This week, Kimbolton School marked Holocaust Memorial Day through a programme of thoughtful, pupil-centred activities designed to encourage reflection, learning and hope for the future.

On Tuesday, pupils were invited to visit the Orangery during lunchtime, which had been transformed into a Gallery of Remembrance. This calm, reflective space gave pupils the opportunity to pause, reflect and contribute their own messages of remembrance, which were placed on a light-up tree. Pupils also took part in creating the Flame of Unity, the national symbol for Holocaust Memorial Day this year, by adding purple fingerprints — a collective act representing solidarity, remembrance and shared responsibility.

Across the school, tutor groups have been contributing to a collaborative Chain of Hope activity. Each link represents an individual reflection, and when joined together, the chain forms a powerful symbol of unity and a shared commitment to standing against hatred, prejudice and discrimination. The completed chain will serve as a visual reminder of the importance of compassion, understanding and collective action.

As part of the week’s commemoration, a special assembly will be held on Friday and led by our Sixth Form students. The assembly will explore the significance of Holocaust Memorial Day, helping pupils to understand its historical context and reflect on why remembrance continues to matter today. Having students lead the assembly highlights the importance of young voices in keeping these lessons alive and ensuring they are carried forward into future generations.

Together, these activities reflect Kimbolton’s commitment to education that is thoughtful, values-driven and rooted in empathy — encouraging pupils not only to remember the past, but to consider their role in shaping a more inclusive and hopeful future.