Exceptional GCSE success for James
Cundall Manor is celebrating an exceptional set of GCSE results this year, surpassing last year’s results, which placed the school as the Top Performing Independent School in North Yorkshire for Attainment 8, the government measure based on pupils’ achievement across eight GCSE subjects. This is a significant accomplishment and reflects both the strength and breadth of a Cundall education. Bucking the national trend, pupils averaged over eight good grades (9-4) and they all passed Maths GCSE and Science, matching last year’s perfect record in English Language. (44% of grades were 9-7) The school’s top performer was separate sciences student James, who has been at the school since nursery and placed himself in the top 0.1% in the country by achieving an extraordinary ten Grade 9s (which also included Further Maths and Computing) and will now move on to Shrewsbury School on an Academic Scholarship. “I am very, very happy! The teachers have all been truly amazing!” His academic achievements are impressive in their own right, but James’s time at Cundall has been characterised by much more than examination results. He has embraced the breadth of opportunities available to him and, in doing so, has embodied the confidence and willingness to get involved. It is this positive ‘can-do’ attitude that Cundall. seeks to inspire in every pupil. Having first begun LAMDA in Year 5, he developed a genuine passion for the stage and was determined to complete his Grade 8 before sitting his GCSEs. He undertook an intensive 12-week course and achieved his Grade 8 LAMDA with Distinction. A familiar face on the Cundall stage, James has taken part in every school production during his time at the school and is also one quarter of the much-loved school rock band “Bangers and Thrash” as bass guitarist. The band’s performances have even taken them beyond the school gates, including appearances at festivals this summer and a gig at Flamingo Land. He has completed both his Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards, UKSA Sailing qualification in Cowes and numerous mountaineering expeditions. James has been equally committed on the sports pitches, winning the ‘Botham Cup for All-Round Achievement in Boys Sport’ on Speech Day. He has represented the school in competitive hockey, including being part of the Cundall team that won bronze at the ISA National Finals last year. James leaves Cundall with exceptional academic results, but his success is also best measured by the extraordinary breadth of his school life. From the classroom to the stage, from the hockey pitch to the mountains, and from concert performances to expeditions, he has made the very most of the opportunities available to him. His ten Grade 9s provide a fitting conclusion to an outstanding Cundall career and an exciting springboard for the next chapter at Shrewsbury. We wish him all the best!
Harris selected for North East U13 Hockey Championships
Cundall Manor pupil Harris has achieved an impressive milestone in his hockey development after being selected to represent the North East at the U13 UK Regional Championships. What makes the achievement particularly notable is that Harris was still in Year 6, competing against players two years above his age. Selection for a regional team at this level is a fantastic accomplishment and reflects his ability, determination and potential as a young hockey player. Harris went on to have an outstanding tournament, winning every match he played and making a strong impression throughout the competition. We are incredibly proud of Harris and look forward to following his continued progress on the hockey pitch. Well done, Harris! 🏑
Imogen | Sheffield Talent Academy Hockey Success
Cundall Manor Head Girl Imogen has enjoyed an outstanding first year with Sheffield Talent Academy, combining her GCSE studies with an impressive commitment to elite hockey. As part of the Talent Academy Cup this summer, Imogen was selected as Vice Captain of Sheffield’s Talent Academy Cup Leadership Team, recognising not only her ability on the pitch but also her leadership and commitment to her teammates. Her performances throughout the competition were particularly impressive, as she was named Player of the Tournament for the 2026 TA Cup. Alongside her GCSEs, Imogen and the Sheffield Talent Academy squad have committed more than 100 hours to training on the pitch, making her achievements in her first year with the Academy even more impressive. Her progress is a fantastic example of how Cundall Manor pupils are supported in pursuing their sporting ambitions alongside their academic studies. We look forward to seeing what the next stage of her hockey journey brings. Congratulations, Imogen!
Molly | Sheffield TA Emerging Talent
Cundall Manor pupil Molly has enjoyed a fantastic season after being selected for the Sheffield Talent Academy Cup Squad. Her selection has given her the opportunity to train alongside talented young players from across the region and experience hockey at a higher level. It has been an exciting first year with Sheffield Talent Academy, providing Molly with new challenges and valuable experience both in training and competition. Molly has also shown her commitment to developing her knowledge of the game beyond playing. Earlier this year, she successfully completed her Level 1 Umpire training with Thirsk Hockey Club, adding another dimension to her hockey development. From representing Cundall Manor to training with a regional Talent Academy and developing her skills as an umpire, Molly is making the most of every opportunity to progress within the sport. We look forward to seeing where her hockey takes her next. Well done, Molly! 🏑
Rising Star: Ali Honoured in National Hockey Awards
Huge congratulations to Ali (Year 11), who was named a winner of the Hockey Writers’ Club’s 2025 Junior & Youth Awards this summer and honoured byThe Hockey Paperas one of the game’s rising talents. The judging panel sought information from coaches and regional representatives before selecting just four winners nationwide of this prestigious award. England Hockey coach Harry Jones said: “Alistair has consistently demonstrated exceptional commitment to the U16 Boys programme and has gone from strength to strength. “Alistair’s attitude, coachability and dedication set him apart, and he possesses huge potential for continued success in the game.” At Cundall, we know Ali for the remarkable dedication, humility and leadership he demonstrates both on and off the pitch. He joined Cundall Manor School in Reception, where his natural sporting talent was quickly identified. From an early age, he regularly competed above his age group and showed an unwavering determination to improve. Ali joined Thirsk Hockey Club aged six. At 13, he completed his first senior season with Thirsk Men’s 1st XI, earning both the Club Junior Player of the Season and Players’ Player awards. Through countless hours of training, strength and conditioning work, club hockey and representative programmes, Ali has steadily progressed through every level of the hockey pathway. A few months with Durham University Hockey Club’s Talent Academy led to his selection for the England U16 squad at the age of 14, and he played in every tournament during his first season. Cundall Manor’s coaches have supported Ali throughout his journey. With more than six hours of timetabled sport each week, he has consistently focused on developing his hockey skills and fitness. Now in his second season with England U16s, Ali continues to thrive on the international stage. He was chosen to captain England in the opening matches of both the Ireland series and the Six Nations Tournament in Germany, leading calmly by example and opening the scoring in both fixtures. His performance against Scotland earned him the unanimous Player of the Match award, further highlighting the respect he commands from coaches and teammates alike. At club level, Ali has been named City of York Hockey Club’s Young Player of the Season for two consecutive years. Such has been his development that he will move to Leeds Hockey Club next season, competing in Division One North—the second-highest tier of league hockey in the country—following encouragement from senior coaches who recognise his potential to perform at an even higher level. Throughout his GCSE studies, Ali has worked tirelessly to balance his academic commitments with the demands of elite-level sport. Cundall’s supportive environment, strong pastoral care and commitment to sport have enabled him to pursue excellence in both areas. He has embraced every opportunity available to him and, in doing so, has become an inspiration to younger pupils across the school. Ali’s achievements have been celebrated throughout the Cundall community, where he is regarded as a role model who embodies the school’s values of ambition, resilience, humility and commitment. His journey from the school hockey pitches to captaining England demonstrates what can be achieved through talent, hard work and character. With international tournaments this summer and an exciting move to Leeds Hockey Club on the horizon, Ali is undoubtedly a rising star with a very bright future. We wish him all the very best.
Record breaking Sports Day
Cundall Manor’s annual Sports Day was a fantastic celebration of determination, resilience and house spirit, with pupils from across the school giving their all in a thrilling day of track and field competition. Whether competing for personal bests or valuable house points, the atmosphere was one of encouragement and healthy competition. Several pupils etched their names into the Cundall Manor record books with outstanding displays of athleticism with four records broken. Jess set a new school record in the 50m, crossing the finish line in an impressive 8.50 seconds. Tilda broke the 200m school record with a superb time of 36.15 seconds. Amalie established a new Shot Put record with a throw of 7.78 metres. Harry delivered a remarkable performance to set a new school record in the 300m. Isla achieved an outstanding Shot Put throw of 8.73 metres, setting another new school record. The excitement wasn’t confined to the pupils. Parents also took to the track for the ever-popular parents’ sprint, producing a fiercely contested race that proved just as competitive as any pupil event and was enthusiastically cheered on by the crowd. Congratulations go to Saxons, who were crowned this year’s overall Sports Day House champions. Well done to every pupil who took part, and thank you to our staff, parents and supporters for helping make it another memorable day in the Cundall Manor calendar.
Recognised in Independent School of the Year Awards
We are delighted to share that Cundall Manor has been recognised in the Independent School of the Year Awards 2026, having been shortlisted in the Co-educational Independent School of the Year category. We are incredibly proud to be the only independent school in North Yorkshire to be recognised this year and one of just three schools across the North to feature in this category. This recognition reflects what makes Cundall Manor such a special place. From outstanding academic achievement to a Character Curriculum that encourages every pupil to discover their passions, our children benefit from an education that is about so much more than exam results. Whether pupils are taking part in sailing voyages, Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, downhill go-kart racing, performing on stage, representing their county and country in sport, or discovering new interests through enrichment activities every opportunity is designed to build confidence, resilience and character. At Cundall Manor, boys and girls grow up learning, competing and celebrating success together. Small class sizes, exceptional pastoral care and a culture where every child is known and encouraged to embrace new challenges ensure pupils leave not only with excellent academic outcomes, but with the confidence and self-belief to thrive in whatever comes next. We are immensely proud of our pupils, staff and wider school community, whose enthusiasm, commitment and support have helped make this recognition possible. We now look forward to hearing the finalists announced in September.
A Joyous Speech Day Celebration
Speech Day was a joyous occasion, celebrating our pupils’ achievements throughout the year across all disciplines, while showcasing the breadth of talent within the school. The audience was treated to outstanding performances of poetry and prose, alongside wonderful musical performances from our school choirs, pianist and guitarist. Head Girl Imogen and Head Boy Amos delivered thoughtful and moving speeches reflecting on their time at Cundall Manor. They spoke warmly of the friendships they had made, the challenges they had embraced and the opportunities that had shaped them, inspiring younger pupils to make the most of everything Cundall has to offer and to become the very best version of themselves. We were also delighted to welcome our Guest of Honour, Mandy Hickson, a former Royal Air Force pilot and the first woman to fly the Tornado GR4 on the front line. Sharing extraordinary stories from her career, she spoke about making decisions under immense pressure, overcoming challenges with resilience, and leading with courage. Her inspiring message encouraged us all to be bold, be brave and have the confidence to seize every opportunity – a message that will inspire our pupils for years to come. “What a special day it was to be in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside, engaging with enthusiastic young people who are clearly flourishing at the school. I particularly loved seeing how Cundall Manor School looks at the whole individual and is intent on celebrating all kinds of success – not just in the classroom, but in character, creativity, and courage.” Mandy Hickson
Pupils are hooked on new Fishing Club
Cundall Manor School has embraced a more off-grid approach to enrichment this Summer Term with the introduction of a new after-school fishing club for pupils in Year 7 and above. Judging by the enthusiasm on the lakeside each week, pupils are well and truly hooked. The latest addition to the school’s extensive enrichment programme reflects Cundall Manor’s commitment to helping every child discover passions that will last a lifetime. In keeping with the vision of the school’s founder, Harry Beckhough, a holistic education remains at the heart of school life, placing equal value on academic success and the experiences that shape confident, well-rounded young people. At Cundall Manor, pupils are encouraged to try as many activities as possible, discovering new interests and talents along the way. Whether tackling Further Maths in the classroom or casting a line after school, the aim is the same: to inspire curiosity, build confidence and foster a lifelong love of learning. Fishing has quickly become much more than simply catching fish. Time spent on the water teaches patience, perseverance and resilience. There isn’t always an immediate reward, but when someone lands a catch, the whole group celebrates together before returning to the challenge. The sense of camaraderie mirrors that found on the sports field, where teamwork, encouragement and shared success are just as important as individual achievement. The club also offers pupils the opportunity to slow down, spend time outdoors and enjoy the calming effects of nature. Whatever the weather, the riverbank provides a welcome contrast to the pace of modern life, encouraging mindfulness, conversation and fresh air in equal measure. As a proudly phone-free school, Cundall Manor has long championed meaningful activities that help pupils build independence beyond the classroom. While national conversations continue around reducing screen time and social media use, the school’s approach has always been to provide engaging alternatives that encourage pupils to connect with the world around them rather than a screen. An afternoon spent by the water’s edge is proving to be exactly that. It gives pupils the chance to develop practical skills, strengthen friendships and unwind after a busy day of learning, all while nurturing an appreciation for the outdoors that may stay with them for years to come. At Cundall Manor, enrichment is about more than filling time after lessons—it’s about discovering interests, developing character and creating memories that last a lifetime. Fishing is simply the latest example of how the school continues to help pupils flourish both in and beyond the classroom.
Pre-Prep Farm to Fork visit
Last week Reception, PP1 and PP2 visited the Tesco superstore in Thirsk to take part in their Farm to Fork project which helps children to learn about where their food comes from. The children had the opportunity to learn and taste different cheeses, find out where their fruit and vegetables come from and then how all the bread in Tesco is made each morning. PP2 also had the chance to have a go at making their own hot cross buns from scratch. Then all the children had the chance to go behind the scenes at the super market: after a chilly visit to the fridge and freezer, they learnt about how online shopping works by seeing the vans loaded up for their deliveries. To end the trip the children got to fill some goody bags with fruit, vegetables and freshly filled jam doughnuts. It was a fantastic trip that was enjoyed by all of year groups with plenty to see and do!