Senior School newsletter – 1 May 2026
Issue 12/2025/26
Head’s welcome
What a glorious start to the term it has been, and how the sun helps us all get over the post-holiday blues and into the swing of another busy Summer Term!
All staff were fortunate to begin with excellent DEI training by Linbert Spencer OBE. I have enjoyed reflecting on his definition of inclusion as “an emotion that comes about when people feel respected, valued and safe, and so feel they belong, and are able to be their best selves and do their best work”. This is at the heart of all we are trying to achieve every day at Kimbolton for pupils and their families – the essence of our one school, one family ethos – and I am thrilled to be back in the middle of it.
The first Sports Day of the season was contested on Wednesday by our Fifth and Sixth Form pupils, bathed in the sort of light and warmth that the athletes of ancient Olympia would recognise. As ever, there was widespread involvement, outstanding effort, and passionate support for each House across a huge range of track and field events, culminating in the epic, tribal tug-of-war final. On this day, the overall winners on points for both girls and boys were Gibbards, who are making their own strong run to the finish line in the House Cup competition, which will be awarded on the last day of term. We look forward to Junior Sports Day, in the last week of term. You can view a gallery of images from Senior Sports Day here.
Our CCF Annual General Inspection has been a tremendous day of celebration of all things Kimbolton cadet, and a fitting send-off for our Upper Sixth NCOs. A day of showing off everything that we value the cadet force for is a powerful reminder of how many excellent qualities it helps build in young people: an appetite for adventure, resilience, discipline, leadership, teamwork, endeavour; the list goes on. I am grateful to our Reviewing Officer, Wing Commander Ian Clements (also parent of three Kimboltonians), who spoke warmly about the skill and commitment of our cadets, and to Contingent Commander Karen Dunn and her staff for their hard work. The day also provides a brilliant opportunity for enrichment: the First Form trip to Warwick Castle, Second Form to Whipsnade Zoo, Third Form project (‘Inventions that change the world’) and Lower Sixth teambuilding day were also a huge success.
The phoney war is over, much to the relief of Fifth and Upper Sixth pupils. GCSE and A-Level Art and MFL spoken exams began this week; pupils have responded magnificently. In my start of term assembly, I asked all pupils to channel the courage of the Artemis II astronauts as they approach their exams, internal or external, focusing on what they can control and not worrying about what they cannot. The atmosphere at this point is calm and upbeat; I hope it will last!
The school has responded very positively to our lunchtime changes to playing areas and lunch queues. They now have a far more streamlined, smoother dining experience, and a safer, more structured and inclusive recreational experience. Not enough pupils in First to Fourth Form and Lower Sixth have signed up for two clubs, however, and Tutors are working on this. To help, please could you ask your own children what they have signed up for and ask them to write to their Tutors with their choices if they do not add up?
Finally, there are still tickets available for the KSPA historical extravaganza, Living History at Kimbolton Castle, this weekend. Buy them here or at the gate. I look forward to seeing you there (I will be one of the Romans).
Warm wishes,
Will Chuter
Headmaster
“Inclusion is when people feel respected, valued and safe — so they feel they belong, and are able to be their best selves and do their best work. This is at the heart of all we are trying to achieve every day at Kimbolton for pupils and their families – the essence of our one school, one family ethos.”
Will Chuter
Headmaster
Whole school updates
Knights, Queens & Time Machines – this weekend!
Sunday 3 May & Monday 4 May
History comes alive at Kimbolton Castle on Sunday, May 3 and Monday, May 4. Travel through two thousand years of history, a time when heroes joust, jesters play, and legends come to life, an epic day of fun and fact for the whole family.
Join over 200 historical reenactors in the magnificent grounds of Kimbolton Castle in a spectacular
journey through the ages!
Kimbolton Castle is embedded in history, with its heritage as the last home of Katherine of Aragon-
through to its part in World War 2.
Enjoy our living history exhibits featuring swords, pikes, muskets, rifles, potion making, weaving, axe
throwing, cooking and cannon, and lots more.
From Reception to Upper Sixth: A journey full of memories
Our Upper Sixth pupils enjoyed a special return visit to the Prep School on Tuesday this week, revisiting the classrooms and playgrounds where their journey first began in Reception. The afternoon was filled with laughter, reflection and plenty of fond memories as pupils looked back on how far they have come, while also spending time with our younger pupils. This year’s visit felt particularly meaningful as, with the introduction of Pre-School, our youngest children are now beginning their own journey even earlier — and in years to come, they too will experience this wonderful full-circle moment.
Careers update – we need your feedback!
Parents we want to hear from you!
We want to hear your feedback and ideas for our careers education programme. Please fill in this form to have your say and get involved!
If you are a parent and want to be involved in supporting two new events coming up soon this year – Speed networking on the 6th May or Mock interviews on 2nd July – please sign up here and more details will be sent to you about the events.
Kimbolton’s Big Green Summer!
Launched on Earth Day with the debut of our inspiring new film, Big Green Summer is officially underway — a season of sustainability, curiosity and action across our school community.
Our Assistant Head – Teaching and Learning, Kate Latham explains the importance of the Big Green Summer in the following film, and how everyone can get involved.
This morning, an early bird-watching walk was enjoyed by pupils and their families, offering a chance to connect with nature before the school day begins.
Last week, we also hosted a thought-provoking Denim Sustainability lecture, delivered by Old Kimboltonian Laura Dixon, sparking thoughtful conversations around fashion, environmental impact and responsible choices. Read more here:
Multi Sports Camps – May Half Term
We are delighted to offer Multi Sports Camps this spring, run by Chris Hope alongside senior and prep staff, for pupils from Year 3 to Year 10.
The camp will take place on:
- May Half Term Camp: Tuesday 26 – Thursday 28 May
Each day will include fun games, drills and coaching across cricket, tennis, netball and football, with pupils able to try a range of sports or focus on their favourites.
The camps run from 10:00 – 3:30pm (arrival from 9:30am) and cost £40 per day.
Neurodiversity Celebration Week
During Neurodiversity Celebration Week, Senior School pupils joined the wider school community in recognising and celebrating the many different ways people think and learn. Through a thoughtful assembly led by KimUnity, awareness posters, lunchtime activities and a collaborative “This is Me” identity wall, pupils explored the strengths, talents and unique perspectives that neurodivergent individuals bring to our community.
The week was a valuable reminder that inclusion means celebrating difference, championing individuality and recognising that diverse minds help make our school a more creative, empathetic and vibrant place.
Current vacancies
Castle Ball – tickets now available
The KSPA are excited to announce that the Summer Ball will be held on the 4 July 2026
It will take place during the evening of our Speech Day, and we hope to see many of you there!
