Go Kart Race
Continuing the year’s record breaking theme, this year’s go kart race set a few new school records of its own. Not only did we see a record number of entries but this year’s three fastest karts all broke the existing time record. There were over 35 entries into this year’s race, ranging in ages from Form 1 all the way up to Eldmire (our defending champion James Green sadly had a prior engagement in the form of a GSCE exam!) and an incredible range of racing machines. Some of the veteran models now sported modifications that would hopefully see them achieve even greater speeds down the school slope than in previous years, whilst many brand new and highly inventive contraptions entered the field. There was much speculation as to whether weight of kart or size of wheel mattered, with the consensus suggesting the bigger the wheel, the greater the speed, a theory that was borne out by the final ranking: congratulations to our three finalists whose speeds all surpassed previous attempts: First Place: Michael Darcy Blue Bolt 9.31” Second Place: Curran Maguire Lightning 10.03” Third Place: Archie Turner Hot Rod 10.1” For many, though, the event is so much more about the taking part, and it was lovely to see so many newcomers to the school and so many of our youngest Main School children taking part. For anyone who is in any doubt just what an accomplishment it is to pit one’s nerves against the slope, Mr Bentley (father of racing veterans Sam, Ben and Pippa) has compiled a fabulous video of this year’s race, including “behind the wheel” footage, which can be viewed by following this link. (click here) Congratulations to all who took part.
Headmasters XI v Alumni XI
Headmaster’s XI v Alumni Xi Cricket Event Families, former pupils and friends of Cundall Manor School gathered for a quintessentially English summer evening as the school hosted its annual Headmaster’s XI versus Alumni XI cricket match on the final day before May half term. Set against an idyllic backdrop on the school’s picturesque cricket pitch, the much-anticipated fixture saw current parents take on former pupils in front of a lively crowd of spectators. Families lined the boundary edge as players took to the field for an evening that celebrated not only cricket, but also the enduring sense of community at the heart of the school. The match itself proved to be a thrilling contest, with the Alumni XI narrowly securing victory by just one run in a dramatic final over. A spectacular boundary-line catch from Aidan contributed to sealing the win, as the match finished 161–160. One of the standout performances of the evening came from Year 7 pupil Freddie, who stole the show with a fearless bowling spell. Freddie claimed several wickets and a catch off a bowl, and was deservedly named Player of the Match for his outstanding contribution. As the sun set over the North Yorkshire hills, pupils, parents and alumni stayed late into the evening, enjoying a barbecue, refreshments and the relaxed atmosphere around the boundary edge as the final overs were bowled.
Cundall Invitational Hockey Tournament
Thank you to all the schools who traveled near and far to come and play the annual Cundall Invitational. We had some really strong teams who played some really hockey. Everyone should be proud of their performance. A special well done deserves to go to the U12 Cundall pupils who remained unbeaten throughout the tournament.
Speaking Board Success for Cundall Manor School Pupils
Pupils from Cundall Manor School are celebrating another superb set of exam results with a 100% pass rate in the recent English Speaking Board exams. Pupils from Form 4 and Form 2 sat the examinations in which they had to present a topic of personal interest. The ESB exams develops reading and listening skills while allowing pupils the chance to develop soft skills such as public speaking, delivering with confidence and debating, amongst others Head of Forms 1-4, Mr Bayne, said: “We are very pleased to say that all of our Form 2 and 4 pupils passed the English Speaking Board examinations at the end of last term. As a staff, we were delighted with each result and proud of the hard work that the pupils put into their presentations, poem recitals, book readings and listening/participation within their small groups.” He adds: “The ESB process really allows children to develop their confidence when interacting in small groups and this in turn leads to raised self-esteem and confidence for speaking in front of larger audiences and future business and social situations.” The pupils celebrated with a certificate presentation on the school lawn earlier this week. To find out more about our fantastic ESB results, how to apply for Cundall Manor School or to arrange a visit to one of the north’s leading schools, call 01423 360 200.
The Annual Go Kart Race
This year’s go-kart race happened to be more about fastest over the line, with all karts crossing the finish line, but there was still the uncertainty of a tumble, so it took great courage for all the participants to hurtle down the hill in their handmade carts. The event itself embraced risk — and taught resilience because of it. This year, the fastest time of the day belonged to Caleb and his partner in an adapted bathtub on wheels. Wills came a very close second, with Hedley and Gilbert taking third place. A special mention as well to Aggy and Jack in Year 3 for winning Best Newcomers, and to Will & Stan for taking home the Creative Kart Award with their brilliant Wallace and Gromit-inspired kart. Joseph was crowned Bravest Driver after hurtling down the hill at the front of a three-seater barrel kart that snaked its way over the line. The go Kart Race Event is far more than a spectacle. Behind the excitement lies a deliberate lesson in courage, problem-solving and character-building. Pupils spend weeks designing and constructing their own karts (a collaboration between pupil and parent) before taking on the challenge of racing them in front of parents, teachers and classmates. There are bumps, wobbles and the potential of a crash landing, but staff believe that element of genuine risk is precisely what makes the experience so valuable. Children need authentic, lived experiences that involve uncertainty and situations where outcomes are not instantly controlled, corrected, or curated through a screen. By giving children abundant opportunities to challenge themselves, the school helps them develop confidence, independence, mental resilience, and the ability to cope positively with setbacks. The day was rounded off perfectly with a wonderful family BBQ in the sunshine. A huge thank you to everyone who helped make the day so special.
U13 advance to North Yorkshire County Finals
Cundall Manor is proud to announce that its U13 girls’ hockey team has successfully progressed to the North Yorkshire County Finals following an exciting preliminary tournament hosted at the school this week. After a challenging start, the girls quickly found their rhythm, combining sharp finishing from short corners with excellent teamwork. Their consistent performance throughout the day saw them build momentum and deliver some thrilling matches. “The team showed real determination and skill in every game,” said [Coach/PE Department Name]. “Their hard work, focus, and team spirit have earned them a well-deserved place in the county finals. We can’t wait to see them continue their success at the next stage.” Cundall congratulates the U13 team on their achievement and wishes them the very best as they prepare to compete at the North Yorkshire County Finals.
Cricket Success as the Season Gets Underway
Cundall U14 Girls delivered an outstanding performance at the Area Round of the National Indoor Schools Cricket Competition, winning all of their matches to secure qualification for the County Round. The team then went on to finish an incredible third overall — a remarkable achievement, particularly as they were playing against teams from older age groups. With most of the squad eligible to compete again next year, the future looks incredibly promising, and they will no doubt return stronger. The U13 team also impressed, winning two of their three matches and narrowly losing the third. Their strong performances ensured they too progressed to the next stage of the competition. Special congratulations go to Esme and Sophie, who stepped up to compete a year above their age group. Representing the U13 side as U12 players, they demonstrated great confidence, maturity and skill throughout.
Welcoming International Pupils
We were delighted to welcome four pupils from Beijing and Shanghai to Cundall as part of a two-week immersion programme in partnership with Global Alliance. During their time with us, the pupils embraced every aspect of school life. Supported by their Cundall buddies, they quickly settled in and became part of the community from day one, participating fully in lessons and experiencing the rhythm of daily school life. Beyond the classroom, our visitors enjoyed exploring some of the UK’s most iconic destinations, including Manchester, York and the Harry Potter Studios, as well as visits to both Cambridge and Oxford before returning home. Boarding life was equally full, with a varied evening programme that included The Traitors, a trip to see We Will Rock You in Northallerton — featuring Cundall pupils in the cast — pizza making, a challenge evening, movie nights, craft sessions and games night. They also joined us for our Winter Concert, experiencing another important part of school life. It was a pleasure to share the Cundall experience with them and to celebrate Chinese New Year together across all year groups. We wish them safe travels as they return home with many happy memories of their time here.
Seb Selected to Represent Great Britain
Seb (Year 8), aged 13, has only been riding for three years but is already making an impressive mark in the dressage arena. Riding with the support of Charlotte Lutener’s under-25 European Championship bronze medallist, Full Fusion BS, Seb has quickly begun to build a strong record. Most recently, he partnered with his new horse, Flo, for their very first outing together. What was intended as a valuable experience turned into an outstanding success, with two major wins: FEI Children on Horses Team Test – 1st (74.8%) FEI Children Individual Test – 1st (81.28%) With an international qualification benchmark of 68%, Seb comfortably exceeded expectations. His riding score of 9.5 (out of 10), alongside a technical score of 70.56%, secured direct qualification for both the European and International Championships, to be held in July in the Czech Republic. This result is particularly remarkable given it was not only their first Premier League competition, but also their first competitive outing together. Seb continued this momentum at the Addington Premier League show, delivering another set of excellent performances: Children on Horses Team Test – 1st (72.7%) Children on Horses Individual Test – 1st (77%) In recognition of his achievements, Seb has now been selected to represent Great Britain at his first international competition —the Hickstead CDI in May. This is an exceptional accomplishment in his first competition season, and we are incredibly proud of the dedication and hard work he has shown.
An Exceptional GCSE Education
Each pupil is Known, Supported and Successful Choosing the right environment for GCSE study is one of the most important decisions a family can make for their child. These are the years that shape academic success, confidence, independence and their future. At Cundall Manor, ranked the top independent school in North Yorkshire for the 2025 Attainment 8 League Tables, the approach is simple but powerful across a broad range of subjects. A whole team fully supports every pupil. They are known and set up to succeed because in this small school environment, no one gets lost in the crowd. Being “known” goes beyond the classroom. Staff understand each pupil’s personality, interests, and ambitions. This creates a strong sense of belonging — something that is essential during the challenging teenage years. Small class sizes for GCSE options allow teachers to understand how each pupil learns best. Lessons are more interactive, feedback is more immediate, and teaching can be adapted in real time with tailored, detailed support. Strengths are nurtured, and confidence grows steadily. The pre exam study programme in the lead up to exams ensures students are guided every step of the way. Unlike many other schools that begin study leave, Cundall’s structured approach removes much of the uncertainty pupils can face during GCSE preparation. Optional Saturday revision sessions and after-school support help consolidate learning and build exam confidence, providing up to 300 additional hours of teaching. Pastoral care is central to the GCSE experience. Adolescence can bring pressure and distraction. Through mutual respect between teachers and peers alike, the school provides a calm, focused environment — and mobile phones are not allowed in school. Pupils are given the space to concentrate, build resilience and maintain a healthy balance between academic work and wellbeing. Sport and competitive fixtures remain an important part of the timetable during Year 11 for all pupils. In addition, a diverse range of after-school enrichment opportunities allows pupils to explore a diverse interests beyond their GCSE subjects. These include activities such as Duke of Edinburgh, ceramics, debating, water polo, golf, fishing, lighting production, Mandarin, astronomy, and more. Cundall’s results reflect the strength of this successful approach. As the top-performing independent school in North Yorkshire for Attainment 8, it consistently delivers excellent academic outcomes. Attainment 8 is calculated by adding together pupils’ highest scores from eight government-approved GCSE subjects. By measuring average academic performance across a range of disciplines, it offers a broader and more balanced picture of GCSE achievement. Success is not defined by grades alone. Pupils leave Cundall as confident, well-rounded individuals, ready for the next stage of their education. Whether progressing to leading sixth form institutions or colleges, they do so with strong academic foundations and the personal skills to make the most of every opportunity. Beyond the classroom, the school offers a wealth of opportunities, including ski trips and international sports tours, French and Spanish exchanges, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and outdoor challenges such as climbing Ben Nevis, sailing in Cowes, and completing the Yorkshire Three Peaks. Leadership roles, including prefects, Head Boy and Head Girl, encourage pupils to develop confidence and responsibility, while school productions, public performances, events, and enrichment clubs help every pupil discover passions that can last a lifetime. The school takes great pride in celebrating the diverse achievements of its pupils. The Class of 2026 leavers are typically a talented group. Current Head Boy Amos has recently been accepted into the National Youth Theatre. He is also the lead singer in the Year 11 music group, ‘Bangers and Thrash’ who often play at local festivals. James, the bass guitarist, was recently awarded an academic scholarship to Shrewsbury, whilst drummer Olly, looks set for a career in music and has been gigging at the famous Camden Club. Ali who first picked up a hockey stick in Year 3, recently captained the England U16 Hockey team, whilst Imogen (Head Girl) and Mollie are also in the England Talent pathway programme. These accomplishments reflect the ambition, talent, and spirit that define the Cundall community. A Different Kind of GCSE Experience What sets the GCSE programme apart is not just what is offered, but how it is delivered. In a world where many students feel overwhelmed by large classes and constant distractions, the picturesque 28-acre campus 5 minutes off the A1, provides a focused, supportive environment where every pupil is well known and valued and encouraged to aim high. Pupils are polite, happy, and engaged in their learning. Families looking to find out more about Senior School entry for Years 7–9 and the GCSE years are invited to schedule a visit to discover what an exceptional GCSE experience looks like at Cundall Manor. www.cundallmanorschool.com