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

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.

This year saw the launch of the inaugural Cundall Open—a new golf competition set to become an annual event. Held at the stunning Rudding Park Golf Club, the day brought together players of all ages for some fun and friendly competition on a challenging course.

Congratulations to our first individual champion, Paul C, and to the winning team: Ollie C, Nick J, Matt B, and Paul C. With golf now part of our enrichment programme from Pre-Prep to Thornton, we look forward to seeing the event grow year on year. See you at the 2026 Cundall Open!

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

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

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!

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.

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.

Huge congratulations to Annie, Eliza who play for the York City Academy U16s squad and have won the Junior Premier League North Title during the Easter break. We are especially proud of Annie and Eliza for the part they played in such a memorable season. A fantastic effort and an experience they will carry with them for years to come.

The team’s success came after an incredible run of victories against Sunderland, Durham, and Leeds United. Their consistency and determination saw them edge out reigning champions Durham by just a single point to secure the title.

After a week of back-to-back matches they headed straight to Warwick for the National Championship Finals. There, the team produced a brilliant performance but were narrowly beaten by AFC Bournemouth in a hard-fought contest.