ethos
The school teaches 'The Cumnor Way' — courage, endeavour, integrity, belief, and compassion. The group motto is 'We Can't Sit Still'. The new head, Cameron Jones (taking over September 2025), describes Cumnor House as 'a busy, buzzy, friendly and diverse school' with a 'great sense of belonging', underpinned by integrity and good manners. He emphasises preparing pupils for the future and imparting soft skills. A newly appointed digital and innovation lead sits alongside traditional teaching methods such as cooking over a firepit.
teaching
Sciences are taught separately by specialist teachers. The curriculum includes core subjects, critical thinking, D&T, art, music, swimming, and outdoor food tech. Preparation for 11+ begins with timetabled sessions from Year 5; all children from Year 3 access the Learning by Questions online platform. Those preparing for 13+ receive practice tests, subject revision, and booster groups. Senior school guidance starts in Year 4, with individual parent meetings and speakers from a range of senior schools from Year 3. A large cohort go to Whitgift annually, with Trinity School closely behind; last year's leavers went to 19 different schools, with 48 pupils securing scholarships.
pastoral
Daily tutor time offers a regular check-in, and tutors meet fortnightly one to one with every child. A wellbeing lead runs class wellbeing sessions and staffs a wellbeing centre daily during tutor time. A safeguarding hub provides a private space for staff to arrange conversations for pupils who need them. Every boy has a 'big brother' from an older year group. The house system (five houses) involves pupil captains in fundraising for chosen charities; house points ('Cumnor Credits') can be exchanged for rewards including pizza with the head or a day at the beach. A hard-working PTA supports initiatives including the cross-school Global Be Well Day.