New headmaster at Cundall Manor School
Simon Weale has begun working as the new headmaster at Cundall Manor School, an independent school, catering for boys and girls between the ages of two and 16 years, situated on a 28-acre site in the Vale of York, between Ripon and Thirsk in North Yorkshire.
Weale is an experienced independent school headmaster. Since 2020 he has been the director of Bishop Cotton School, an independent boarding schools in India accredited by the Cambridge International examination board. Previously, Weale was headmaster of Shebbear College in Devon for six years, a co-educational independent day and boarding school for children aged from two to 18.
He has held posts at the Judd School in Tonbridge, Latymer Upper School and Reigate Grammar School, where he was head of sixth form, before being appointed deputy head master at Brentwood School. Weale has a degree in modern history from Keble College, Oxford.
He is married to Rebecca, a communications specialist, and they have two daughters and a son.
Weale said: “Rebecca and I are thrilled to be joining Cundall… I believe strongly in the warm-hearted and holistic education offered by the school. Our children thrived in a similar rural co-educational setting where they were known as individuals and encouraged by teachers with genuine ambition for them. This helped them to develop their self-confidence and emotional intelligence and gave them a desire to grasp the opportunities that life has given them. Cundall pupils are privileged to grow up in such inspirational, healthy and supportive surroundings which allow them to enjoy their childhood and prepare for life beyond school. I am determined to build on the fantastic work already being done at the school, and from my own experiences both in the UK and internationally, to ensure an ambitious and truly world class offer that rewards the investment by families and ensures our pupils become successful, principled and proactive global citizens.”
Weale is a keen sportsman who gained three Blues for cricket at Oxford and twice won the cricket National Club Championship with Teddington CC. He played representative hockey and junior club rugby. He is also a keen nature lover and historian and writes published articles regularly on his interests including his educational philosophy and experiences.