Senior School newsletter – 15 May 2026
Issue 13/2025/26
Head’s welcome
We are well in the grip of exam season now, and study leave has started for both Upper Sixth and Fifth Form pupils, with many choosing to come in this week to consult teachers. It was the last day of U6 lessons on Friday, and this explains the appearance of a throng of overgrown primary school children on the West Lawn at drop-off on that day! We wish them much luck and success in their A-levels, and it was lovely to see so many of them and their parents at Sunday’s Leavers’ Service in St Andrew’s church. Equally, the Fifth Formers have had a busy start with GCSE History last week, closely followed by English on Monday – all are looking remarkably positive and industrious. Good luck to all First, Second, Third, Fourth and Lower Sixth pupils as they prepare for their school exams next week.
Last Friday was also Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday, and we paid tribute to him in Assembly with the launch of our Big Green Summer campaign, focusing on conservation and sustainability, and by singing Happy Birthday to him. We established at International Men’s Day this year that Sir David is our school community’s most popular male inspiration (at least, one that is not our own fathers). In the same assembly, we also announced the winner of our inaugural Diversity and Inclusion Essay Prize: Fourth Former, Lucia, wrote an excellent response to the question, “How effectively have education, employment, and social policies in modern Britain addressed barriers to diversity and inclusion?”. Continuing the theme, I am thrilled that we have won an AMCIS Impact Award for Equity, Diversity & Inclusion this week for our programme of educational events in Black History Month, October 2025.
History Alive! was an incredible event over the Bank Holiday weekend, and it was lovely to see so many of you there with your children. I am immensely grateful to the KSPA for their energy and huge hard work in realising this ambitious event so successfully – the committee really are exceptional. It felt marvellous to have Tudor ladies mixing with Roman gladiators, Civil War Cavaliers and members of the Long Range Desert Group around our amazing grounds and castle. My initial understanding is that the event has raised significant funds for the school, while also bringing the community together and educating us all. It was outstanding.
Finally, I was fascinated to be at the Manchester Group talk by Vishal Patel (OK 2012) recently, where he used his extraordinary experience as a successful tech entrepreneur and endurance athlete to challenge pupils’ impressions of what they might be able to achieve in life – ‘be curious, take risks and roll with the punches, and then anything is possible – and be happy not being able to predict where it will take you’ was his inspiring message for us all. It was great to catch up with him at the OKA London drinks on Wednesday evening to share some of the pupils’ feedback.
Have a wonderful weekend, filled with studious, revising children!
Will Chuter
Headmaster
“Be curious, take risks and roll with the punches, and then anything is possible – and be happy not being able to predict where it will take you.”
Will Chuter
Headmaster
Whole school updates
Future Friday Breakfast
May 22, 8-8.40am
ENGINEERING – combining both science and engineering
Thomas Hurrell is an OK who is working for a company called Cellular Origins, who are aiming to address the challenges around manufacturing cell therapies (personalised medicines which can treat cancers and autoimmune/genetic diseases) at scale, by developing an integrated mobile robotic platform. Thomas works as a mechanical engineer with a current focus on product engineering and mechanical design and will be talking to us about his career and what pupils can do whilst at school to get into engineering.
Please make sure you put the date and time in your diary and fill out the form.
Knights, Queens & Time Machines – an unforgettable weekend!
What a fantastic weekend we enjoyed at Kimbolton Castle as Knights, Queens & Time Machines brought history vividly to life for pupils, families and visitors from across the community.
From Roman soldiers and medieval knights to wartime displays and hands-on activities, the castle grounds were transformed into a spectacular journey through time. With more than 200 historical reenactors taking part, the event was filled with energy, curiosity and wonderful moments for all ages to enjoy.
A huge thank you goes to the KSPA – particularly David Prew and Lisa Hunter, staff, volunteers, reenactors and everyone behind the scenes whose hard work and enthusiasm made the weekend such a success. We are also incredibly grateful to all the families and visitors who came along to support the event and help create such a brilliant atmosphere across both days.
Kimbolton School wins national AMCIS IMPACT Award for Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
We are delighted to share that Kimbolton School has won the 2026 AMCIS IMPACT Award for Equity, Diversity & Inclusion.
This national recognition celebrates our ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming school community, and recognises the meaningful work taking place across the school to ensure every pupil feels valued, respected and able to belong.
We are incredibly proud of everyone involved.
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.
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!
Current vacancies
Also of interest
The Bedfordshire Young Farmers Rally Come and say hello to Jeanette Ariano and Allison Farrer from our Marketing and Admissions team on Saturday 16 May, who will be manning our Kimbolton School stand! Held at Manor Farm, Stagsden, MK43 8SH, visitors will get to explore a wealth of attractions, a shopping village, local crafts and view livestock.
The Cambridgeshire County Show is happening on 30 May 2026, 10 – 17h should any families be interested. The Cambridgeshire County Show is a traditional country show showcasing all the best things rural life brings, especially farming, good food, and family fun.
