ACADEMIC RESULTS
At Cundall Manor School, academic success is built on far more than examination preparation alone. Our pupils achieve exceptional outcomes because they are known individually, supported personally and encouraged to develop confidence, curiosity and resilience throughout their education.
We are proud to be the top-performing independent school in North Yorkshire (Attainment 8) Government League Tables 2025 looking at the results of 8 subjects — a significant achievement that reflects both the strength and breadth of a Cundall education.
2026
GCSE RESULTS
Congratulations to Cundall Manor’s class of 2026 who have achieved very strong results in their GCSE exams. Bucking the national trend, the overall percentage for pass grades has risen from last year’s 86% to 93% (compared to 67% nationally where the pass rate has fallen).
Cundall pupils averaged nine pass grades (9-4) each. Everyone passed Maths GCSE and Science, matching last year’s perfect record in English Language.
Cundall’s top performer was separate scientist James who has been at the school since nursery and placed himself in the top 0.1% in the country by achieving an extraordinary ten Grade 9s (that also included Further Maths and Computing). He will now move on to Shrewsbury School on an Academic Scholarship. Others such as Elsie, Mollie P, Rainia and Charlie K head to selective Sixth Forms such as Ripon Grammar and St Peter’s with excellent grades (44% of grades were 9-7).
Pupil Spotlights
Offering twenty-two different subjects at GCSE, the school supports a vast range of interest and ambition.
Thornton leave us not only with strong GCSEs, but with a much clearer sense of who they are, what they can achieve and the path they want to pursue next. The Class of 2026 is a wonderful example of that breadth of opportunity available at Cundall, with achievements spanning academics, sport and the creative and performing arts.
‘The range of achievement amongst this relatively small cohort is astonishing. Each one of them has made their mark on the school and most importantly they are a delightful bunch.
They have all had the space to grow and find themselves, the opportunity to develop their leadership skills and they have all found a champion to support them. I am confident that the careful and bespoke support they have received at Cundall during their GCSE years will allow them to take on the world’.
SIMON WEALE, HEADMASTER
This year, every Year 11 pupil at Cundall passed GCSE Maths and Science matching last year’s perfect record in English Language.
Among the many success stories are:
- James, The school’s top performer – separate scientist James who has been at the school since nursery and placed himself in the top 0.1% in the country by achieving an extraordinary ten Grade 9s (that also included Further Maths and Computing) and will now move on to Shrewsbury School on an Academic Scholarship.
- Ali, who has this year captained the England U16 hockey team and will now move on to sixth form having achieved eight Grade 8s and 9s in his chosen A Level subjects PE, Biology & Business Studies.
- Molly and Josh, who both achieved 100% of their grades at 9–7, including Separate Sciences, and are heading to St Peter’s and York College respectively.
- Molly and Ilana who both joined from local schools during the course of Year 10, achieved 17 passes between them including a pair of Grade 9s in Art. Mollie is also in the England regional pathways hockey squad where she has trained alongside Head Girl Immy.
- Rainia, who achieved 100% 9–6 and took 10 GCSEs including Further Maths. She achieved 9s and 8s in her chosen A Level subjects and is heading to St Peter’s.
- Amos, who has been awarded two Performing Arts Scholarships to Bootham and selected to join the National Youth Theatre this year.
The staff and pupils should be incredibly proud of the hard work, commitment and effort that have gone into achieving these fantastic results. It is clear that the excellent attendance at our extra Saturday lessons throughout the year has really paid off.
The individual attention and support that each pupil receives clearly makes a real difference, helping every child to reach their potential. We are incredibly proud to be a school where ‘every child matters’, and these results are a wonderful reflection of that ethos.
IAN SWANNELL, HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL
Senior School
GCSE Options
Discover the difference a Cundall education can make
Our purpose is to provide a happy, safe and stimulating environment where all pupils are valued and achievements are celebrated. With small class sizes, personalised support and expert teaching across a broad curriculum, each child is empowered to reach their full potential.