Senior School newsletter – 16 January 2026
Issue 07/2025/26
Head’s welcome
It can be hard to get back into the swing of things after the Christmas holidays, but I am proud of the way our pupils have returned with purpose and energy. The Fifth Form have seen off their mocks well, showing discipline and focus.
The term has begun with real momentum, highlighted by the U14A boys’ hockey team, who were successful in their outing to Cambridge, securing 1st place in the Tier 2 County Round of the English Schools Trophy. The team showed excellent progress at this early stage of the season, holding their nerve in a series of closely contested matches. Special mentions go to Cayden M., Alfie G., Thomas D. and Ollie F. for their consistency across all three games. The boys now progress as County representatives to the Regional round later this term.
Sport has been disrupted by some difficult conditions, but the boys’ 1st XI braved the torrential rain last night in the Independent Schools’ Hockey Cup, beating RHS 3-0 and losing to Stowe 0-2. For everyone’s sake, I hope we have more settled weather conditions going forward and wish all our girls and boys the best of luck in the matches against The Leys, Culford and Spratton Hall tomorrow, and to the Equestrian team in the eventing competition at Aston-le-Walls on Sunday. Our Clubs and Societies programme has begun, with lunchtimes busy and active, and today has seen our first Pupil Forum meeting of the term – generating important ideas to improve the school from the pupils’ perspective.
Our new caterers, Thomas Franks, have made an excellent start, and there is a happy buzz around the food. The menus are available here if you have not yet seen them. Events for the next fortnight are available here, and I look forward to seeing Third Form parents at the parents’ evening on Thursday.
Finally, we celebrated the life of Katharine of Aragon with our annual service on 7 January, the anniversary of her death. It was a quiet moment to reflect on how this extraordinary Queen of England’s behaviour matched our own values of integrity, courage and kindness. If you wish to be involved in celebrating her life on a bigger stage than the Kimbolton chapel, Peterborough Cathedral holds a moving service on 30 January, at which our Chamber Choir will sing.
I hope you all enjoy a wonderful weekend.
Warm wishes,
Will Chuter
Headmaster
“Our pupils have returned with discipline, focus and a real sense of purpose.”
Will Chuter
Headmaster
Whole school updates
Holocaust Memorial Day – Monday 27 January
On Monday 27 January, our school community will come together to mark Holocaust Memorial Day, remembering the six million Jewish people murdered in the Holocaust and all those persecuted through genocide.
To mark the day, Kimbolton Castle will be lit purple, creating a visible symbol of remembrance and reflection.
In the Senior School, pupils will take part in a creative act of remembrance by making “Links of Hope”. Each pupil will write a short word, phrase or reflection — such as Never Forget, a value they believe is vital (for example, Kindness or Respect), or a hope for the future. These will be joined together by each form to create one large chain of remembrance, symbolising unity, memory and collective responsibility.
Pupils will also take part in a dedicated Holocaust Memorial Day assembly, helping to deepen understanding and reflection.
In addition, a reflection space will be available throughout the day. Pupils will be invited to add their purple fingerprint to shared flame artwork and hang reflective tags on our memorial tree, offering a quiet, personal moment of reflection.
Together, these activities encourage pupils to remember the past, reflect on the present and commit to shaping a more compassionate future.
Please contact Mrs Latham if you would like any further information.
Castle Ball – Save the Date!
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!
Kimbolton School Careers Fair 2026 – See it to be it!
Our Careers Fair 2026 takes place on Thursday 5 March in the Sports Hall, offering pupils the chance to explore over 40 career pathways. Exhibitors include Old Kimboltonians, local employers and over fifteen universities, alongside drop-in talks on university choices, degree apprenticeships, international study, policing and Oxbridge applications. You can book your place online.
Timings
- 1st–3rd Form: attend during the school day
- 5.15–6.00pm: Quiet Session (reduced numbers)
- 6.00–8.00pm: 4th Form–Upper Sixth pupils and parents
Kimpolcast podcast – new issue now released
Join Emilia, Alex, Will and Charley as they unpack US military action in Venezuela, explore the formal and informal powers of the US President, and consider the wider implications for Ukraine, Taiwan, Greenland and NATO.
A thoughtful discussion on power, influence and global politics — led by student voices.
Engage Portal reminder
A quick reminder that all whole-school communications are now sent via the Engage Portal, with email alerts delivered to the address we hold for you. Please check your notification settings and look out for emails from engage@kimboltonschool.com.
You can also add the Engage Portal to your mobile device for easy access and notifications. A short setup guide is available here.
Please note that SMS notifications are no longer available. In an emergency relating to your child, the school will always contact you by telephone.
Thank you for your support.
Boarding: one free taster night for every Senior School pupil
Did you know that all Senior School pupils are entitled to one free taster night in boarding? It’s a great way for your son or daughter to experience life in our welcoming “boarding home” and discover how Occasional Boarding can support busy family schedules.
Boarding can be especially helpful on evenings with late rehearsals, sports fixtures or events, offering pupils a safe, calm space, a structured routine, and the chance to be well-rested for the next day. It can also ease family logistics by removing the need for late pick-ups, while providing a positive, sociable environment with friends.
Occasional Boarding is open to everyone, although spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended. Fees (including childcare voucher eligibility for under-16s) can be found here: other charges – Kimbolton School.
To book a taster night or to enquire about availability, please contact our Houseparents:
• Mrs Laura Hadden – White House (Girls): lah@kimboltonschool.com
• Mr Tony Lawless – Kim House (Boys): asl@kimboltonschool.com
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.
