Senior School newsletter – 10 October 2025
Issue 03/2025/26
Head’s welcome
Today we celebrate World Mental Health Day by continuing to discuss this term’s theme of ‘Filling Our Cup’ with joyous experiences to enable us to meet life’s challenges confidently and with a smile on our faces. I always enjoy whole-school events, and if they are slightly eccentric, so much the better. So, our mass Zumba session on the West Lawn in Assembly today hit the spot marvellously!
We have loved opening our doors to lots of visitors in the last fortnight, who have challenged us all to think differently in their own ways. Black History Month was launched last Friday with thought-provoking sessions by Linbert Spencer, OBE and a call to arms to put kindness into action at all times. Events as per Mrs Latham’s schedule continue up to half term. On Tuesday, 80 Sixth Formers attended a Manchester Group talk by Professor of Geography at Manchester University, Jamie Woodward, about his research into microplastic pollution in Britain’s rivers and the part we can play in reducing it. This morning, our second Future Friday Breakfast focused on motorsport, with a presentation by a Senior Analyst and Engineer from the F1 Red Bull team. It was great to see so many pupils and parents there. And we said a fond auf wiedersehen to our 12 German exchange students as they returned to Hamburg, having underlined the opportunities in international co-operation and collaboration to broaden minds. We are excited about our return visit in April.
The Kimbolton army marches on its stomach, and I take very seriously any suggestion that the quality, variety and amount of food that we provide our pupils at lunchtime should improve. I am delighted that we now have in place a new General Catering Manager, Mr Matt Fullerton, who joins us from Burghley House and is an excellent appointment. He and Mrs King (Head of F&N and Gibbards) met with the Food Champions committee yesterday to hear the pupils’ views on our food, and he will launch our annual food survey before half-term. As ever, this will help us to address any issues that the pupils see and to develop our menus. The results will be played back to the pupils later this term.
Finally, I am delighted to welcome our new Head of Development, Mr Russell Speirs, on Monday, who takes over the leadership of our philanthropic fundraising team from Sam Venn. Russell joins us from an educational consultancy background with the company that he founded, RSAcademics, and brings with him experience, creativity and a depth of understanding of the independent schools sector that will be invaluable.
Warm wishes,
Will Chuter
Headmaster
“I always enjoy whole-school events — and if they are slightly eccentric, so much the better. Our mass Zumba session on the West Lawn hit the spot marvellously!“
Will Chuter
Headmaster
Whole school updates
Our Senior School is buzzing with life as the term picks up pace. Pupils are throwing themselves into every opportunity — from tackling new academic challenges to discovering passions in clubs, societies, and teams. It’s been fantastic to see so much enthusiasm, whether out on the sports pitches, in rehearsals, or contributing to academic and service programmes. With so much still to come, the weeks ahead promise to be both busy and exciting.
House Cross Country – Thursday 16 October
Parents are warmly invited to cheer on pupils at our annual House Cross Country event, taking place on the afternoon of Thursday 16 October from 2.30pm.
This year’s run is being led by the Charities Committee. Pupils are encouraged to wear something pink (in addition to their full PE kit) and to bring a £1 minimum donation.
Approximate start times are:
- Ingrams – 2.35pm
- Middles – 2.55pm
- Seniors – 3.20pm & 3.30pm
The presentation will take place at 4.00pm on the Portico steps.
Full details, including parking and safeguarding arrangements, can be found in the letter below.
October Half Term Multi Sports Camp
We’re delighted to confirm that Kimbolton School will be running a Multi Sports Camp during the October half term, open to girls and boys in Years 3–10. Taking place from Tuesday 28 to Thursday 30 October, the camp offers pupils the chance to enjoy fun games and drills across football, hockey, and netball, with the flexibility to focus on one sport or try them all.
Full details, including timings, kit requirements, and booking instructions, can be found in the letter below.
Satchel One trial feedback
We’re delighted that so many parents have chosen to take part in the Satchel One trial. We hope you’ve found it helpful to view the homework being set each week.
As mentioned at the start of term, this has been a trial period, and we’d greatly appreciate your feedback by 30 October, using the form linked below. Thank you for your continued support and involvement.
From Monday 15 September, the Health Centre will be moving to an appointment system for non-emergency visits. Pupils will be able to book slots easily via the intranet or QR codes around school. Break and lunchtime visits, emergencies, and care outlined in individual plans will continue as usual without appointments. The new system aims to reduce waiting times and allow the nursing team to expand their health promotion work across the school community.
Flu vaccinations 1st – 5th Form – action needed
Vaccination UK will be in school on Tuesday, 25 November.
Note: Select the correct year group (1st Form = Year 7 … 5th Form = Year 11).
Hot off the press!
As we settle back into school life, it’s already been a busy and brilliant start to the term. From award nominations and results, to a new STEM installation and sporting successes, here’s a snapshot of the energy and enthusiasm filling our classrooms and corridors this week.
