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 key link between school, pupil, and parents, and must:
- Act responsibly in emergencies or exceptional circumstances
- Establish contact with the pupil’s tutor and pastoral team early in the term
- Attend (or arrange a suitable representative to attend) parents’ evenings and school events, or ensure they are represented if unavailable
- Engage with the school and be responsive to communications
Guardians must:
- Guardians must live within 60 miles of Kimbolton School (or a specified travel time)
- Must reside in the UK throughout the pupil’s enrolment
- Guardians must be at least 25 years old
- Not enrolled in full-time education
- All guardians and any adults living in the guardian’s household must hold a current enhanced DBS check (or international equivalent if recently relocated to the UK). Parents must ensure this is in place before the pupil joins.
- The school reserves the right to request updated or additional safeguarding evidence at any time.
- Must be legally able and reliable to act on behalf of parents
- Guardians are responsible for caring for pupils during school holidays, our one exeat weekend, and in exceptional circumstances (e.g. illness, school closures, disciplinary matters)
- Must coordinate and arrange travel, accommodation, and logistics for arrivals / departures and emergencies
- Guardians must maintain regular communication with pupil, parents, and the school
- They must engage with school life and foster a presence (visits / check-ins)
- 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
- Guardians should be available to escort pupils to/from airports or meet them at agreed points, where required
- Responsible for organising, booking, and overseeing pupil travel during term breaks
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.
