Canford and The Bourne Academy Celebrate 15 Years of Partnership
Strengthening Bonds Canford and The Bourne Academy Celebrate 15 Years of Partnership
Earlier this year, Canford and The Bourne Academy proudly marked 15 years of one of the UK’s most successful independent-state school partnerships. Since 2010, the collaboration has grown into a dynamic and enriching relationship benefiting both communities.
The partnership has driven academic progress at The Bourne Academy, with improved exam results, a strong Ofsted rating, and pupils progressing to Russell Group universities.
Joint initiatives have included Oxbridge and medical preparation, STEM challenges, theatre productions, and leadership development programmes.
Over 20 Bourne pupils have received Sixth Form bursaries at Canford, and all Sixth Formers benefit from business mentorships. The collaboration also extends beyond the classroom through sport, Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, and the Greenpower F24 electric car project.
Nationally recognised in the Independent Schools Council’s Celebrating Partnerships report, the partnership has also been shortlisted for several community engagement awards.
Mark Avoth, Principal of The Bourne Academy, called the partnership
'truly transformational.'
Headmaster Chris Wheeler added,
'It has been inspiring to see how mutually enriching the partnership between the Bourne Academy and Canford pupils has been and we are committed to further enriching and deepening this work in the future.'
As they celebrated this milestone, both schools reaffirmed their commitment to widening opportunity, deepening collaboration, and inspiring the next generation.
November 2025