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