Sports

Sport at Cundall

Cundall Manor has always had a strong sporting reputation, it is one of the many reasons parents choose Cundall for their child’s education. Our sports staff are not only skilled experts in their field but also passionate sportspeople who encourage pupils to be just as enthusiastic as they are, about playing, training and competing.

Cundall recognises the many benefits of health and well-being for pupils who participate in physical exercise. Our pupils play on average a minimum of 6 hours of sports a week, with timetabled games lessons and fixtures. Our pupils learn patience, resilience and teamwork as well as understanding the importance of working hard and collaboratively with their peers.

Throughout the school year, girls will be playing hockey, netball, football, cross country, swimming, cricket, rounders, tennis and athletics. Boys will have the opportunity to play rugby, cross country, football, hockey, swimming, rugby sevens, cricket, tennis and athletics.

Rugby

Rugby is a core boys’ sport at Cundall Manor, played from Year 3 onwards, with many teams competing on the North Yorkshire independent schools’ fixture circuit.

The sport helps boys to develop key skills while fostering discipline and a strong work ethic. From Year 7, they train and compete up to four times a week, building both ability and a real sense of team spirit. Many of our players continue their rugby journey into sixth form and university, and some go on to pursue the sport even further — something of which we are particularly proud.

Cundall Manor also enjoys a highly competitive inter-house rugby competition, which never fails to generate great excitement, healthy rivalry, and camaraderie across the school.

Hockey

Cundall Manor is proud of its outstanding hockey players, and our teams are the envy of many schools. Our Head of Girls’ Games, Mrs Bessey, takes great pride in the numerous championships the girls have won over the years and is a passionate advocate for the sport.

Hockey is a core sport for girls in the Michaelmas Term and for boys in the Lent Term. In addition to local school fixtures, we also compete at county level, with many of our pupils representing their chosen sport at this stage. We are especially proud that one of our pupils is currently part of the U16 England Hockey squad. Whatever their ability, every pupil has the opportunity to enjoy and take part in team hockey.

Our coaches and teaching staff work tirelessly to ensure that hockey is accessible and enjoyable for all pupils. The teamwork and leadership skills developed on the pitch remain with pupils throughout their school careers, and many go on to pursue sporting scholarships in the sixth form.

Football

Both boys and girls enjoy taking part in football fixtures across the North Yorkshire circuit. Many of our pupils also play for local clubs, with some even going on to help their teams become Junior League Champions.

Netball

Netball is the main girls’ sport in the Lent term, with pupils across all year groups enjoying regular games lessons and weekly fixtures.

With five outdoor courts, we run an extensive fixture list and aim to field A and B teams (and C teams where possible). Pupils benefit from specialist coaching, small-group clinics for position-specific skills, break-time shooting sessions, and strong links with local clubs, all of which help develop technical and tactical understanding while opening pathways to county and franchise level netball.

Cricket

Cundall Manor grounds are perfect for a sensational cricket experience. Cricket is popular with both girls and boys.
Our cricket pavilion is a great focus for visitors who come to support matches in the summer term.
Inter school fixtures take place in the summer term, allowing students of all abilities the opportunity to compete.
Cundall Manor has two full-size pitches and three junior cricket pitches that are used throughout the term to perfect fielding and batting skills. When not playing in a match our pupils can practice at the nets.

Athletics & Cross Country

Cross country is enjoyed by pupils from Years 3 to 11 during the Michaelmas and Lent terms, with the school taking part in both area competitions and inter-school fixtures. Several Cundall pupils proudly represent North Yorkshire in county competitions and continue to develop their talent at club level.

Athletics takes place in the summer term, giving pupils the opportunity to experience a wide range of track and field events. A highlight of the season is Sports Day, a much-loved event in the Cundall Manor calendar, which brings together pupils, staff, families and friends for a wonderful celebration of sporting achievement.

Swimming

Cundall Manor pupils swim in our indoor heated swimming pool and pupils from Reception enjoy swimming lessons throughout the year.

Many Cundall pupils are competitive swimmers who compete at club and county level. Pupils enter the ISA swimming competition every year in the Olympic sized pool in London.

All pupils take part in our exciting inter-house swimming gala which his a memorable day for all involved.