INSPIRING EXCELLENCE
Senior School: Years 7-11
Cundall Manor offers an exceptional education. We are an all-round school, excelling in academics, sports and the creative arts. At Cundall, all our pupils are challenged, inspired, and well supported. We tailor our teaching to meet the individual needs of every pupil and encourage them to become passionate, innovative problem solvers and proactive global citizens, ready to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead.
“We offer a top-class GCSE programme, with 21 GCSE subjects available – much like larger schools. We therefore have excellent staff-to-pupil ratios and far greater opportunities for each pupil to receive individual attention.”
Headmaster, Simon WealeAN EXCEPTIONAL EDUCATION
Academic Excellence
Our comprehensive approach combines academic excellence, pastoral care and a wealth of sporting and creative opportunities within a broad and balanced curriculum. We tailor our teaching methods to meet the individual needs of each pupil, ensuring they receive the support and guidance necessary to excel.
We are proud of our academic record, and we have a long history of success in public examinations. We also have a strong tradition of sporting excellence, and our pupils regularly compete at national and international levels. In addition, we offer a wide range of creative opportunities, including music, drama, and art.
Cundall Manor takes pride in preparing pupils for their next steps, whether that’s entry into leading independent senior schools, local sixth forms, or other prestigious pathways.
BUILDING CONFIDENCE
YEAR 7,8
Years 7 and 8 are about settling into Senior School, building confidence and discovering new interests. Pupils continue to develop their skills across the curriculum while taking part in a full programme of sporting fixtures, competitions, clubs and enrichment activities. Sporting opportunities extend beyond school, with U13 sports tours to Loretto and the chance to join international tours, including Barbados in 2027.
Residential experiences and outdoor adventures become an important part of Senior School life. Pupils have the opportunity to take part in a fully immersive French residential at a château in Normandy, as well as week-long residentials at the end of the academic year.
As the challenges grow, so does pupils’ independence. In Year 8, pupils tackle the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, preparing them for the challenge of summiting Ben Nevis in Year 9. These experiences build resilience and self-belief, encouraging pupils to try new things, discover their strengths and make the most of opportunities beyond the classroom.
FINDING YOUR DIRECTION
YEAR 9
Year 9 marks an important stage in a pupil’s Cundall journey, as they begin to look ahead and make decisions about their GCSE subjects. Pupils are supported in understanding their strengths and interests, with guidance to help them make informed choices about the subjects they want to pursue. They are taught by specialist teachers in a number of GCSE subjects, giving them greater insight into each subject and helping them make informed choices about their future studies.
The year also brings new opportunities for challenge and independence. Every pupil completes the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Bronze level, developing practical skills through volunteering, physical activity, a chosen skill and an expedition. Alongside this, pupils continue to represent the school across a full programme of sporting fixtures and take part in increasingly ambitious trips and residential experiences such as heading to Glencoe Adventure Activity Centre to climb Ben Nevis.
FOCUS & ACHIEVEMENT AT GCSE
GCSE Programme: Years 10 & 11
“A calmer, more focused GCSE environment with more teaching, more support, and better outcomes.”
At Cundall, the GCSE years are an exciting opportunity for pupils to focus on the subjects they enjoy, discover where their strengths lie and begin shaping their own academic path. Our GCSE Programme combines a strong academic core with an extensive choice of 23 subjects, allowing every pupil to build a programme that reflects their individual interests and ambitions.
All pupils study English Language, English Literature and Mathematics, alongside either Separate Sciences, leading to three GCSEs, or Combined Science, leading to two GCSEs. Pupils then select four additional subjects from a broad range of options, including Art, Business Studies, Computer Science, Design Technology, Drama, French, Further Mathematics, Geography, History, Music, Physical Education, Religious Studies, Spanish and Textiles.
As GCSE examinations approach, pupils benefit from an exceptional level of individual academic support. Small teaching groups and excellent staff-to-pupil ratios mean teachers know each pupil’s strengths, areas for development and individual targets, providing highly focused, subject-specific guidance throughout their GCSE studies.
Alongside lessons, pupils have additional daily revision sessions, access to Saturday morning revision and specialist workshops during the Easter holidays. Pupils remain in school during the final weeks before examinations begin, giving them continued access to their subject teachers for targeted revision, individual questions and expert guidance right up to their exams.
OUTSTANDING PASTORAL CARE
The Team around the pupil
Pastoral care at Cundall is exceptional. Every staff member – whether serving lunch, leading a lesson, or greeting pupils on the school bus – plays a role in ensuring each child feels valued, respected, and safe. We take great pride in knowing our pupils as individuals.
We have a dedicated on-site Learning Support team, Wellbeing Teacher, and on-site Nurse, supporting pupil wellbeing every step of the way.
Sporting Excellence
We have a strong tradition of sporting excellence, and our pupils regularly compete at national and international level. We offer a wide range of sports, including football, rugby, hockey, netball, cricket, athletics and tennis. Sport plays a central role in Senior School life. Physical Education remains a core part of the timetable throughout the school, including for those studying GCSE.
Flexi & Weekly Boarding
Enrichments
After-school clubs deepen the academic and sporting curriculum with a range of classes that promote skills for life.
Healthy Prepared Food
Table manners and etiquette are encouraged daily in the dining hall, where pupils enjoy healthy, freshly prepared meals made by our chefs.
Extensive Grounds
Our 28-acre rural site offers space to play, explore and learn—fostering adventure, wellbeing and a love of the outdoors.
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.