Cathedral school to move out of Ripon in merger

Talks between Cundall Manor, near Harrogate and York and Ripon Cathedral Choir School are at advanced stage over creating a combined school “which will rival any in the North of England.”

It will be known as Ripon Cundall Manor School and will be located at the existing Cundall Manor site near Helperby, between Harrogate and York.

Staff and pupils from Ripon Cathedral Choir School will move over from the start of the autumn term in September 2012 under the leadership of Cundall’s new headmaster Richard Notman.

He said: “There is a genuine synergy here, the strengths of the two schools ideally complement one another, Cundall’s sporting excellence blends perfectly with Ripon’s outstanding expertise in music.

“It is of significant importance that both schools place great value on the individual child, knowing them well and bringing out the very best in each and every one, meaning the very valuable and established cultures of both schools – ensuring every child fulfils their potential in a nurturing environment - will continue.”

In a joint statement Sir Thomas Ingilby, chairman of governors for Cundall Manor School and The Very Rev Keith Jukes, Dean of Ripon Cathedral and governor for Ripon Cathedral Choir School: “It brings together the strengths of both schools across the academic, music, sports and arts arenas to make what we aim to be the leading independent school providing an outstanding education for boys and girls from ages three to 16-years-old.”

The deal will also see investment in new buildings and the existing facilities at Cundall to accommodate the increased pupil numbers which will include a new creative arts and music centre, and improved boarding and communal facilities.

Ripon Cundall Manor School will continue to provide an education for Ripon Cathedral’s young choristers.

Cundall Manor was created more than 50 years ago and has seen considerable growth in recent years with nearing 400 boys and girls aged between three and 16.

Ripon Cathedral Choir School was founded in 1960 and educates 74 children between the ages of three and 13.