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.
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.
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