We love to celebrate the people who make Kimbolton such a vibrant and caring community. This month, we caught up with Miss Rebekah E. Bell, our Assistant Head (Academic) at Kimbolton Prep School.
Q. What first attracted you to Kimbolton and your current role?
Five years ago, I heard there was a position coming up at Kimbolton Prep School at the tail end of the covid era. I was unable to come and tour the school so I spent hours poring over the website and every document I could find which mentioned Kimbolton School. The one thing that struck me was the sense of family. For me, Kimbolton is a family. A kind, caring and supportive family who genuinely love being here and have everyone’s best interests at heart. The move from Head of Maths at the Prep School to Assistant Head Academic at the Prep School was a move which excited me and still does. It is a privilege to teach and have even the smallest impact on a child’s educational journey.
Q. What’s been a highlight of your career so far?
One of my highlights has been the role of a form tutor. I have so many wonderful memories sitting on bean bags with Year 6; curled up reading a story with the children. Seeing the children’s faces is magical when you close the book and leave them wanting more.
Q. What do you enjoy most about working with pupils at Kimbolton?
Our children are incredibly special. They are the kind of children who thank you for lessons, without any prompting. They go above and beyond in everything they do. They have an amazing sense of humour which can leave you laughing until your stomach hurts.
Q. What does a typical day look like for you?
I get into school with my cup of tea, switch on the laptop and check my emails. I always look forward to 8:25am when I greet the children. After that, it is lessons and meetings. I try to get into as many lessons as I can, just because I love spending time with the children! Lunch is also a highlight as we sit together and I get to hear the weekend sport results or the latest news about piano pieces they have learnt. There may be a duty or two in there-these are also great fun. They can vary from standing like penguins to administering some first aid. At the end of school, if I am not doing a club, then I settle back down with a cup of tea and catch up on some paperwork. Eventually I will head home to greet my Border Collie, Cwtch. He always gives the best cuddles!
Q. If you could sum up Kimbolton in three words, what would they be?
Family. Special. Home.
Q. What advice would you give to a pupil just starting their Kimbolton journey?
Just go with it – embrace every opportunity.
Kimbolton is a busy school-a school of opportunities! Relish the fun, the learning, the activities, the friendships, the challenges. Enjoy every moment of it all. You will be surrounded by people who care for you and want to help you along this exciting adventure that is ‘Kimbolton School’.
