Guardianship
Playing a vital role in our community
The importance of educational guardians
All international pupils under the age of 18, must have an appointed, UK-based educational guardian while studying with us.
This requirement is essential for enrolment and for visa sponsorship.
Guardians are a vital link between school, pupil, and parents.
Guardians must:
- Attend (or arrange a suitable representative to attend) parents’ evenings and school events, or ensure they are represented if unavailable
- Establish contact with the pupil’s tutor and pastoral team early in the term
- Live within 60 miles of Kimbolton School (or a specified travel time)
- Reside in the UK throughout the pupil’s enrolment
- Be at least 25 years old
- Not be enrolled in full-time education
- Hold a current enhanced DBS check (or international equivalent if recently relocated to the UK). This applies to all guardians and any other adults living in the guardian’s household. Parents must ensure this is in place before the pupil joins.
- Be legally able and reliable to act on behalf of parents
- Be responsible for caring for pupils during school holidays, our one exeat weekend, and in exceptional circumstances (e.g. illness, school closures, disciplinary matters)
- Act responsibly in emergencies or exceptional circumstances
- Co-ordinate and arrange travel, accommodation, and logistics for arrivals / departures and emergencies
- Be responsible for organising, booking, and overseeing pupil travel during term breaks
- Maintain regular communication with pupil, parents, and the school
- Engage with school life and foster a presence (visits / check-ins)
- Be available to escort pupils to/from airports or meet them at agreed points, where required
Please note
- The school reserves the right to request updated or additional safeguarding evidence at any time.
- If a guardian fails to engage or represent the family appropriately, the school reserves the right to request a replacement guardian or appoint a guardianship organisation
BSA certification
We hold membership in the Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA) Guardianship Scheme, which ensures that our guardians comply with nationally recognised safeguarding and care standards.
Parents may appoint guardians via accredited organisations (for example AEGIS, BSA). We encourage selection of guardians or agencies maintaining robust safeguarding policies.
Informing us of your arrangement
During the enrolment process, parents will receive a Guardianship Agreement Form to complete. Please return this with your pupil’s documentation.
If guardianship arrangements change during the pupil’s time at Kimbolton (e.g. relocation, change of guardian), please notify Admissions immediately with full updated details.
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M left Kimbolton this summer after five years as a boarder in White House, a chapter of her life that she already looks back on with huge fondness, and an experience that she recognises will prove invaluable as she prepares for the next stage in her education. Both she and our family are hugely grateful to the White House team whose commitment and hard work made her time there so special.
Parent of a boarder
