 2 | Mon 22 Feb 2027 | Fri 19 Mar 2027 |
| Summer 1 | Tue 13 Apr 2027 | Fri 28 May 2027 |
| Summer 2 | Mon 7 Jun 2027 | Fri 2 Jul 2027 |
Exeats: Fri 25 Sep 2026 to Sun 27 Sep 2026, Fri 20 Nov 2026 to Sun 22 Nov 2026, Fri 22 Jan 2027 to Sun 24 Jan 2027, Fri 30 Apr 2027 to Mon 3 May 2027
INSET days: Mon 7 Sep 2026, Tue 8 Sep 2026, Mon 4 Jan 2027, Mon 12 Apr 2027
Boarding/day school. Autumn term has a staggered start Tue 8 - Thu 10 Sep by year group (Shells arrive Tue 8 Sep afternoon, most others Wed 9 Sep, Fourth Form day pupils Thu 10 Sep); 8 Sep used. Spring and Summer: boarders return 7pm the evening before (4 Jan, 12 Apr); day pupils start 8.15am 5 Jan / 13 Apr (used). Half terms and exeats run from 2pm Friday to 9.30pm Sunday (May exeat to Mon 3 May); second halves listed from the following Monday. Terms end 2pm (Summer 4pm).
2027-28
| Term | Starts | Ends |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn 1 | Mon 6 Sep 2027 | Fri 15 Oct 2027 |
| Autumn 2 | Mon 1 Nov 2027 | Wed 15 Dec 2027 |
| Spring 1 | Thu 6 Jan 2028 | Fri 11 Feb 2028 |
| Spring 2 | Mon 21 Feb 2028 | Fri 24 Mar 2028 |
| Summer 1 | Wed 19 Apr 2028 | Fri 26 May 2028 |
| Summer 2 | Mon 5 Jun 2028 | Fri 30 Jun 2028 |
Exeats: Fri 24 Sep 2027 to Sun 26 Sep 2027, Fri 26 Nov 2027 to Sun 28 Nov 2027, Fri 21 Jan 2028 to Sun 23 Jan 2028, Fri 10 Mar 2028 to Sun 12 Mar 2028, Fri 28 Apr 2028 to Mon 1 May 2028
INSET days: Thu 2 Sep 2027, Fri 3 Sep 2027, Tue 4 Jan 2028, Wed 5 Jan 2028, Tue 18 Apr 2028
New pupils and returning boarders start Mon 6 Sep 2027, returning day pupils Tue 7 Sep. New staff induction Wed 1 Sep. Spring boarders return 7pm Wed 5 Jan, day pupils Thu 6 Jan; Summer boarders 7pm Tue 18 Apr, day pupils Wed 19 Apr. Half terms 2pm Fri - 9.30pm Sun.
Fees 2026-27
Fees per term (including VAT).
| Year group | Fee |
|---|---|
| Boarders (per term including VAT) | £19,073.00 |
| Day (per term including VAT) | £14,315.00 |
Registration fee: £300.00
Deposit: £1,500.00
Per annum: Boarders £57,219, Day £42,945 including VAT. Registration fee and confirmation fee/deposit include VAT; non-UK resident parents pay a full term's fees as deposit. Child Student Visa fee £600. Exam entry fees typically £400-£650 per set. Extras average about £250 per term; bus service extra.
Source: school fees page
Admissions
Entry points: 13+, 14+, 16+
Visit first, either at an Open Morning (meet the Headmaster and staff, pupil-led tour) or on a private visit including a house tour and meeting a house parent. Entry is at Year 9 or 10 (13+/14+) and Sixth Form (16+).
Open events: Open Morning Sat 24 Apr 2027
Offers scholarships and bursaries.
Source: school admissions page
School bus routes
| Route | Areas served | First pick-up |
|---|---|---|
| Exeat and half term coach services (boarders) | Poole Train Station, Southampton Airport, Liphook, Winchester, Fleet Services, Richmond, Tothill Street, Heathrow |
Source: school transport page
School details from the Department for Education's register (Open Government Licence). Term dates from the school's own published calendar; always confirm with the school.