Excellent ISI Inspection 2024
We are delighted to share that we received an excellent Inspection Report following our most recent inspection that took place from 26th to 28th November 2024. ISI is regulated by OFSTED. Under the updated inspection framework, introduced in September 2023, the report no longer includes overall judgments. Instead, it provides a thorough evaluation across five key areas. Each standard is assessed as either met or not met, and we are thrilled to announce that we achieved the highest possible result, with all standards successfully met. Comments about life at Cundall are overwhelmingly positive and reflect the best aspects of the school. We are committed to maintaining these standards and ensuring that a Cundall education is of the highest standard. Download report LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT ✓ ALL STANDARDS MET “Leaders across the school understand their roles well and fulfil them effectively with commitment they have the skills and knowledge to prioritise pupils’ wellbeing in their decision making” “Leaders identify specific needs of individual pupils” EDUCATION, TRAINING & RECREATION ✓ ALL STANDARDS MET “Warm and respectful relationships between teachers and pupils encourage pupils to want to learn well and make good progress in lessons across the curriculum” “The school provides a diverse enrichment programme” PUPIL’S PHYSICAL & MENTAL HEALTH & EMOTIONAL WELLBEING ✓ ALL STANDARDS MET “The school enables pupils to develop resilience and self confidence” PUPIL’S SOCIAL & ECONOMIC EDUCATION & CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY ✓ ALL STANDARDS MET “Pupils are encouraged to consider how they can contribute to the whole school and wider community” SAFEGUARDING ✓ ALL STANDARDS MET “There is a well developed and effective culture of safeguarding in the school. Pupils feel safe in school and know who to contact should they need support”
How wonderful to be a child again.
How wonderful to be a child again. As most of us battled with the double challenge of getting our cars ready for the road in Arctic temperatures and the prospect of ‘Blue Monday’, the Cundall Manor pupils set their minds to the task of sliding down ‘the Hill’ as quickly as possible. And when they discovered that using sledges allowed them to go too quickly, they found other, less dangerous methods. Meanwhile, the opportunity was grasped to introduce curling to the co-curricular offering – watch out for Cundall’s involvement in the 2034 Winter Olympics. I am sure that in fifty years’ time some of the most vivid memories of school life will centre on the fun had this week in our winter wonderland. What has this got to do with learning? It is worth pointing out that this particular challenge required teamwork, cooperation, innovation, and a bit of risk and courage. Incidentally, the quickest sled I saw was ridden by two girls from Aram – #Gofaster. Temperatures are set to rise next week, hopefully in time to allow our sporting fixtures to take place. Meanwhile, Thornton pupils (Year 11) ended what might have been a less joyous twelve days of Christmas than usual by beginning their mock GCSE exams – mostly three papers per day. It is really important for them to understand the rollercoaster of emotions during the public examination season before the real thing in the summer and to get feedback on their current performance. Our intention is that the Class of 2025 will outperform their 2024 counterparts, who achieved at least one grade higher in every subject than the England and Wales average. We also intend that everyone will fulfil their potential, whether that be a raft of top grades or the qualifying grades for a Level 3 vocational course. These outcomes are equally important to us and very achievable, given the genuine individual attention each pupil receives in our small class sizes. My first week at Cundall ended with my involvement in the splendid Starworker Award ceremony in Pre-Prep – a lovely way to go into the weekend. As you will imagine, each day at the moment brings me a deeper understanding of the school and the chance to get to know every member of the Cundall community. I look forward to meeting you all in the coming weeks. Mr Simon Weale Headmaster
5K Park Run Takeover
Cundall Manor School proudly sponsored the Millfield Park Run event on Saturday, 28th September. As part of the Park Run takeover, Cundall staff and pupils took on key roles, providing refreshments, including homemade flapjacks, and assisting with marshalling. It was an engaging start to the weekend, with the school supporting this much-loved community event. Ian Swannell, Head of Seniors at Cundall Manor, shared the school’s enthusiasm for being involved: “Many of our staff and pupils run it regularly, so it was a great opportunity to give the usual volunteers a break. We were delighted to support the event and encourage more of our pupils to take part. Park Runs offer free, accessible sporting events across the country, perfect for families and individuals to enjoy a sense of achievement and community.” The event saw 201 participants cross the finish line, including standout performances from Cundall Manor alumni Will, who crossed the line first with an impressive time of 17:36, and Peter, a Cundall parent, who followed closely with 19:04. In total, 29 runners achieved personal bests, with plenty of cheering from the sidelines. This marked Millfield Park Run’s 207th event, and according to Race Organiser Clare, takeovers like this add a special energy to the day. “It’s always great to see new faces and have extra support,” she said. “The teas and coffees at the finish line also gave runners a chance to stay a little longer, enjoy a chat, and connect, rather than heading off right after the run.”
Cundall Manor School announces new appointment of Headmaster
The Governors are delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Simon Weale as Headmaster of Cundall Manor School from the start of the Lent Term, 7 January 2025. Mr Weale is an experienced independent school Headmaster with a demonstrable and impressive track record in whole school leadership. He is currently the Director of Bishop Cotton School, a position to which he was appointed to in 2020. Founded on British traditions, Bishop Cotton is one of the leading independent boarding schools in India and is accredited by the Cambridge International examination board. Previously, Mr Weale was Headmaster of Shebbear College in Devon for six years; a co-educational independent day and boarding school for children aged two through to eighteen and is very similar in ethos and size to Cundall. Mr Weale took his degree in Modern History from Keble College, Oxford before embarking on an extensive and impressive teaching career. He has held posts at the Judd School in Tonbridge, Latymer Upper School and Reigate Grammar School, where he was Head of Sixth Form, before being appointed Deputy Head Master at Brentwood School. He is married to Rebecca, a communications specialist, and they have two daughters and a son. Their youngest daughter is currently at boarding school in Suffolk and is excited at the prospect of joining Cundall in the near future. On learning of his appointment, Mr Weale said, ‘Rebecca and I are thrilled to be joining Cundall and we are looking forward to meeting you all. I believe strongly in the warm-hearted and holistic education offered by the school. Our children thrived in a similar rural co-educational setting where they were known as individuals and encouraged by teachers with genuine ambition for them. This helped them to develop their self-confidence and emotional intelligence and gave them a desire to grasp the opportunities that life has given them. Cundall pupils are privileged to grow up in such inspirational, healthy and supportive surroundings which allow them to enjoy their childhood and prepare for life beyond school. I am determined to build on the fantastic work already being done at the school, and from my own experiences both in the UK and internationally, to ensure an ambitious and truly world class offer that rewards the investment by families and ensures our pupils become successful, principled and proactive global citizens’. Mr Weale is a keen sportsman who gained three Blues for cricket at Oxford and twice won the cricket National Club Championship with Teddington CC. He played representative hockey and junior club rugby. He is also a keen nature lover and historian and writes published articles regularly on his interests including his educational philosophy and experiences. During his time as a teacher of History, he has had extensive experience of outdoor education, coached cricket and rugby teams, and led school trips across the world including to North America, the Caribbean, Europe, and South East Asia. He has also developed pupil exchanges between the UK and schools in Australia, South Africa, India and a rugby exchange in south-west France. The Governors are delighted to have appointed an experienced and accomplished Headmaster in the form of Mr Weale, who is fully aligned with the values of our school. “During our search, we were adamant that the next Headmaster hold significant experience of whole school leadership and the Governors have been impressed by his immediate recognition of the opportunities that Cundall has to offer. We are confident that he will lead our school into the future with diligence, energy and enthusiasm and we are pleased that the timing of our search coincided his plans for a return to the UK.I know that Mr Weale is very much looking forward to meeting you and your children and there will be opportunities to do so later this term, when he will visit school and be involved with preparations for his arrival in January.”Chair of Governors, Rachel Powell. Meanwhile it is very much Cundall as usual as we embark upon another enriching and successful term ahead.
Cundall Manor School celebrates fantastic GCSE results
Cundall Manor School is celebrating an impressive set of GCSE results from its first cohort of 39 pupils to sit exams that returned to pre-pandemic benchmarks. There were plenty of smiles as pupils surpassed expectations, with many pupils achieving top grades, including 8s and 9s across 10 GCSEs, including further maths. An impressive 87% of all GCSEs were awarded at grade 4 and above, significantly surpassing the national average of 67.4%. 85% of pupils achieved 5 of more GCSEs at Grades 9-4. 30% of all GCSEs at Cundall Manor were graded 7 or above (the equivalent of A*- A grades) compared to the national average of 21.7%. The school is particularly proud of a remarkable 50% increase in Grade 9s this year, with many notable performances of pupils achieving 8’s and 9s in over half of their papers. “Our strong results are particularly pleasing as this is the first cohort since the pandemic to have been examined in the full syllabus of every subject,” said Ian Swannell, Head of Upper School. “In preparation for this, all pupils were offered over 500 hours of extra revision tuition throughout the year ensuring every pupil was supported to do their very best. Over a third of our pupils achieved a value-added score of over one grade per subject.” Beyond the results, many pupils have secured places at some of the country’s leading sixth form providers such as St Peters and Ripon Grammar, as well as notable scholarships to Rugby School and Ampleforth. Others are pursuing their passions at specialist Drama and Agricultural colleges. The Head Boy has already taken up his place at Pearson College in Vancouver, part of the highly selective United World Colleges network, which focuses on academic excellence and making a positive impact on the world. “We are thrilled with everyone’s achievements and extend our congratulations to each pupil for their hard work and dedication. We wish them every success in their Sixth Form studies and future endeavours,” added Chair of Governors, Rachel Powell. Cundall Manor School is a broadly non-selective school where every child is supported to reach their full potential. The school remains immensely proud of its pupils and looks forward to their continued success as they embark on the next stages of their educational journeys.
Florrie Making a Difference this Christmas
We think Florrie is really going to be ‘Making a Difference’ this Christmas and her generous and selfless act has resulted in her being awarded the prized badge. Florrie told Mr Bayne that she is going to be asking people to give her Christmas presents as normal but wants them to label them boy or girl so that she can take them (unopened) to be given to other boys and girls who are not as fortunate as she is. A fantastic example to us all. Well done Florrie.
Cash for Kids Launch
A huge thank you to our friends from the wonderful TFM Cash For Kids Mission Christmas Campaign who came into school to launch this year’s Christmas Appeal. Last year was a huge success and we hope that we can surpass the fantastic effort made by our generous community last Christmas. Each form will be allocated a box to decorate and fill with donations of toys (new, unwrapped, any age group, any size and value) and a prize will be given to the form who delivers the best box. Bobbie Chapman said: “Every year we receive an astonishing amount of applications for gifts and this year we are hoping to help 48,000 local children across the North East.” “The support we receive every year is overwhelming and we couldn’t complete our mission without schools like Cundall Manor helping. For the last three years, the students and teachers have supported Cash for Kids by generously donating gifts. These gifts will go to local children and young adults who aren’t as fortunate. Not only does this make the children we help believe in the magic of Christmas, it also lets them know that someone cares.” Adding: “Thank you for supporting Cash for Kids Mission Christmas again, we couldn’t do it without you.”
Speech Day
A renowned record producer recently set about inspiring the next generation with his rousing story of opportunity and overcoming adversity. Robin Millar CBE was the special Guest Speaker at Cundall Manor School’s annual prize-giving ceremony. Robin, who has produced 44 No.1 hits and over £400 million of sales worldwide, spoke eloquently of the need for everyone to seize the opportunity in front of them while detailing his journey through the music industry. Robin also talked about his progressive blindness and how that affected him from an early age. Robin has a condition called Retinitis Pigmentosa and was registered blind at age 16 with no sight since 1985. He initially trained in law before his love of music provided him with a rewarding career in the business. During his speech, Robin encouraged pupils to overcome any adversity life throws at them and become more resilient while also giving back to their community. Charity plays a big part in Robin’s life and he spoke movingly about the value of standing up for causes you believe in and doing the right thing. Robin has Chaired fundraising Committees for the British Lung Foundation, Artists Against Apartheid, Oxfam and UNHCR and has raised £30m through a series of campaigns and events. He is a former Patron and Creative Chair of Unite for UNICEF, and Patron of the UNHCR ‘Voices for Darfur’ Appeal. He is a long-time trustee of the Vietnamese Boat Peoples’ Appeal. Robin, who is Executive Chairman of Blue Raincoat Chrysalis Group, one of the UK’s best known independent music companies, representing the music of 200 artists, including Tina Turner, Blondie and Ultravox, was made a CBE in 2010. Headmistress Amanda Kirby thanked Robin for his wonderful speech. She said: “It was wonderful to give Robin a warm Cundall welcome. Robin’s CV speaks for itself, but his enthusiasm and message of opportunity and resilience are fantastic messages for all our pupils to hear.” Chair of Governors, Sir Thomas Ingilby also spoke alongside Head Boys, Freddie and Caspar and Head Girls, Phoebe and Violet. A full awards presentation followed celebrating another wonderful year in the school’s 60- year history. More photos on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CundallManor/
Cundall pupils join the fight against Cancer
Hundreds of pupils from a North Yorkshire School braved bracing January winds and difficult cross-country terrain as they completed the Cancer Research Race for Life. Cundall Manor School held the event on Tuesday 11 January, with pupils as young as FOUR and as old as 13 taking part in the race. The youngsters braved the blustery January weather to take on cancer and walk, jog or run in aid of Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work. To help the pupils prepare, teachers have been using specially created resources by the charity which includes everything needed to stage the event as well as top fundraising tips. Louise Bessey, Head of Girls’ Games at Cundall Manor School, said: “The Race for Life is a great addition to the school timetable. The whole school community is supporting the event so it will be a real team effort, all whilst raising money for a wonderful cause. “Most of us know someone who has been affected by cancer and we all have our special reasons for taking part and wanting to help more people survive.” Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring series of events which raises millions of pounds every year to help fund vital research. Schools across the UK are being invited to hold their own Race for Life events in aid of the charity. They can choose a day that fits with the term calendar and pick a distance which suits the age and abilities of all pupils. Rachel Carr, head of Race for Life, said: “Race for Life Schools is a fantastic way to have fun, get fit and save lives. Young people today are the generation who could see ground-breaking treatments and cures for cancer in their lifetime. They will be the researchers and lifesavers of tomorrow. But first, we need them to be the fundraisers of today – and walk, jog and run to help beat cancer sooner.” For more information on the Race For Life at Cundall Manor School and to see more photos from the event visit the school Facebook page.
The Form 6 Chateau Trip
By Archie Powell – Main School Head Boy It was on the night of the 1stof October 2016 that Form 6 embarked on a year defining trip to France. The trip would last a week and would be filled with amazing activities that were designed to teach us what we are capable of under-pressure, (and yes, I do mean being asked to speak French). As Form 6 said goodbye to their parents that night, it was then that we realised that we were never going to forget the journey that lay ahead of us, (and I don’t mean the coach trip). One of the most memorable moments of the trip was the emotional visit to the D-Day Landings memorial at Gold Beach. It was captured by British and Allied Forces in order to build a makeshift harbor that would allow ships to bring supplies into mainland Europe from America and Britain. Once we had learned about how the harbour was built and how much of a key role it played in the liberation of Europe, we visited the nearby three-hundred-sixty degree cinema where we watched a film made from eyewitness accounts of D-Day from the French people of the time. The film was deeply moving and helped us to understand the importance of June 6th1944 as not only a day that went down in history but also a day that secured the future of the entire world. The day was rounded off with a perspective-setting visit to a Military Cemetery that reminded all the pupils that those men and women gave their today, so that we could enjoy ours. The whole trip was extremely interesting and exciting. I’m sure that it will stay as one of the best weeks in Form 6’s time at Cundall. By Charlie Banks – Main School Head Girl On the night we set off to France, everyone wore big smiles and even though it was midnight and no one could lift their suitcases, everyone was excited for the trip. By the time we were about 2 hours into the journey we realised what time it was and fell asleep. When we arrived, it was the afternoon the next day. On the first day, we had a tour around the chateau and had some food which was so different and tasty (except from the snails obviously!) Then we were split into groups to do activities with. During the week we made bread, which was a lot of fun, had an interesting French lesson, had fun canoeing, especially when we capsized a few times, and finally completed the Mud Run. The clue is in the name with the Mud Run – a lot of mud, obstacles and running but mountains of fun. On Tuesday we visited a French market and bought nearly everything there, then we went to see the Bayeux tapestry which was fascinating and went on and on and on! On Thursday, we went to ‘Mont Saint Michel’ which was absolutely beautiful and truly breathtaking. Last but not least we went to the Normandy memorial cemetery which was very emotional and nearly everyone was crying. To see some more of the Chateau Trip 16/17 pictures, visit the Cundall Manor School Flickr page atwww.flickr.com/photos/cundallmanorschool/albums/72157674806472382