Selected for Yorkshire Talent Academy
Congratulations to Immy and Molly for being selected for the Yorkshire Talent Academy. They will begin weekly training in Sheffield as part of the pathway training for England Hockey Academy.
New Term, New Challenges Conquered
Cundall Manor School marked the start of the Michaelmas Term in its own unique way last week, as pupils from Year 3 through to Year 11 took part in the school’s much-loved triathlon tradition. For the youngest participants in Year 3, the event was their very first introduction to an endurance challenge, tackling a swim, cycle, and run. Completing the course at the beginning of the academic year gives pupils a confidence boost that carries well beyond the sports field and into the classroom. Head of Girls’ Games, Louise Bessey, explained:“The triathlon is about much more than fitness. Pupils discover their own resilience, push through nerves or tiredness, and quickly realise they’re capable of more than they imagined. That sense of achievement translates into determination for every challenge they face throughout the year.” While each pupil takes on the course as an individual, the atmosphere is very much one of teamwork. Pupils cheer each other on, celebrate successes together, and share in the satisfaction of crossing the finish line. For new pupils especially, the event creates an immediate sense of belonging and inclusion. The triathlon is also a reminder that sport is about participation and personal achievement as much as competition. The benefits extend beyond physical activity, boosting self-esteem, well-being, and overall happiness.
U17 National County Championships
Congratulations to Imogen and Molly. This summer they represented North Yorkshire at the U17 National County Championships, going three days unbeaten to secure a place in the final! They came away with a fantastic Silver medal and we couldn’t be prouder of their achievement. We are looking forward to pre-season training starting later this week and an exciting season ahead!
U11 Cricketers make History
We’re incredibly proud to celebrate the fantastic achievements of George and Freddie from Cundall, who played a key part in helping the Nidderdale District Under-11 cricket team make history this season. After a thrilling display of teamwork, determination, and cricketing prowess, the team was crowned champions of Yorkshire — the first time ever Nidderdale has claimed the title in this age group! The task facing Ben Quick’s side was no easy one, yet they managed to navigate a fiercely competitive tournament featuring 16 different regions from across the county with real skill. Their journey to the title began with a dominant performance in the group stage, where they emerged victorious in fixtures against York, Derwent, and East Yorkshire. Their winning momentum continued in the semi-finals, where Halifax were edged out, setting the stage for a crunch showdown with Huddersfield in the final. In a nail-biting contest, Nidderdale’s young stars held their nerve, defeating the previously unbeaten West Yorkshire outfit by three wickets to secure the county crown. George hit the winning runs and Freddie also took two wickets – a great Cundall contribution. Coach Quick, who led the team to the semi-finals the previous year, said: “All the boys were fantastic and thoroughly deserved the historic championship. Their hard work in training, improvement throughout the season, self belief and the spirit amongst the group was exceptional. This victory was built on the foundation of a true team effort, with all 13 squad members contributing to match-winning performances throughout the tournament.” The squad comprised players from Harrogate, Beckwithshaw, Whixley, and Kirk Deighton — and of course our very own George and Freddie, whose contributions were vital to the team’s success. That diversity proved to be a strength, as the boys united behind a shared goal. This landmark championship marks a milestone moment for Nidderdale District Under-11s, and Coach Quick says that both he and his players are full of excitement and anticipation for the future: “Hopefully, the boys will continue to take their game to the next level, all whilst enjoying their cricket and playing with passion.” A huge congratulations to George, Freddie, and the entire Nidderdale U11 squad — Yorkshire champions and history makers. We can’t wait to see what’s next for these rising stars!
Record-Breaking Sports Day
Record-Breaking Sports Day Cundall Manor School in North Yorkshire hosted an unforgettable annual Sports Day this year. Despite the blazing heat, Cundall pupils showed incredible determination — breaking seven school records along the way. Josh B (Eldmire, Year 10) delivered a remarkable performance in the shot put, setting a new school record with a throw of 11.39 metres—surpassing the previous best from 2017. On the track, Imogen S ran the race of her life in the 800 m, finishing in a record-breaking 2 minutes and 39 seconds, comfortably beating the school’s previous mark. Rainia Clark added to the achievements with a new best time of 46.69 seconds in the 300 m sprint. Over in Leckby, Darcy B (Year 9) soared to a new personal and house best in the long jump, leaping 3.60 metres. The youngest athletes also played their part in rewriting the Cundall Manor School record books. Year 6 pupil Frank N sprinted to victory in the 50 m dash with a time of 8.25 seconds, while Sophie B ran brilliantly in the girls’ 50 m, finishing in 8.69 seconds. Meanwhile, Lowery A impressed in the 300 m, crossing the line in just 55.72 seconds to set a new Cundall Manor School record. The day was filled with energy, encouragement, and strong support from staff, students, and families. Headteacher Simon Weale praised the pupils, commenting: “We are so proud of every student who gave it their all. Breaking records is exciting, but it’s the team spirit and resilience that truly define our sports day at Cundall Manor.” The overal winning house was SAXONS, claiming their first victory in 14 years! Congratulations to all who took part in Sports Day 2025 at Cundall Manor School—and special recognition to the record breakers who made this year one for the history books.
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.
Junior Premier League winners!
Huge congratulations to Annie, Eliza who play for the York City Academy U16s squad and have won the Junior Premier League North Title during the Easter break. We are especially proud of Annie and Eliza for the part they played in such a memorable season. A fantastic effort and an experience they will carry with them for years to come. The team’s success came after an incredible run of victories against Sunderland, Durham, and Leeds United. Their consistency and determination saw them edge out reigning champions Durham by just a single point to secure the title. After a week of back-to-back matches they headed straight to Warwick for the National Championship Finals. There, the team produced a brilliant performance but were narrowly beaten by AFC Bournemouth in a hard-fought contest.
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.”
24-hour Badminton Marathon
The spirit of charity and camaraderie was on full display as the Thornton Prefects at Cundall Manor School, embarked on an epic 24-hour Badminton Marathon. This incredible feat of endurance was undertaken to mark the end of an era before their GCSE season commenced. Beginning at 4 pm on Friday 1stMarch, the prefects tirelessly battled through the night, rotating between teams of four, with girls taking on boys in intense matches. Undeterred by fatigue, they persevered, fuelled by the knowledge that their efforts were in support of worthy causes. As the night progressed, with the clock ticking and exhaustion setting in, it became a true test of mind over matter. Yet, with sheer determination and unwavering resolve, the Thornton Prefects emerged not only as champions of the badminton court but also, as shining examples of resilience and dedication. The event was not just confined to the school grounds; it was broadcast live to an audience of supportive teachers and parents, who cheered on the participants every step of the way. Their unwavering encouragement undoubtedly added to the Prefects’. motivation to push through their challenges as their fundraising target of £1k quickly doubled. In an incredible display of generosity and community spirit, the Thornton Prefects managed to raise an astounding £2,500 in just 24 hours. The funds will be distributed among their chosen charities, including the Oddballs Foundation, Save Our Seas, British Red Cross, and Cancer Research UK. Headmaster Chris James Roll expressed his pride and admiration for the Prefects, highlighting their exemplary leadership and commitment to making a positive impact. “This remarkable achievement epitomizes the values of Cundall Manor – compassion, resilience, and service. Our students continue to inspire us all with their selflessness and dedication to making a difference in the world.” This extraordinary event not only showcased the talents and determination of the Thornton Prefects also reinforced the school’s ethos of fostering well-rounded individuals who are compassionate and socially conscious.
Minnie gets the call for England U16
A teenage hockey player has recently received the call-up to represent her country at U16 level. 14-year-old Minnie, received the call following an impressive series of performances through the England Hockey Player Pathway System. Minnie, who previously played for Thirsk Ladies, now represents Investec National League North Division 1 side Ben Rhydding Hockey Club, has secured a place in the U16 Girls England National Age Group squad. Assistant Head at Cundall Manor School, Louise Bessey, said: “I am so pleased that all Minnie‘s hard work and dedication has finally been rewarded with an England place.” Adding: “She thoroughly deserves this success and I am excited to see what the future holds for her on the hockey pitch.” Minnie, who was part of the ISA National Championship winning team, is currently the school’s U15 Hockey captain. She will also represent her school in the U16 North of England finals later this month. As part of the programme, Minnie will attend a number of training camps including international matches throughout the 2019/20 season having previously impressed as part of the Pennine Pumas squad at England Hockey’s Futures Cup in August this year. To find out more about the opportunities available to play hockey in your area, please visit the England Hockey website at: http://www.englandhockey.co.uk/