Cundall Manor School: Outstanding independent co-education in Yorkshire for ages 2–16. Join open morning 2025
As the new academic year begins, pupils at Cundall Manor School are privileged to enjoy a truly independent co-education experience from the ages of 2 to 16.
Recently shortlisted as ‘Co-educational school of the year 2025’, Cundall is a stand-alone school set in a stunning 25-acre campus in the beautiful Vale of York. The school is situated close to Junction 49 of the A1M which makes for an easy commute from Harrogate, Ripon, Thirsk and York.
In the Cundall tradition, the Autumn term will start off with a challenge – a triathlon open to all pupils from Year Three upwards that will make use of the extensive grounds and the school swimming pool.
Holistic approach
Cundall’s founder, Colonel Harry Beckhough, the famous WW2 Bletchley Park code-breaker, believed that his school should encourage pupils to develop the skills and confidence to solve the problems they will face in life. As such the Cundall curriculum is determinedly holistic with as many opportunities outside the classroom as within.
This philosophy applies right from the start as children in the nursery engage in weekly sessions with nature in the school’s own ‘wild wood’ whilst every child in the Prep enjoys weekly swimming lessons and the opportunity to play competitive team sports.
Academic success is an expectation of Cundall parents. As an ‘all through school’, primary age pupils at Cundall are taught by a range of subject specialists. Without the requirement of SATs, the curriculum is geared towards building skills that will lead to success at GCSE and beyond. Cundall pupils routinely achieve one grade better, on average, in each subject than standard tracking data would suggest. This year, every Year 11 pupil passed their GCSE English Language (the national pass rate was 61%) and 42% of all grades were at grade 7 or above. Cundall leavers are in demand at Sixth Form settings across Yorkshire and beyond because they are so confident, well rounded and adaptable.
Building lessons for life
As much as academic success is prized, the development of key personal qualities is vital to a Cundall education. The school recognises that strong interpersonal skills are ever more vital if we are not to be swamped by technology. Mobile phones are not allowed in school. Pupils eat lunch together in the cosy dining hall and build strong lifelong friendships with their peers of both sexes. The daily co-curricular enrichment programme also embraces the creative and performing arts as part of the extended school day. Cundall is known for the competitiveness of its sports teams that annually results in pupils achieving county and national selection in cricket, rugby and hockey.
In addition to a full range of residential trips which includes everyone summiting Ben Nevis by the end of Year Nine, a number of unique events build a sense of community – these include the Annual Go Kart race (an engineering competition in disguise) and the whole school trip to the beach at Beadnall Sands which celebrates the end of the school year.
Find out for yourself
Discover the difference at Cundall. Pupils are happy, compassionate, and confident individuals, encouraged to embrace every opportunity ahead. Experience this first-hand with a personalised tour or taster day by contacting the Admissions Team. Or join the next open morning on Friday 26 September 2025.