Senior School newsletter – 16 October 2026
Issue 3/2026/27
Headmaster’s reflections
To smartphone or not to smartphone?
I have been very grateful for parents’ widespread engagement in our survey about smartphones on the Senior School site over the last fortnight. This is a debate that interests me personally very much. If you’ve seen me outside the Lewis Hall at drop-off, you may not be surprised to learn that, for me, school is all about personal connection and relationships.
Its heart is the connection that children have with teachers and the connection that children have with each other. The former is the magic stardust that makes learning fizz; the latter is the vital ingredient in social and emotional development. This connection is expressed through eye contact, open body language, smiles, warmth, easy chatter, play, laughter, and listening, and it creates proper engagement and relationships. Anything that is a barrier to it should be removed if it can be so that those relationships, learning and development can flourish. In my view, smartphones fall clearly into this category, and we would be doing our children a disservice if we did not remove them more effectively.
Our current policy is, as many of you felt, reasonably effective. It is policed well by staff. But we cannot be everywhere at once, and the policy is open to abuse in hidden corners of our estate (under trees!) and in toilets. Children simply find it very hard to ignore the tempting buzz in the pocket, or the urge to check socials when there is a down-moment. The idea that, on a beautiful site like ours, made for enjoying with friends, some children are disappearing to look at their phones is deflating, to say the least. We need a smartphone-free site.
I imagine that most parents could predict the different feedback themes that we received from the three groups that we surveyed! Teachers were virtually all for removal; pupils virtually all against it. (Both constituencies argued their cases eloquently.) Parents were split. You agreed that smartphones are creating significant challenges for wellbeing, social development and learning, and most supported a more phone-free school day for First to Fifth Forms. The debate was less about whether access should be restricted and more about how. Younger year-group parents favoured a brick-phone model, while older year-group parents were more likely to support Yondr pouches or stricter enforcement of our existing policy. Across all groups, however, you consistently emphasised the need for reliable school-parent communication around transport, fixtures and late changes, were we to change our policy.
This has been a hugely useful exercise and has given us plenty of helpful food for thought about the way that we move our approach forwards. I know that Dr Koch will be in touch again after half term to keep you up to date. In the meantime, I wish you and your families a very happy half term break and hope to see you at the KSPA fireworks if not before.
Finally, please look out for our parent survey after half term. I would be very grateful if you could take a few minutes to share your views; your feedback helps us understand what we are doing well and where we can improve.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Will Chuter
Headmaster
“On a beautiful site like ours, made for enjoying with friends, some children are disappearing to look at their phones.”
Will Chuter
Headmaster
Whole school updates
Fourth and Fifth Form: Elevate parent webinars this term
A quick reminder that Kimbolton School provides parents with access to Elevate Education’s Parent Webinar Series. These online sessions offer practical, research-based strategies to help support your child’s academic progress, organisation, motivation and wellbeing.
Fifth Form parents may recall the Elevate parent seminar delivered last year, while Fourth Form parents had the opportunity to attend a similar session earlier this term. The upcoming webinars provide an excellent opportunity to build on those ideas and gain further practical advice to support your child at home.
You can view further details and register for any of the webinars here:
Remaining sessions this term:
10 November, 6:00pm (UK time)
How You Can Help Your Child Prepare for Exams
24 November, 6:00pm (UK time)
How to Help Your Child Study with ADHD
15 December, 6:00pm (UK time)
How You Can Build Resilience in Your Child
We would encourage all parents to take advantage of these sessions, which offer valuable insights into supporting young people both academically and personally.
Kind regards,
Tom Pell
Head of Middle School
Choral Evensong
At 5.30pm on Wednesday 4 November at Southwell Minster, Nottinghamshire, Kimbolton School’s Chamber Choir will be contributing to the pattern of daily worship in this wonderful cathedral, singing the traditional office of Evensong. The music will include Herbert Howells’ Magnificat & Nunc Dimittis (Collegium Sancti Johannis Cantabrigiense) and Edgar Bainton’s evocative anthem And I saw a new heaven, which sets words from the Book of Revelation.
FREE ADMISSION, ALL WELCOME
Flu immunisations
The external flu immunisation team will be attending the Senior School on 3 & 20 November to administer flu immunisation to pupils in First to Fifth Forms with parental consent. We are unable to confirm which date your child will receive their immunisations, however if you know your child will be absent please let us know and we will inform the flu team.
Parents will receive direct communications from the flu team this year. It’s vital that parents complete the consent form process when invited to ensure we can minimise disruption to lessons on the day. If you wish to refuse consent this should be completed via the same form. Your child only requires one dose annually for full protection. If they have already received the immunisation please complete the form to refuse consent.
Any questions or concerns regarding the flu immunisations should be directed to Vaccination UK directly as the school acts as a venue for the external team.
Vaccination UK: 01480275422 or email cambsandpeterborough@v-uk.co.uk
Kind regards
Kimbolton School Nursing Team
Careers exploration, pathways and how to prepare now – Tuesday 3 November 7-8pm
The young people who thrive in an increasingly competitive world are those who understand their options, recognise opportunities and make purposeful choices early. This information-packed event will help you do exactly that for your child.
Join us to gain valuable insight into the opportunities available throughout Senior School, from subject choices and enrichment activities to university, apprenticeships and future career pathways. You’ll leave with practical knowledge, useful guidance and a clearer understanding of how to support your child in making informed decisions at every stage.
Parents play one of the most influential roles in shaping a young person’s aspirations, and this is a fantastic opportunity to ensure you have the information and confidence to help your child make the most of everything Kimbolton has to offer. A highly worthwhile event for any parent looking to give their child the best possible foundation for future success.
Kimbolton Castle Fireworks Show 2026 – book your tickets!
Enjoy an evening of family entertainment in the magnificent grounds of Kimbolton Castle, sponsored by Beacon Wealth Management Ltd.
With live music, a funfair, food village, licensed bar and DJ entertainment, there will be plenty to enjoy before the spectacular pyro-musical fireworks display from world-famous Titanium Fireworks Ltd.
The event offers over three hours of family-friendly entertainment, with discounted family tickets available. For an extra-special evening, the VIP package includes a private seated area, welcome fizz, food and drink.
VIP tickets are already 50% sold, and general admission tickets are selling quickly. Admission is by advance ticket only – no tickets will be available on the night.
Reminder: Meet the SLT – Saturday 7 November
Parents are warmly invited to meet our Senior Leadership Team in the Saloon on Saturday 7 November, from 9.30–11.00am.
Join us for an informal opportunity to chat with the team and ask questions. Refreshments will be served, and we look forward to seeing you there.
The Ian Knapp Fitness Suite – deadline today!
Following its successful opening this week, the Ian Knapp Fitness Suite is now fully operational.
Parents are warmly invited to look around during opening hours, 17:00–21:30, Monday to Friday.
We are also pleased to confirm that free pupil access has been extended until 18:00. The facility will soon welcome parents, staff and the local community alongside our pupils.
This magnificent new addition has been made possible through generous donations from parents, staff, Old Kimboltonians and governors, together with funding from the school’s capital projects budget.
To recognise this support, donors’ names will be etched into the glass wall and illuminated in purple ahead of the official opening celebration in November. If you would like your family’s name included, please make your donation by Friday 16 October.
