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!
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.”
Record-Breaking Sports Day
Record-Breaking Sports Day Cundall Manor School in North Yorkshire hosted an unforgettable annual Sports Day this year. Despite the blazing heat, Cundall pupils showed incredible determination — breaking seven school records along the way. Josh B (Eldmire, Year 10) delivered a remarkable performance in the shot put, setting a new school record with a throw of 11.39 metres—surpassing the previous best from 2017. On the track, Imogen S ran the race of her life in the 800 m, finishing in a record-breaking 2 minutes and 39 seconds, comfortably beating the school’s previous mark. Rainia Clark added to the achievements with a new best time of 46.69 seconds in the 300 m sprint. Over in Leckby, Darcy B (Year 9) soared to a new personal and house best in the long jump, leaping 3.60 metres. The youngest athletes also played their part in rewriting the Cundall Manor School record books. Year 6 pupil Frank N sprinted to victory in the 50 m dash with a time of 8.25 seconds, while Sophie B ran brilliantly in the girls’ 50 m, finishing in 8.69 seconds. Meanwhile, Lowery A impressed in the 300 m, crossing the line in just 55.72 seconds to set a new Cundall Manor School record. The day was filled with energy, encouragement, and strong support from staff, students, and families. Headteacher Simon Weale praised the pupils, commenting: “We are so proud of every student who gave it their all. Breaking records is exciting, but it’s the team spirit and resilience that truly define our sports day at Cundall Manor.” The overal winning house was SAXONS, claiming their first victory in 14 years! Congratulations to all who took part in Sports Day 2025 at Cundall Manor School—and special recognition to the record breakers who made this year one for the history books.
Cundall Manor pupils Conquer Ben Nevis
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough… for Cundall Manor Students. 13-Year-Olds Conquer Ben Nevis on Summer Term Residential Year 8 pupils from Cundall Manor School in North Yorkshire have returned from their summer residential with a major accomplishment under their belts: a 100% success rate in climbing Ben Nevis, Britain’s highest mountain. The 1,345m (4,420ft) ascent, part of the school’s annual outdoor education programme, is a true test of endurance. The trip, based at the Glencoe Outdoor Centre in the Scottish Highlands, is a longstanding tradition at Cundall Manor. Students tackled a full programme of activities either side of the climb, including mountain biking through pine forests, canoeing and paddleboarding on quarry lakes, and cliff-jumping into icy lochs. But it’s the Ben Nevis climb that remains the most physically and mentally demanding challenge of all. As the only school group on the mountain that day, the 30 students and four accompanying staff were alongside military personnel in training and experienced hikers from across the globe. One group reached the peak under blue skies with snow still on the ground; the next faced a white-out in high winds and cloud. Both succeeded. Some pupils were hesitant at first, struggling with the steep incline and thinner air—but with guidance from trained instructors and school staff, every child reached the top. The climb took a full day, with regular breaks and plenty of snacks (including chocolate supplies) to keep spirits high. One student reflected, “It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done—and the best. I didn’t think I could do it, but now I know I can.” Headteacher Simon Weale said:“Our school was founded with the aim of producing resilient young people who can solve problems by learning to try new things, face setbacks positively, and support one another. That’s the heart of our character curriculum and what this climb is all about—and why outdoor learning is integral to life at Cundall Manor.” Set in the North Yorkshire countryside near Ripon and Thirsk, Cundall Manor is an independent, co-educational school for ages 2–16. With a phone-free site and a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, the school encourages curiosity, independence, and confidence in every pupil. From nursery to GCSE, pupils benefit from a personalised education that blends academic ambition with meaningful experiences—from go-kart races and sports tours to climbing mountains. At Cundall, no two days are ever the same. The school champions a ‘dynamic education is best’ approach that fosters a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. With every challenge comes the chance to grow in confidence and self-belief—equipping pupils with the mindset and life skills they need to thrive far beyond the classroom. To find out more about life at Cundall Manor or to arrange a tour or taster day, contact Admissions on 01423 360 200 or email admissions@cundallmanor.org.uk.Next Open Morning: Friday 26th September, 9:30am
A Dynamic Education in Action
A Dynamic Education in Action Cundall, North Yorkshire – June 3, 2025 – In an age of constant digital distractions, Cundall Manor School near Ripon and Thirsk stands apart. As a co-educational, phone-free school set in the stunning North Yorkshire countryside, Cundall encourages pupils to be curious, active, and take ownership of their choices as they grow into confident, capable individuals—climbing trees, taking risks, and learning through real-life experiences. This philosophy was brought to life at Cundall Manor School’s recent annual Go-Kart Race—more than just a thrilling spectacle, it’s a joyful celebration of community spirit, creativity, and character development. With handmade karts thundering down the hill to the cheers of a supportive crowd, the event brought together pupils, parents, and staff for an unforgettable afternoon that reflects the school’s belief that education should be as engaging as it is meaningful. From the starting line to the finish, pupils demonstrated courage, resilience, and teamwork—values that are woven into daily life at Cundall. Participants who experienced a tumble showed remarkable tenacity, getting back up and crossing the finish line to a chorus of applause.The year Deputy Head Boy Andrew Sturdy was thrilled to claim the trophy for the second time, having entered the race nine times. Earlier this year, Andrew also won first prize in a DT Rotary tournament. He has spent the past eight months fine-tuning his kart, and in the midst of his GCSEs, he delivered a new record time—perhaps leaving behind a legacy to inspire future racers.These are the moments that shape character and build the kind of lifelong confidence that defines a Cundall education. “This race isn’t just about having fun—it is actually an engineering competition which not only engages our pupils but also their families who help them with their designs,” said Headteacher Simon Weale. “Our school was founded with the aim of producing resilient young people who can solve problems by learning to try new things, face setbacks positively, and support one another. That’s the heart of our character curriculum—and why events like these are integral to life at Cundall Manor.” As a small, nurturing school, Cundall Manor offers a truly personal education where every child matters. The school champions a ‘dynamic education is best’ approach, where academic learning, wellbeing, and personal development through lived experience go hand in hand—ensuring no two school days are ever the same. Through enriching co-curricular activities like the go-kart race, climbing Ben Nevis, and sports tours, pupils are regularly challenged in meaningful ways—developing the resilience, confidence, and life skills they need to thrive far beyond the classroom. And it is this inclusive and joyful environment that fosters children from nursery to GCSE age to have a love of learning that stays with them for life. To find out more about how Cundall Manor combines academic excellence with a vibrant, well-rounded school life, contact 01423 360200.
Outstanding ESB Results for Year 4 and Year 6 Pupils
Outstanding ESB Results for Year 4 and Year 6 Pupils We are delighted to celebrate the exceptional success of our Year 4 and Year 6 pupils, who have achieved our strongest English Speaking Board (ESB) results to date. An incredible 100% of pupils were awarded top-level results, ranging from Merit to Distinction—a testament to their dedication, growing confidence, and impressive communication skills. The ESB assessments form a valuable part of our English curriculum, offering pupils the opportunity to refine essential skills in public speaking, listening, and presentation. As nationally recognised qualifications, ESB exams foster self-expression, boost self-esteem, and encourage clear, confident communication—skills that serve our pupils far beyond the classroom. “They’ve made a huge amount of progress and should be very proud of what they’ve achieved — not just in their speaking skills but in their confidence, too,”— Mrs Bailey, Year 6 Teacher Congratulations once again to all of our pupils on this outstanding achievement. We are so proud of your effort, enthusiasm, and excellence!
Hockey Talent from Cundall Manor Plays for England U16s
Young Hockey Talent from Cundall Manor Represents England U16s Cundall, North Yorkshire – Cundall Manor School is proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements of pupil Alistair, whose passion and dedication to hockey have seen him excel both nationally and locally over the Easter break. Alistair, aged 14, recently represented England U16S at the prestigious 6 Nations Tournament, facing elite teams from across Europe including Germany, Austria, Belgium, Scotland, and Ireland. Demonstrating exceptional skill and composure, Alistair helped England secure an impressive 3rd place finish, culminating in a 3-1 victory over Austria in the final match. In addition to his international success, Alistair was named Young Player of the Season at the City of York Hockey Club’s Senior Awards Dinner – a recognition of his outstanding season playing with the club’s Men’s 1st team. Alistair’s hockey journey began at Thirsk Hockey Club aged 7, where he continued to play until just a few months ago. During the same season, Alistair started playing hockey at Cundall Manor in Year 3. His natural talent was evident from an early age, as he regularly competed above his age group and consistently demonstrated a drive to develop his skills. Beyond school fixtures, Alistair has dedicated countless hours to training and development — independently practising, attending holiday camps, and taking part in club and representative training and matches, starting at the age of nine with North Yorkshire U12s. Alistair’s family see Cundall as a fantastic school environment that nurtures well-rounded and ambitious individuals, and one which has enabled Alistair to excel in his chosen sport. They highlight that, alongside Alistair’s self-motivated dedication, Cundall’s small class sizes and efficient use of lesson time help him to successfully balance his academic studies and extracurricular Cundall fun with a demanding daily training schedule and weekend hockey commitments. Alistair is also a keen tennis player and continues to play weekly for Thirsk Tennis Club Mr. Couttie, Head of Boys’ Games at Cundall Manor, reflected on Alistair’s growth: “We saw the potential in Alistair from a very young age. His commitment to the sport and determination to get better have been extraordinary. It’s fantastic to see that hard work and love for the game pay off at such a high level.” Headmaster Simon Weale added: “Alistair is a wonderful role model. Hockey is a major sport at Cundall and all of the pupils receive top-class coaching. Our teams are always competitive. Hopefully Alistair’s journey has only just begun and he will continue to inspire our school community.” Everyone at Cundall Manor School extends their heartfelt congratulations to Alistair on his incredible accomplishments and looks forward to supporting him on the next steps of his hockey journey.
Best Schools Guide 2025
Earlier this month, we were delighted to welcome Muddy Stilettos to Cundall Manor School. Following their visit, we’re proud to share that we’ve been featured in their Best Schools Guide 2025—a glowing write-up that captures the spirit, values, and vibrant day-to-day life of our unique North Yorkshire school. In their words, “Cundall pupils enjoy an idyllic Enid Blyton-esque childhood, crammed full of tree climbing, baking, musicals, sport and, of course, learning.” As a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 2 to 16, set in 28 acres of beautiful parkland between Ripon and Thirsk, our small class sizes (typically 12–18) and immersive outdoor learning environment allow children to flourish. Muddy Stilettos highlighted our strong ethos, grounded in the original vision of our founder Lt. Col. Dr. Harry Beckhough: to equip children with the tools to thrive in life, not just in the classroom. Our Character Curriculum, which remains central to school life, ensures that children are challenged in meaningful ways, both academically and personally—be it in our Wild Wood, during our now-famous Go-Kart Race, or in public speaking debates. The article also praised our outstanding facilities, from the heated pool and tennis courts to “The Meadow,” chicken coop, and meditation teepees, where pupils build resilience, curiosity, and joy beyond the traditional classroom setting. The breadth of our offering was clear—from competitive sports and creative arts to enrichment activities like astronomy, musical theatre, debating, and bushcraft. Boarding, while flexibly offered, is described as a warm, homely experience full of fun evenings, themed sleepovers, and weekend adventures. The personal, family atmosphere of Cundall Manor was something the review returned to time and again—with pupils described as “very happy, organic, free-range children.” Of course, no school would be complete without its leadership, and Muddy Stilettos were full of praise for our new Headteacher, Simon Weale, whose international experience, love of history and cricket, and commitment to holistic education promises to take Cundall from strength to strength. We’re incredibly proud of this recognition, which reflects the passion, hard work, and joy that define a Cundall education. As Muddy Stilettos put it: “Children are lavished with attention and have the freedom to be creative and develop resilience, confidence and kindness.” To read the full feature, visit Muddy Stilettos’ Best Schools Guide. To find out more about Cundall Manor or book a visit, please contact us at 01423 360200 or explore www.cundallmanorschool.com.
Cundall welcomes T20 Cricket King – Dawid Malan
Cundall welcomes T20 Cricket King – Dawid Malan Cundall, North Yorkshire – June 30, 2025 – Cundall Manor School celebrated its end-of-year Speech Day and Prize Giving on Saturday, 28 June 2025, with a special guest appearance from England and Yorkshire cricketer Dawid Malan. Malan, once ranked the world’s number one white-ball batsman and one of the few England players to have scored centuries in all formats of international cricket, addressed pupils, parents, and staff in a marquee on the school’s historic grounds. In his inspiring speech, Malan shared personal stories from his professional cricket journey, which began in 2006 when, at just 19, he was offered the opportunity to play at Lord’s and signed his first contract with Middlesex. He candidly described a difficult start to his career—laden with pressure and high expectations—but highlighted how perseverance and hard work enabled him to succeed. He left pupils with a powerful message: “There’s always a journey—it’s never plain sailing. But with hardwork, perseverance, and, most importantly, enjoyment, you can succeed in anything you pursue. Good luck with all your journeys.” Malan has a personal connection to the school—he lives locally with his family, and his father once played cricket with Headmaster Simon Weale. In fact, Malan and Weale even shared the pitch during the early stages of Dawid’s career. Headmaster Simon Weale, who has known Malan since childhood, said: “Dawid taking time out of his summer cricket schedule to speak with our pupils meant a great deal to the entire school community. His message truly encapsulated what we aim to instil in our pupils—resilience, character, and a love for learning through experience. I have watched Dawid play cricket since he was a very little boy, outside our clubhouse in Teddington, where his excellent skills were evident from an early age. He comes from a strong cricketing family—his father would have him batting and bowling all day long with his brother, whatever the weather—and this has clearly paid off.” Cundall Manor School has a proud sporting heritage and a strong reputation for nurturing future talent. Cricket legend Lord Ian Botham sent both his children and grandchildren to the school. His grandson Jimbo recently represented Wales in the Six Nations, and his father, Liam Botham—also an alumnus—represented England in both cricket and rugby. Speech Day and Prize Giving was a true celebration of the school’s ethos, which places equal emphasis on academic excellence, personal growth, and co-curricular enrichment. Held on the lawn in front of the Manor House, once a historic hunting lodge, the event brought together the entire school community to recognise the pupils’ achievements throughout the year. Simon Weale added: “Cundall Manor was founded on the belief that character, confidence, and curiosity are the cornerstones of a great education. Whether it’s climbing Ben Nevis, performing in our school play, or taking part in competitive sport—our pupils are encouraged to challenge themselves, support one another, and embrace learning in all its forms.” Located in the stunning North Yorkshire countryside, Cundall Manor School (near Ripon and Thirsk) offers an action-led, phone-free education for ages 2–16, where outdoor adventure, creativity, and real-world learning are central to daily life. As a small, nurturing school, Cundall Manor offers a truly personal education where every child matters. The school champions a ‘dynamic education is best’ philosophy—where academic learning, wellbeing, and personal development through lived experience go hand in hand—ensuring no two school days are ever the same. Through enriching co-curricular activities like the go-kart race, climbing Ben Nevis, and sports tours, pupils are regularly challenged in meaningful ways—developing the resilience, confidence, and life skills they need to thrive far beyond the classroom. It is this inclusive and joyful environment that inspires children from nursery to GCSE age to develop a love of learning that stays with them for life. For more information about Cundall Manor School, contact 01423 360200 or email admissions@cundallmanor.org.uk
Cundall Manor School Triumphs at 2025 Rotary Technology Tournament
Cundall Manor School is celebrating a fantastic achievement after our senior pupils secured 1st and 2nd place in the Intermediate Task at the prestigious 2025 Rotary Technology Tournament held at Catterick Garrison. This remarkable success highlights the outstanding design and engineering skills demonstrated by our students, reinforcing the school’s commitment to excellence in STEM education. The event, jointly hosted by the Rotary Club of Northallerton and the 1st Close Support Battalion REME, provided a thrilling challenge for participants. Teams were tasked with designing and constructing a mechanical car capable of navigating a tunnel, pushing debris to the end of the pipeline, and successfully reversing back to the start line. This challenge required innovative thinking, precision engineering, and expert problem-solving skills. Our talented pupils rose to the occasion, applying their Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)knowledge to develop highly effective solutions. Their vehicle, built with four wheels, an electric motor, and a custom pulley system, met the strict competition criteria, including navigating under a bridge and operating via remote control. Additional points were awarded for completing the task in under 10 seconds, a feat our students impressively achieved. A key requirement was for the vehicle to feature a logo promoting Energy Conservation, reinforcing the importance of sustainability in engineering design. The creativity, teamwork, and technical expertise displayed by our pupils were truly commendable. We are incredibly proud of our students for their determination and ingenuity in tackling this complex challenge. Their success at the Rotary Technology Tournament not only showcases their engineering talents but also highlights Cundall Manor School’s ongoing dedication to fostering a passion for STEM subjects among our students. Congratulations to our winning teams – a fantastic accomplishment that reflects the hard work, creativity, and perseverance of our young engineers!