Cundall Manor School

Cundall Manor opened in 1959 with ten pupils, after Lt Col Dr Harry Beckhough established a school at the Cundall estate. Its founding idea still shapes the character of the place: academic learning should help children handle life's problems and possibilities, not simply complete a syllabus. That gives the school a clear philosophical thread from its history into the present day.

The co-educational setting now combines day education with flexi-boarding across 28 acres between Ripon and Thirsk. Nursery pupils can continue through the senior years, with the senior school serving ages 11 to 16. The small scale is part of the model, keeping individual progress and character close to everyday school life.

Cundall's Character Curriculum joins academic work to wellbeing, personal development and lived experience. Its "dynamic education is best" approach uses activities to build resilience, confidence and practical life skills, while sport, social and leisure activities sit alongside GCSE study. The aim is an education in which what pupils do matters as much as what they revise.

Boarding is available from age seven to sixteen, with up to 38 places in a house at the heart of the main building. The routine includes supervised prep and evening activities. Admissions begin with a visit, tour or taster day, while nursery applicants can use Stay and Play sessions before registration.