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.

Congratulations to Max and James, who have both been awarded scholarships to Shrewsbury School for Sixth Form. Following a rigorous series of physical assessments, Max achieved the Headmaster’s Award for Rowing, recognising his exceptional commitment and performance. James was awarded an Academic Scholarship, reflecting his outstanding academic achievement.

Huge congratulations to both pupils on these well-deserved successes.

Cundall Manor is delighted to celebrate Minnie’s selection for the Junior World Cup with the U21 Women’s Hockey Team.

Minnie joined Cundall in Year 5 already playing club hockey for Thirsk Hockey Club, and it didn’t take long for her passion for the sport to flourish during Games at school. She soon began representing Cundall across multiple disciplines — swimming at the ISA Finals at the Olympic Pool, and competing in (and winning) both the Loretto Hockey Tournament and the ISA Hockey National Championships twice in succession in 2015 and 2016, finishing with a clean sheet across all six games.

She went on to reach the National Finals at Loughborough, where her team narrowly missed out on victory after a tense penalty shootout. In her final year at Cundall, Minnie and her teammates secured second place in the National U16 Finals — an outstanding achievement made even more impressive as they were an U15 side. Although her school hockey career was cut short by the pandemic, Minnie had already made a lasting impact.

During her time at Cundall, Minnie’s talent and determination propelled her rapidly through the England Hockey performance pathway. Alongside her club hockey for Thirsk, she earned selection for the County team, the Talent Academy, and ultimately the England U13 Lions and England U16 National Age Group Squads — all by the age of just 14. Her journey has since been echoed by current Cundall pupil Alistair Broadwith, now part of the England U16 set-up, along with two other pupils, Imogen and Molly, who are currently playing in the Sheffield Talent Academy squad.

After completing her A Levels at Repton School, Minnie continued her hockey journey across the Atlantic, joining the University of Virginia and representing the Virginia Cavaliers Field Hockey Team. She has since returned to the UK, studying International Media and Communications at the University of Nottingham while continuing to compete at an elite level.

Now, as Minnie prepares to take to the world stage in Chile for the Junior World Cup, the entire Cundall community celebrates her remarkable journey. Her dedication, resilience and passion for sport continue to inspire the next generation of Cundall pupils to follow their dreams — both on and off the field.

We look forward to welcoming her back to hear all about her World Cup experience, and we wish her every success as she proudly represents her country.

Name: Quentin England
Age: 21
House at Cundall: Tudors
Year Left: 2015

Senior School / College: St Aidan’s COfE High School

University: Florida State University

Current Occupation: Student Ambassador at Florida State University International Programs

Tell us a little about yourself, your job and where you are living?

After leaving Cundall almost 6 years ago, I now live in the United States and have done so for 3 years. I’m studying Criminology at Florida State University (FSU) and I’m in my 4^th and final year of undergraduate studies. After I graduate, I hope to stay on to pursue a Master’s in Media & Communication studies at FSU. I’ve been working for the university’s International Programs office for 2 years now, helping provide opportunities for students to study abroad all across the world, including at Florida State’s satellite campus in London!

What did you do after you left Cundall?

I attended St. Aidan’s CofE High School to study my A-Levels. I achieved 3 A-Levels: English Language, UK Government & Politics, and Statistics. After my 2 years at St. Aidan’s, I moved to London and completed my first year as a student at Florida State at their satellite campus in Bloomsbury. In Autumn 2018 I moved to Florida and have resided here for almost 3 years now!

How did you get to where you are now?

In my last few years at Cundall, I always wondered what it’d be like to go to university in the United States. My dad and I visited FSU’s London campus, whilst I was in Thornton, for a tour. That really started the ball rolling and when it came time to apply for university, I didn’t even fill out the UCAS application form– much to the disbelief of my peers at St. Aidan’s. From there it’s been one thing after another really and the next thing I know, I’m in my fourth and final year of completing my undergraduate degree.

What are your fondest memories of Cundall?

My fondest memories are of the events Cundall hosted that you wouldn’t find anywhere else. From the annual Go-Kart Racing competition and Trebuchet challenge to the one-time Potato Gun competition, Cundall hosted unique events that really help underpin the incredible time I had whilst at Cundall.

What do you do in your spare time?

I’m lucky enough to study at an institution that houses 40,000 students. One advantage of which means there’s no shortage of unique and engaging student organisations. Most of my spare time involves working for my various roles. Whether that be in my capacity as a Student Senator within our Student Government Association, as a Vice-President of the Garnet & Gold Key Leadership Society, or my job as a Student Ambassador for the university’s International Programs office, there’s always something to be doing!

What advice would you give to current pupils?

I overcame a lot of challenges to get to where I am today and so the only advice I would want to share is to never give up on your dreams, believe in yourself with confidence, and lead with your best foot forward.

Name: Matt Greenwood
Age: 19
House at Cundall: Norman’s
Year Left: 2018

Senior School / College: Motorsport UK Academy

Current Occupation: Racing Driver and Company Owner

Tell us a little about your job, what you did after Cundall and how you got to where you are now?

After winning the Britcar Endurance Championship in 2018 whilst completing my GCSE’s at Cundall I was then signed as a Strakka Mercedes AMG Junior Development Driver at the start of 2019. Two years on I have just completed a very successful season competing with BMW Team Walkenhurst Motorsport in the NLS (formerly VLN) Championship around the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany. We are looking at an extremely exciting race programme for this year, planning to bring some of my racing back to the UK.

After moving on from Cundall in 2018 I was offered a place in the Motorsport UK Academy. This meant moving away from home to Loughborough to complete the 2-year course. In 2020 I graduated from the programme with 2 Distinction Star’s and a Diploma in Sporting Excellence. After we had graduated from the academy, with Covid just emerging and the uncertainty of what the future held I took an opportunity to start my own Car and Van Leasing Company with my best friend. The company is called Champion Car Leasing, and it has proved to be the right decision for us.

What are your fondest memories of Cundall?

When moving away from Cundall and making new friends from all over the country there is a common theme that most of my friends did not enjoy school, but I have always been in a unique position thanks to Cundall and able to say I loved going to school!

What do you do in your spare time?

With many very exciting opportunities on the horizon for both my racing career and business, I spend the majority of my time focusing on developing myself and the company to achieve great success in the future.

Alex Grant Allan is a Scotland international rugby union player. He is now Head Coach at Hong Kong Scottish; and forwards coach for the Hong Kong international side. He previously played for Glasgow Warriors in the Pro14. He played primarily at loose head prop.

Name: Alex Allan
DofB: 1992
House at Cundall: Stuarts
Year Left: 2005

Senior School / College: Sedbergh School

University: Loughborough Uni/ Edinburgh Napier

Current Occupation: Rugby Player

Tell us a little about yourself, your job and where you are living?

I am currently living in Glasgow and play rugby for the Glasgow Warriors team in the Pro14 and the Champions Cup. I have been at Glasgow for 4 years, and have 73 caps for the club and a further 4 caps for Scotland at loose head prop. I have just completed a degree in Quantity Surveying, which I have been studying part-time alongside my rugby commitments.

What did you do after you left Cundall?

I left Cundall and went to Sedbergh for 5 years, I then went to Loughborough University to study Quantity Surveying and spent 2 years there playing for the first team before I was offered a contract with Edinburgh Rugby. After 2 years in the capital and having moved my degree to Edinburgh Napier to study part-time I moved west to Glasgow where we won the Pro14 in my first year at the club. I got my first cap for Scotland in 2014 in a win against USA and have since played against Argentina, Georgia and Fiji.

How did you get to where you are now?

I have been lucky enough to be in a competitive team with experienced and knowledgeable coaches from a young age. Cundall provided me with the facilities, coaching and time to allow me to develop as an individual on and off the pitch. It allowed me to grow in confidence in the classroom and on the pitch and learn how to work as part of a team to achieve an end goal.

What are your fondest memories of Cundall?

My fondest memories of Cundall would have to be the boarding. I started Cundall age 9 and would board twice a week (tuck shop nights). I also loved the sporting opportunities, and played in some competitive rugby, football and tennis teams under Mr Sample! Climbing Ben Nevis with Mr Phillips was also a highlight. I also began to enjoy Maths while at Cundall with lessons from Miss Stroud, which probably led to my degree choice.

What do you do in your spare time?

Play golf, travel around Scotland, walk my dogs and read.

Follow Alex on Twitter @alexallan10

Images kindly provided by SNS PIX and the SRU. Interviewed in April 2018.