Cundall Manor School Welcomes New Headmaster, Mr Simon Weale

Cundall Manor School is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Simon Weale as Headmaster. Mr Weale is a highly experienced Independent School Headmaster with a demonstrable and impressive track record in whole school leadership both in the UK and Internationally.

Until December, Mr Weale served as Director of Bishop Cotton School, India’s top-ranked boys’ ‘legacy’ boarding school, as recognised by Education World magazine. Prior to this, he spent six years as Headmaster of Shebbear College in Devon, a co-educational independent day and boarding school whose ethos and size mirror that of Cundall Manor.

A graduate of Modern History from the University of Oxford, Mr Weale has held Headship and teaching positions at some of the UK’s leading independent schools, including Latymer Upper School, Brentwood School, and Reigate Grammar School, which has been awarded Sunday Times School of the Year for 2025.

Mr Weale is a strong advocate of UK independent education and speaking about Cundall Manor, Mr Weale said:

“The Cundall educational offer is determinedly warm-hearted and holistic. Our pupils thrive in a rural co-educational setting where they are known as individuals in small class sizes and are supported by teachers with genuine ambition for them. This helps them develop self-confidence, emotional intelligence, and a desire to seize the opportunities life presents.

Cundall pupils are privileged to grow up in inspirational surroundings, enjoy a healthy, sporty lifestyle, and benefit from an education that celebrates their childhood while preparing them for life beyond school. I am committed to building on the fantastic work already being done here and drawing on my experiences both in the UK and internationally to ensure an ambitious, world-class education that supports families’ investments and helps our pupils become successful, principled, and proactive global citizens.”

Mr Weale’s passion for education is complemented by his enthusiasm for sport and the outdoors. As a former Oxford cricketer with three Blues and a two-time National Club Championship winner with Teddington CC, he also played representative hockey and junior club rugby. He is a strong advocate for the role of extracurricular activities in fostering a well-rounded education and regularly writes published articles on educational philosophy, history, and his global teaching experiences.

During his teaching career, Mr Weale has led outdoor education initiatives, coached sports teams, and organised international school trips to destinations including North America, the Caribbean, Europe, and South East Asia. He has also developed exchange programmes connecting UK pupils with schools in France, India, South Africa, and Australia.

The Governors are delighted to have appointed an experienced and accomplished Headmaster in the form of Mr Weale, who is fully aligned with the values of our school. “During our search, we were adamant that the next Headmaster hold significant experience of whole school leadership and the Governors have been impressed by his immediate recognition of the opportunities that Cundall has to offer. We are confident that he will lead our school into the future with diligence, energy and enthusiasm”. Chair of Governors, Mrs Rachel Powell.

The entire Cundall Manor community warmly welcomes Mr Weale as he embarks on this exciting new chapter for the school.

This term, we warmly invite you to meet our Headmaster, teachers, and pupils to discover first-hand what makes our school truly unique.