A Winning Performance: The Other Side of the Net
This year’s Senior School production, featuring pupils from Years 7–11, brought energy, humour, and an important social message to the stage with a performance of The Other Side of the Net. Written by local composer Emily Roberts, the musical followed a season on the women’s professional tennis tour, beginning at the US Open in New York before travelling through Melbourne and Paris. Alongside the excitement of competitive sport, the production explored the darker side of modern fame, offering a thoughtful commentary on the online abuse and cyber-bullying faced by professional athletes through the “other net” — the internet. Mrs Reece first saw the premiere performance by Drip Drop Theatre at Ripon Arts Hub in April 2025 and was inspired to bring the production to Cundall Manor. Emily Roberts kindly granted permission for the school to adapt the show and generously supported changes to suit the cast and production style. The school was delighted to welcome Emily, along with members of the original cast, to attend the performance. Complete with a live acoustic band, stylish sportswear, lively tennis commentators, on-court action, impressive racquet work, and even the occasional bowl of strawberries and cream, the production proved both entertaining and thought-provoking. The story culminated in a powerful finale at Arthur Ashe Stadium, where the female players united to take a stand against online trolls. The production also showcased the teamwork and dedication of pupils behind the scenes, with students taking responsibility for stage management, props, microphones, and technical support throughout the performances. Reflecting on the show, Mrs Reece said: “I was impressed not only with the pupils’ performances, but also with the way they all took ownership of the production, being really proactive about stage management, and taking responsibility for props, microphones and each other. Special mention must go to the Leckby pupils for being a fantastic sound tech team, and to Arya for being a most unflappable and efficient stage manager.” The performances were a wonderful celebration of confidence, highlighting the depth of talent across the Senior School community.
Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Awards
Congratulations to our thirteen Eldmire (Year 10) students on completing their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Awards! At Cundall Manor School, we are incredibly proud of the positive impact the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has on our students. From learning new skills and volunteering in the community, to taking part in regular physical activity and completing expeditions, the programme helps pupils to grow in confidence, resilience, and independence.
Outstanding LAMDA results
Cundall Manor pupils have achieved outstanding results in their recent LAMDA examinations, with 12 Distinctions and 6 Merits. Through these assessments, they demonstrated performance skills, clear communication, interpretation and confidence—valuable strengths that extend far beyond the stage. Congratulations to all our pupils on their fantastic achievements!
Cundall Pupils Join Thousands for Young Voices Concert
Members of the Cundall Manor School choir travelled to the Utilita Arena Sheffield to take part in Young Voices, the largest children’s choir concert in the world. The event brings together thousands of primary school pupils from across the UK. Performing as part of a massed choir of over 5000, our pupils joined their voices with children from many other schools. It was a rare opportunity to perform in a proper stadium pop concert and a professional arena setting, complete with dazzling lights, a live band, professional singers and an audience of thousands. It gave the children the chance to experience the power of collective music-making and feel part of something truly extraordinary.
Cross Country Championship Success
42 Cundall pupils competed in the Terrington Hall Cross Country Championships 2026, tackling the challenging Howardian Hills course alongside more than 500 runners from 18 schools across the North of England. Our pupils showed strong determination throughout the races, with notable success for the U11 boys, who won their team event. Individual medal winners included Roo (2nd, U11), Harris (3rd, U11), Max (3rd, U13) and Avril (2nd, U13 girls). A strong performance across all age groups and a positive day for everyone representing Cundall.
Cundall Charity Fun Run
Cundall Manor pupils took to the field for the Cundall Charity Fun Run, raising money for York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity in a fantastic display of enthusiasm and community support. Dressed in an array of imaginative costumes—from sharks and bananas to dinosaur suits—participants fully embraced the occasion. The 3km course, complete with hurdles and obstacles, provided an exciting challenge. Despite the added difficulty of running in fancy dress, pupils showed real determination and crossed the finish line smiling. Thank you to everyone who supported the event and helped us reach our fundraising goal. We are delighted to share that a total of £1,125 was raised for York & Scarborough Hospitals Charity.
GCSE Art & Textiles Pupils Visit London
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.
Esme Wins First Prize at ISA National Art Finals
Esme has been reunited with her ceramic sculpture after achieving national recognition by winning First Prize at the ISA National Art Finals last term. Alongside Esme, four other pupils were highly commended at the National Finals, highlighting the breadth and quality of artistic talent within the school. Esme’s autobiographical three-dimensional ceramic piece was constructed using a traditional coiling technique with white earthenware. The surface was enhanced with a blowing-bubble underglaze effect before being decorated with Sharpie pen illustrations, inspired by the work of Grayson Perry, to express her passion for sport. The award places Esme among the most accomplished young artists in the country, and we are very proud of her achievement. Creativity lies at the heart of our holistic education, and the Art Department continues to provide a dynamic environment in which students are encouraged to explore ideas, develop technical skills, and bring ambitious creative projects to life.
Cundall Pupils Enjoy Annual Ski Trip to Serre Chevalier
Over the New Year break, Cundall pupils travelled to Serre Chevalier (2,830m) in the French Alps for the annual school ski trip. With clear blue skies throughout the week, conditions on the slopes were excellent. Pupils took on a range of ski challenges, developing their technique on the pistes and testing themselves in ski parks featuring jumps and obstacles that pushed both balance and confidence. Afternoons and evenings were filled with a busy programme of après-ski activities, giving everyone the chance to unwind after a full day on the mountain. Throughout the trip, pupils showed resilience during the more demanding moments and consistently looked out for one another. Hotel staff described them as “one of the most polite groups” they could remember — a proud reflection of Cundall. Many thanks to Mrs Reece for organising the trip, with support from Mr Reece and the Weales. It was encouraging to see pupils working together, supporting their peers and making the most of the opportunity. Well done to all involved.
Silver Medals at the ISA U11 Nationals
Congratulations to our U11 Boys’ Hockey team who proudly represented Cundall Manor at the ISA U11 National Hockey Tournament, held at the magnificent Lee Valley Hockey Centre in London’s Olympic Park. Competing against leading schools from across the country, the boys demonstrated determination, teamwork and impressive developing skill across a full day of competitive matches. Playing at such a prestigious venue — home to national and international fixtures — was a fantastic experience and a real highlight of the season. The squad showed tremendous spirit in every game, building confidence and resilience as they tested themselves at a high level. Finishing as silver medallists, just behind last year’s winners Copthill, is a superb achievement. We are incredibly proud of their performance and the way they represented the school.