Outstanding ESB Results for Year 4 and Year 6 Pupils
Outstanding ESB Results for Year 4 and Year 6 Pupils We are delighted to celebrate the exceptional success of our Year 4 and Year 6 pupils, who have achieved our strongest English Speaking Board (ESB) results to date. An incredible 100% of pupils were awarded top-level results, ranging from Merit to Distinction—a testament to their dedication, growing confidence, and impressive communication skills. The ESB assessments form a valuable part of our English curriculum, offering pupils the opportunity to refine essential skills in public speaking, listening, and presentation. As nationally recognised qualifications, ESB exams foster self-expression, boost self-esteem, and encourage clear, confident communication—skills that serve our pupils far beyond the classroom. “They’ve made a huge amount of progress and should be very proud of what they’ve achieved — not just in their speaking skills but in their confidence, too,”— Mrs Bailey, Year 6 Teacher Congratulations once again to all of our pupils on this outstanding achievement. We are so proud of your effort, enthusiasm, and excellence!
Hockey Talent from Cundall Manor Plays for England U16s
Young Hockey Talent from Cundall Manor Represents England U16s Cundall, North Yorkshire – Cundall Manor School is proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements of pupil Alistair, whose passion and dedication to hockey have seen him excel both nationally and locally over the Easter break. Alistair, aged 14, recently represented England U16S at the prestigious 6 Nations Tournament, facing elite teams from across Europe including Germany, Austria, Belgium, Scotland, and Ireland. Demonstrating exceptional skill and composure, Alistair helped England secure an impressive 3rd place finish, culminating in a 3-1 victory over Austria in the final match. In addition to his international success, Alistair was named Young Player of the Season at the City of York Hockey Club’s Senior Awards Dinner – a recognition of his outstanding season playing with the club’s Men’s 1st team. Alistair’s hockey journey began at Thirsk Hockey Club aged 7, where he continued to play until just a few months ago. During the same season, Alistair started playing hockey at Cundall Manor in Year 3. His natural talent was evident from an early age, as he regularly competed above his age group and consistently demonstrated a drive to develop his skills. Beyond school fixtures, Alistair has dedicated countless hours to training and development — independently practising, attending holiday camps, and taking part in club and representative training and matches, starting at the age of nine with North Yorkshire U12s. Alistair’s family see Cundall as a fantastic school environment that nurtures well-rounded and ambitious individuals, and one which has enabled Alistair to excel in his chosen sport. They highlight that, alongside Alistair’s self-motivated dedication, Cundall’s small class sizes and efficient use of lesson time help him to successfully balance his academic studies and extracurricular Cundall fun with a demanding daily training schedule and weekend hockey commitments. Alistair is also a keen tennis player and continues to play weekly for Thirsk Tennis Club Mr. Couttie, Head of Boys’ Games at Cundall Manor, reflected on Alistair’s growth: “We saw the potential in Alistair from a very young age. His commitment to the sport and determination to get better have been extraordinary. It’s fantastic to see that hard work and love for the game pay off at such a high level.” Headmaster Simon Weale added: “Alistair is a wonderful role model. Hockey is a major sport at Cundall and all of the pupils receive top-class coaching. Our teams are always competitive. Hopefully Alistair’s journey has only just begun and he will continue to inspire our school community.” Everyone at Cundall Manor School extends their heartfelt congratulations to Alistair on his incredible accomplishments and looks forward to supporting him on the next steps of his hockey journey.
Best Schools Guide 2025
Earlier this month, we were delighted to welcome Muddy Stilettos to Cundall Manor School. Following their visit, we’re proud to share that we’ve been featured in their Best Schools Guide 2025—a glowing write-up that captures the spirit, values, and vibrant day-to-day life of our unique North Yorkshire school. In their words, “Cundall pupils enjoy an idyllic Enid Blyton-esque childhood, crammed full of tree climbing, baking, musicals, sport and, of course, learning.” As a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 2 to 16, set in 28 acres of beautiful parkland between Ripon and Thirsk, our small class sizes (typically 12–18) and immersive outdoor learning environment allow children to flourish. Muddy Stilettos highlighted our strong ethos, grounded in the original vision of our founder Lt. Col. Dr. Harry Beckhough: to equip children with the tools to thrive in life, not just in the classroom. Our Character Curriculum, which remains central to school life, ensures that children are challenged in meaningful ways, both academically and personally—be it in our Wild Wood, during our now-famous Go-Kart Race, or in public speaking debates. The article also praised our outstanding facilities, from the heated pool and tennis courts to “The Meadow,” chicken coop, and meditation teepees, where pupils build resilience, curiosity, and joy beyond the traditional classroom setting. The breadth of our offering was clear—from competitive sports and creative arts to enrichment activities like astronomy, musical theatre, debating, and bushcraft. Boarding, while flexibly offered, is described as a warm, homely experience full of fun evenings, themed sleepovers, and weekend adventures. The personal, family atmosphere of Cundall Manor was something the review returned to time and again—with pupils described as “very happy, organic, free-range children.” Of course, no school would be complete without its leadership, and Muddy Stilettos were full of praise for our new Headteacher, Simon Weale, whose international experience, love of history and cricket, and commitment to holistic education promises to take Cundall from strength to strength. We’re incredibly proud of this recognition, which reflects the passion, hard work, and joy that define a Cundall education. As Muddy Stilettos put it: “Children are lavished with attention and have the freedom to be creative and develop resilience, confidence and kindness.” To read the full feature, visit Muddy Stilettos’ Best Schools Guide. To find out more about Cundall Manor or book a visit, please contact us at 01423 360200 or explore www.cundallmanorschool.com.
Cundall welcomes T20 Cricket King – Dawid Malan
Cundall welcomes T20 Cricket King – Dawid Malan Cundall, North Yorkshire – June 30, 2025 – Cundall Manor School celebrated its end-of-year Speech Day and Prize Giving on Saturday, 28 June 2025, with a special guest appearance from England and Yorkshire cricketer Dawid Malan. Malan, once ranked the world’s number one white-ball batsman and one of the few England players to have scored centuries in all formats of international cricket, addressed pupils, parents, and staff in a marquee on the school’s historic grounds. In his inspiring speech, Malan shared personal stories from his professional cricket journey, which began in 2006 when, at just 19, he was offered the opportunity to play at Lord’s and signed his first contract with Middlesex. He candidly described a difficult start to his career—laden with pressure and high expectations—but highlighted how perseverance and hard work enabled him to succeed. He left pupils with a powerful message: “There’s always a journey—it’s never plain sailing. But with hardwork, perseverance, and, most importantly, enjoyment, you can succeed in anything you pursue. Good luck with all your journeys.” Malan has a personal connection to the school—he lives locally with his family, and his father once played cricket with Headmaster Simon Weale. In fact, Malan and Weale even shared the pitch during the early stages of Dawid’s career. Headmaster Simon Weale, who has known Malan since childhood, said: “Dawid taking time out of his summer cricket schedule to speak with our pupils meant a great deal to the entire school community. His message truly encapsulated what we aim to instil in our pupils—resilience, character, and a love for learning through experience. I have watched Dawid play cricket since he was a very little boy, outside our clubhouse in Teddington, where his excellent skills were evident from an early age. He comes from a strong cricketing family—his father would have him batting and bowling all day long with his brother, whatever the weather—and this has clearly paid off.” Cundall Manor School has a proud sporting heritage and a strong reputation for nurturing future talent. Cricket legend Lord Ian Botham sent both his children and grandchildren to the school. His grandson Jimbo recently represented Wales in the Six Nations, and his father, Liam Botham—also an alumnus—represented England in both cricket and rugby. Speech Day and Prize Giving was a true celebration of the school’s ethos, which places equal emphasis on academic excellence, personal growth, and co-curricular enrichment. Held on the lawn in front of the Manor House, once a historic hunting lodge, the event brought together the entire school community to recognise the pupils’ achievements throughout the year. Simon Weale added: “Cundall Manor was founded on the belief that character, confidence, and curiosity are the cornerstones of a great education. Whether it’s climbing Ben Nevis, performing in our school play, or taking part in competitive sport—our pupils are encouraged to challenge themselves, support one another, and embrace learning in all its forms.” Located in the stunning North Yorkshire countryside, Cundall Manor School (near Ripon and Thirsk) offers an action-led, phone-free education for ages 2–16, where outdoor adventure, creativity, and real-world learning are central to daily life. As a small, nurturing school, Cundall Manor offers a truly personal education where every child matters. The school champions a ‘dynamic education is best’ philosophy—where academic learning, wellbeing, and personal development through lived experience go hand in hand—ensuring no two school days are ever the same. Through enriching co-curricular activities like the go-kart race, climbing Ben Nevis, and sports tours, pupils are regularly challenged in meaningful ways—developing the resilience, confidence, and life skills they need to thrive far beyond the classroom. It is this inclusive and joyful environment that inspires children from nursery to GCSE age to develop a love of learning that stays with them for life. For more information about Cundall Manor School, contact 01423 360200 or email admissions@cundallmanor.org.uk
Cundall Manor School Triumphs at 2025 Rotary Technology Tournament
Cundall Manor School is celebrating a fantastic achievement after our senior pupils secured 1st and 2nd place in the Intermediate Task at the prestigious 2025 Rotary Technology Tournament held at Catterick Garrison. This remarkable success highlights the outstanding design and engineering skills demonstrated by our students, reinforcing the school’s commitment to excellence in STEM education. The event, jointly hosted by the Rotary Club of Northallerton and the 1st Close Support Battalion REME, provided a thrilling challenge for participants. Teams were tasked with designing and constructing a mechanical car capable of navigating a tunnel, pushing debris to the end of the pipeline, and successfully reversing back to the start line. This challenge required innovative thinking, precision engineering, and expert problem-solving skills. Our talented pupils rose to the occasion, applying their Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)knowledge to develop highly effective solutions. Their vehicle, built with four wheels, an electric motor, and a custom pulley system, met the strict competition criteria, including navigating under a bridge and operating via remote control. Additional points were awarded for completing the task in under 10 seconds, a feat our students impressively achieved. A key requirement was for the vehicle to feature a logo promoting Energy Conservation, reinforcing the importance of sustainability in engineering design. The creativity, teamwork, and technical expertise displayed by our pupils were truly commendable. We are incredibly proud of our students for their determination and ingenuity in tackling this complex challenge. Their success at the Rotary Technology Tournament not only showcases their engineering talents but also highlights Cundall Manor School’s ongoing dedication to fostering a passion for STEM subjects among our students. Congratulations to our winning teams – a fantastic accomplishment that reflects the hard work, creativity, and perseverance of our young engineers!
Excellent ISI Inspection 2024
We are delighted to share that we received an excellent Inspection Report following our most recent inspection that took place from 26th to 28th November 2024. ISI is regulated by OFSTED. Under the updated inspection framework, introduced in September 2023, the report no longer includes overall judgments. Instead, it provides a thorough evaluation across five key areas. Each standard is assessed as either met or not met, and we are thrilled to announce that we achieved the highest possible result, with all standards successfully met. Comments about life at Cundall are overwhelmingly positive and reflect the best aspects of the school. We are committed to maintaining these standards and ensuring that a Cundall education is of the highest standard. Download report LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT ✓ ALL STANDARDS MET “Leaders across the school understand their roles well and fulfil them effectively with commitment they have the skills and knowledge to prioritise pupils’ wellbeing in their decision making” “Leaders identify specific needs of individual pupils” EDUCATION, TRAINING & RECREATION ✓ ALL STANDARDS MET “Warm and respectful relationships between teachers and pupils encourage pupils to want to learn well and make good progress in lessons across the curriculum” “The school provides a diverse enrichment programme” PUPIL’S PHYSICAL & MENTAL HEALTH & EMOTIONAL WELLBEING ✓ ALL STANDARDS MET “The school enables pupils to develop resilience and self confidence” PUPIL’S SOCIAL & ECONOMIC EDUCATION & CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY ✓ ALL STANDARDS MET “Pupils are encouraged to consider how they can contribute to the whole school and wider community” SAFEGUARDING ✓ ALL STANDARDS MET “There is a well developed and effective culture of safeguarding in the school. Pupils feel safe in school and know who to contact should they need support”
How wonderful to be a child again.
How wonderful to be a child again. As most of us battled with the double challenge of getting our cars ready for the road in Arctic temperatures and the prospect of ‘Blue Monday’, the Cundall Manor pupils set their minds to the task of sliding down ‘the Hill’ as quickly as possible. And when they discovered that using sledges allowed them to go too quickly, they found other, less dangerous methods. Meanwhile, the opportunity was grasped to introduce curling to the co-curricular offering – watch out for Cundall’s involvement in the 2034 Winter Olympics. I am sure that in fifty years’ time some of the most vivid memories of school life will centre on the fun had this week in our winter wonderland. What has this got to do with learning? It is worth pointing out that this particular challenge required teamwork, cooperation, innovation, and a bit of risk and courage. Incidentally, the quickest sled I saw was ridden by two girls from Aram – #Gofaster. Temperatures are set to rise next week, hopefully in time to allow our sporting fixtures to take place. Meanwhile, Thornton pupils (Year 11) ended what might have been a less joyous twelve days of Christmas than usual by beginning their mock GCSE exams – mostly three papers per day. It is really important for them to understand the rollercoaster of emotions during the public examination season before the real thing in the summer and to get feedback on their current performance. Our intention is that the Class of 2025 will outperform their 2024 counterparts, who achieved at least one grade higher in every subject than the England and Wales average. We also intend that everyone will fulfil their potential, whether that be a raft of top grades or the qualifying grades for a Level 3 vocational course. These outcomes are equally important to us and very achievable, given the genuine individual attention each pupil receives in our small class sizes. My first week at Cundall ended with my involvement in the splendid Starworker Award ceremony in Pre-Prep – a lovely way to go into the weekend. As you will imagine, each day at the moment brings me a deeper understanding of the school and the chance to get to know every member of the Cundall community. I look forward to meeting you all in the coming weeks. Mr Simon Weale Headmaster
5K Park Run Takeover
Cundall Manor School proudly sponsored the Millfield Park Run event on Saturday, 28th September. As part of the Park Run takeover, Cundall staff and pupils took on key roles, providing refreshments, including homemade flapjacks, and assisting with marshalling. It was an engaging start to the weekend, with the school supporting this much-loved community event. Ian Swannell, Head of Seniors at Cundall Manor, shared the school’s enthusiasm for being involved: “Many of our staff and pupils run it regularly, so it was a great opportunity to give the usual volunteers a break. We were delighted to support the event and encourage more of our pupils to take part. Park Runs offer free, accessible sporting events across the country, perfect for families and individuals to enjoy a sense of achievement and community.” The event saw 201 participants cross the finish line, including standout performances from Cundall Manor alumni Will, who crossed the line first with an impressive time of 17:36, and Peter, a Cundall parent, who followed closely with 19:04. In total, 29 runners achieved personal bests, with plenty of cheering from the sidelines. This marked Millfield Park Run’s 207th event, and according to Race Organiser Clare, takeovers like this add a special energy to the day. “It’s always great to see new faces and have extra support,” she said. “The teas and coffees at the finish line also gave runners a chance to stay a little longer, enjoy a chat, and connect, rather than heading off right after the run.”
Cundall Manor School announces new appointment of Headmaster
The Governors are delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Simon Weale as Headmaster of Cundall Manor School from the start of the Lent Term, 7 January 2025. Mr Weale is an experienced independent school Headmaster with a demonstrable and impressive track record in whole school leadership. He is currently the Director of Bishop Cotton School, a position to which he was appointed to in 2020. Founded on British traditions, Bishop Cotton is one of the leading independent boarding schools in India and is accredited by the Cambridge International examination board. Previously, Mr Weale was Headmaster of Shebbear College in Devon for six years; a co-educational independent day and boarding school for children aged two through to eighteen and is very similar in ethos and size to Cundall. Mr Weale took his degree in Modern History from Keble College, Oxford before embarking on an extensive and impressive teaching career. He has held posts at the Judd School in Tonbridge, Latymer Upper School and Reigate Grammar School, where he was Head of Sixth Form, before being appointed Deputy Head Master at Brentwood School. He is married to Rebecca, a communications specialist, and they have two daughters and a son. Their youngest daughter is currently at boarding school in Suffolk and is excited at the prospect of joining Cundall in the near future. On learning of his appointment, Mr Weale said, ‘Rebecca and I are thrilled to be joining Cundall and we are looking forward to meeting you all. I believe strongly in the warm-hearted and holistic education offered by the school. Our children thrived in a similar rural co-educational setting where they were known as individuals and encouraged by teachers with genuine ambition for them. This helped them to develop their self-confidence and emotional intelligence and gave them a desire to grasp the opportunities that life has given them. Cundall pupils are privileged to grow up in such inspirational, healthy and supportive surroundings which allow them to enjoy their childhood and prepare for life beyond school. I am determined to build on the fantastic work already being done at the school, and from my own experiences both in the UK and internationally, to ensure an ambitious and truly world class offer that rewards the investment by families and ensures our pupils become successful, principled and proactive global citizens’. Mr Weale is a keen sportsman who gained three Blues for cricket at Oxford and twice won the cricket National Club Championship with Teddington CC. He played representative hockey and junior club rugby. He is also a keen nature lover and historian and writes published articles regularly on his interests including his educational philosophy and experiences. During his time as a teacher of History, he has had extensive experience of outdoor education, coached cricket and rugby teams, and led school trips across the world including to North America, the Caribbean, Europe, and South East Asia. He has also developed pupil exchanges between the UK and schools in Australia, South Africa, India and a rugby exchange in south-west France. The Governors are delighted to have appointed an experienced and accomplished Headmaster in the form of Mr Weale, who is fully aligned with the values of our school. “During our search, we were adamant that the next Headmaster hold significant experience of whole school leadership and the Governors have been impressed by his immediate recognition of the opportunities that Cundall has to offer. We are confident that he will lead our school into the future with diligence, energy and enthusiasm and we are pleased that the timing of our search coincided his plans for a return to the UK.I know that Mr Weale is very much looking forward to meeting you and your children and there will be opportunities to do so later this term, when he will visit school and be involved with preparations for his arrival in January.”Chair of Governors, Rachel Powell. Meanwhile it is very much Cundall as usual as we embark upon another enriching and successful term ahead.
Cundall Manor School celebrates fantastic GCSE results
Cundall Manor School is celebrating an impressive set of GCSE results from its first cohort of 39 pupils to sit exams that returned to pre-pandemic benchmarks. There were plenty of smiles as pupils surpassed expectations, with many pupils achieving top grades, including 8s and 9s across 10 GCSEs, including further maths. An impressive 87% of all GCSEs were awarded at grade 4 and above, significantly surpassing the national average of 67.4%. 85% of pupils achieved 5 of more GCSEs at Grades 9-4. 30% of all GCSEs at Cundall Manor were graded 7 or above (the equivalent of A*- A grades) compared to the national average of 21.7%. The school is particularly proud of a remarkable 50% increase in Grade 9s this year, with many notable performances of pupils achieving 8’s and 9s in over half of their papers. “Our strong results are particularly pleasing as this is the first cohort since the pandemic to have been examined in the full syllabus of every subject,” said Ian Swannell, Head of Upper School. “In preparation for this, all pupils were offered over 500 hours of extra revision tuition throughout the year ensuring every pupil was supported to do their very best. Over a third of our pupils achieved a value-added score of over one grade per subject.” Beyond the results, many pupils have secured places at some of the country’s leading sixth form providers such as St Peters and Ripon Grammar, as well as notable scholarships to Rugby School and Ampleforth. Others are pursuing their passions at specialist Drama and Agricultural colleges. The Head Boy has already taken up his place at Pearson College in Vancouver, part of the highly selective United World Colleges network, which focuses on academic excellence and making a positive impact on the world. “We are thrilled with everyone’s achievements and extend our congratulations to each pupil for their hard work and dedication. We wish them every success in their Sixth Form studies and future endeavours,” added Chair of Governors, Rachel Powell. Cundall Manor School is a broadly non-selective school where every child is supported to reach their full potential. The school remains immensely proud of its pupils and looks forward to their continued success as they embark on the next stages of their educational journeys.