Headmasters XI vs Alumni XI
At the end of the Summer term, we welcomed back our Alumni for a thrilling cricket match, with Fraser McPhearson captaining the Alumni team against Mr Weale’s XI. Fraser made an early impact, taking four wickets in his opening spell. Despite this, strong batting from Dan C and Mr James helped Mr Weale’s team maintain the lead across 50 overs. When bowling, the Headmaster’s side turned the game around with key wickets from Rich C and Tristain S, plus a sharp catch by Ed L, ultimately securing the win. The evening ended with a relaxed BBQ and drinks at one of North Yorkshire’s most picturesque cricket grounds. We look forward to hosting the event next year. Please reach out to alumni@cundallmanor.org.uk if you wish to join the alumni team.
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.
Celebrating another fantasic year of GCSE results
Cundall Manor School’s ‘Class of 2025’ have set the standard for their juniors with an excellent set of GCSE results, including a doubling in the number of the highest grades (9) achieved. The proportion of top grades (7–9) has risen sharply from 30% in 2024 to 42% in 2025, while the overall pass rate reached 87% – significantly above the national average of 70.4%. Cundall Manor is a non-selective independent school, located between Ripon and Thirsk, with a determined focus on the holistic development of each child. Headmaster Simon Weale said: “It is important for our pupils to be able to obtain these top grades, as many are hoping to join competitive courses at the best independent and state settings. When you meet our senior students, it is often easy to forget they are only 16. They are confident and caring young women and men who are looking forward to the next stage of their education. They have all been given leadership opportunities by the Cundall team, and the unique and intimate experience at the school has tested them with a range of challenges both inside and outside the classroom. This will allow them to thrive in their Sixth Form or College studies. We all look forward to seeing where their journey takes them.” This year, every Year 11 pupil at Cundall passed their English Language GCSE (compared to the national average of 61%), and the same benchmark was also achieved in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Art, Computer Science, Drama, Design Technology, Geography, History and Music. There is strong demand for Cundall pupils across North Yorkshire and beyond. Among the many success stories are Jack, who achieved six grade 9s, including Maths, and will be joining St Peter’s, York, alongside Annabel (Joint Head Girl), who has her sights set on a career as a professional footballer and will study A level PE, Biology, Geography and Psychology – subjects in which she achieved top grades of 9s and 8s. Ava, whose results including four grade 9s and three grade 8s, is heading to Yarm, while several pupils will be moving on to Ripon Grammar School, including Millie (Joint Head Girl) who gained 11 GCSEs, and Andrew, an aspiring engineer who achieved 9s in both DT and Physics, which will help him fulfil his ambitions. Head of Senior School, Ian Swannell, added: “We are thrilled that our pupils’ positive attitude to learning and their hard work have paid off, resulting in a set of achievements that every one of them should be proud of.” The average Cundall Manor grade had a value added score of 1.1, meaning pupils achieved, on average, more than a full grade higher across all of their subjects. with some pupils achieving the equivalent of almost three grades higher in some subjects. The school welcomes families to discover more about the exceptional education on offer at its Open Morning: Friday 26th September.
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!
Beach Day
Our whole school beach day is a much-loved Cundall tradition. Parents welcome to join.
Cundall Shortlisted for Co-Ed Independent School of the Year 2024–25
Cundall Manor School Shortlisted for Co-Ed Independent School of the Year. Cundall Manor School is proud to announce that it has been shortlisted for Co-Ed Independent School of the Year 2024–25 as part of the prestigious Independent Schools of the Year Awards. This recognition highlights the strength of Cundall’s distinctive co-educational approach — one that blends academic excellence with character development, outdoor adventure, and a deep sense of purpose. At Cundall, we believe that education should be as full of life as childhood itself. From thundering downhill in handmade go-karts to campouts in the school grounds, science lab explosions to tree-climbing at breaktime, every moment is designed to stretch, support and inspire our pupils. Girls and boys learn side by side from Reception through to Year 11 — not just preparing for exams, but developing the confidence, compassion and resilience to take on life beyond school. Our Character Curriculum is at the heart of all we do, helping pupils embody kindness, curiosity and ambition through real-world, hands-on experiences. From climbing Ben Nevis to competing in our whole-school triathlon or working together on the stage, our pupils are given countless opportunities to discover what they’re capable of. “We are delighted to be shortlisted for this award. It’s a powerful recognition of the care, commitment and energy our staff bring to delivering a truly balanced and enriching co-educational experience. At Cundall, every pupil is known, supported and celebrated for who they are. This shortlisting reflects the spirit of our school — dynamic, inclusive and full of opportunity.”
Speech Day
Cundall Summer Party
We’re delighted to invite you to a Midsummer’s Evening at Cundall, a special evening for parents, friends, family, and alumni. Our Parent Summer social, is a highlight of the year and a wonderful fundraising event for the school. Tickets include a welcome drink, supper and live music. Please specify in the notes names for your seating preferences. Tables of 8+ available. Tickets and full details are available online. https://www.cundallmanorschool.com/shop/cundall-midsummers-evening/ More details about the event will be shared soon!