Senior School newsletter 13 November 2026
Issue 4/2026/27
Headmaster’s reflections
A parent recently recounted to me how they tried to convince their affronted teenager that a critical academic report comment was useful and not, in fact, personally offensive.
In full wise parent mode, they had told their child solemnly, “Feedback is a gift!”, before running for cover. This may be a line you are familiar with, but it was new to me as a phrase, if not as an idea. I fully subscribe to this idea, for how can we learn if we do not hear from others how they think we are doing? Sometimes we have to be brave in accepting it, and sometimes it is right to challenge it when we have evidence to the contrary; but, either way, it is helpful to understand others and their feelings better. We have tried to make the principle of ‘voice’ and being heard central to the school’s development in recent years. It is three years since we undertook a depth survey of parental opinion through Mungo Dunnett Associates, which produced an extensive report that informed our vision, values and strategic outlook, along with staff and pupil feedback. Naturally, this now needs updating, so I would be grateful if you would complete the RS Academics survey that we wrote to you about on November 6th by next Friday if you have not already done so.
I am aware of survey overload, of course, and am conscious you have helped us this term with your views on smartphones (more on that to come, given this week’s government announcement), and before that the subjects and types of learning we offer, and before that homework… Thank you!
This principle has been applied across the school since 2023. Staff here listen to our pupils a lot, informally, every day – it means every child is genuinely known as an individual. But to make sure we are listening actively to them and that they play a formal part in improving their school, the elected Pupil Forum has gained committees for Sustainability, Teaching and Learning, Pastoral Care and Extra-Curricular activities that are chaired by Gown Prefects and supported by a member of staff.
Every academic department runs pupil voice initiatives as part of their annual review to understand what’s going well and where things could be better. The Charity Committee drives initiatives like today’s non-uniform day, and this morning I had my regular breakfast meeting with the Gown Prefects, where actions included an educational plan to tackle misogynistic attitudes and behaviour. Meanwhile, the whole-school Staff Forum meets termly and is accompanied by smaller Staff Voice groups for the Prep teachers, Senior teachers, and Support Staff.
All of these vehicles to hear from our most important people give us priceless insights and ideas about our school, and keep the engine of improvement running. So – please, do not be shy: complete the survey and, as ever, feel free to get in touch and let us know what you are thinking.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Will Chuter
Headmaster
“We have tried to make the principle of ‘voice’ and being heard central to the school’s development in recent years.”
Will Chuter
Headmaster
Whole school updates
Stay connected: enable your Engage notifications
Please take a moment to check that notifications are enabled for Engage on your mobile device, so you receive alerts about school news, updates and important notices. This has been especially important today with the issues caused by the global Microsoft outage that affected our school email communications.
All bulk school communications are sent through the Engage Portal, with email alerts also delivered to the address we hold for you. Please look out for messages from engage@kimboltonschool.com and check that these are reaching your inbox rather than your junk folder.
For quick access on your phone, you can add a shortcut to the Engage Portal to your home screen and enable notifications.
We no longer send bulk notifications by text message. In an emergency or an incident relating specifically to your child, we will contact you by telephone in the first instance.
If your contact details have changed, please let us know at schoolsec@kimboltonschool.com.
Lest We Forget
Our CCF cadets proudly represented the School in the Remembrance Sunday parade through Kimbolton village, joining the community to honour those who gave their lives in service to our country. Their dignity, discipline and impeccable conduct were a credit to the School.
On Wednesday 11 November, pupils and staff at both the Prep and Senior Schools also observed a two-minute silence at 11am to mark Armistice Day, taking time to remember and reflect together.
A reminder to complete our Parent Survey
We warmly invite all parents and guardians to complete a short survey about your own and your child’s experiences of Kimbolton School. Your honest feedback will help us understand what we do well and where we can improve the education and experience we provide for our families.
Developed by RSAcademics, a respected education consultancy, the online survey takes around 5–10 minutes to complete.
The survey is confidential, and you will not be asked for your name. No one at the school will see individual questionnaires.
Please submit your response by Friday 20 November.
Musical lunch with the Old Kimboltonians’ Association
On Sunday, 14 February 2027 at 12:00, join the Old Kimboltonians’ Association for an afternoon filled with good food, great company, and beautiful music in Kimbolton Castle’s State Rooms.
- Drinks in the Saloon from 12:00-1:00pm
- Three-course luncheon in the White Hall from 1:00-2:30pm
- Music recital by current Kimbolton students in the Saloon from 2:30-3:30pm
Tickets on sale for £37.50 per person from November 2026.
Profits from the event will support the OKA’s Scholarship Trust Fund.
Mid Term Blues! Enjoy our latest Kimpolcast podcast
Join the Kimpolcasters as they unpack the ‘Blue Wave’ in the US midterm elections and debate John Healey’s ‘Nothing Burger’ budget. From shifting political fortunes across the Atlantic to questions over ambition at home, there’s plenty to get the conversation flowing.
Future Friday Breakfast – 8am, 20 November 2026
You are invited to join us for our Future Friday Breakfast in the Green Room, where we’ll explore the exciting world of Computer Science and Cyber Security. Discover the wide range of roles that keep businesses running safely, learn about different routes into the industry, and find out what you can be doing right now to build your skills and stand out. Whether you’re curious about coding, problem-solving, or protecting organisations from cyber threats, this is a great opportunity to explore future career possibilities.
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:
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
Exploring the universe: our pupils’ astronomy gallery
How are stars born? Why do eclipses happen? And what can the night sky reveal about our place in the universe?
Our Astronomy Club gives Third and Fourth Form pupils the opportunity to explore these questions while working towards an additional GCSE in Astronomy. Combining scientific study with practical observation, the course takes pupils from our own Solar System to distant galaxies, exploring the life cycles of stars and the origins of the universe.
Alongside their studies, pupils develop their observation and astrophotography skills, bringing their learning to life through images of the night sky. We are delighted to share their work in our online gallery and invite families to take a look.
Nosferatu: Silent Cinema with live piano
7.30pm, Friday 20 November | Castle Saloon
Join us for an atmospheric evening in the Castle Saloon as the classic 1922 silent film Nosferatu comes to life with live improvised piano accompaniment by David Gibbs.
Starring Max Schreck as Count Orlok, this unofficial retelling of Bram Stoker’s Dracula is a “symphony of horror” – perfect entertainment for a dark November evening.
Tickets: £10; pupils free. Booking advised.
Tickets are available on the door or in advance from the link below.
Christmas Fair at Kimbolton Castle
10.00 – 3.00pm, Sunday 29 November | Kimbolton Castle
Come and join us at our Christmas Fair in the state rooms of Kimbolton Castle. An amazing selection of Festive Shopping with gifts, stocking fillers and even the chance to secure the perfect Christmas Tree.
Book your little ones a special time with Santa in his grotto and maybe be lucky in our festive raffle.
With wonderful refreshments and a choir to serenade you this is the official starting point for Christmas fun and festivities for the winter ahead.
Entry £3 adult, Children are Free
Why not stay on and enjoy the beautiful Christmas lights switch on in Kimbolton high street afterwards.
