Senior School newsletter – 19 June 2026
Issue 15/2025/26
Head’s welcome
I have been thinking a lot about transition recently. Amongst all the big, exciting end-of-year events in June – the wonderful concerts, plays and sports days – all of us at Kimbolton are beginning to look forward to next year and beyond. The cyclical nature of school years brings the certainty of repeated routines and events, but it also brings the uncertainty of newness. Every year is a stepping-up for children, with new challenges, shifting social dynamics, different opportunities, new teachers, priorities and systems. And when you add the biological magic of puberty to the mix, the rate of change for our young people can feel astonishingly fast. I spoke to the L6th recently about what it means to be in the U6th and told them how I had felt about myself as an U6th former way back in 1995 (basically, the same as I had when I had started senior school in 1991). I didn’t really feel that I was any different or more grown-up from the 13-year-old me, or that I was ready to be in my last year at school. My point was that, however they feel about themselves as the oldest in the school, they are ready, and the junior pupils in the school will look up to them, regardless. They have a responsibility to show them how to behave, learn and be good people, and an opportunity to shape the future of the school by leaving a positive legacy. And that we are all here to help them make a success of it in their own way.
This inner uncertainty when stepping up to a new challenge is, of course, entirely normal, and part of the necessary resilience-building girls and boys need to do to manage it well. I’ve been very pleased with the improvements we have made in our induction and transition processes this year – they are critical in making each child feel as confident and excited about their new place as possible. As we build up to NK Day on Tuesday, the Ingrams team have been busy running an extended programme of activities here for our Prep Year 6 pupils and visiting all next year’s external First Formers in their schools. It was lovely to see lots of them at the Wind in the Willows last night (this year’s Junior Play). Early engagement is important, too, and we moved our Sixth Form Open Evening to this term for Fourth Formers and their families, partly to show off our wonderful site in the sunshine (it rained heavily!), but mainly to keep the focus on looking forward at a point that can feel a bit static in the middle of the GCSE years. Our new Third Formers were in for a full induction day on Tuesday and will be a terrific addition to the current Second Form. The Sixth Form is the most obvious and significant step into the new, and we had a brilliant evening showing how Kimbolton’s exciting provision is different to the Middles experience and different to any other Sixth Form offering in the area. The first day of next year will look different, too, with lessons alongside induction sessions that aim to help the pupils start the year off fully organised and energised by what it means to be at Kimbolton.
Supporting parents in this is a job we take seriously, and it was good to talk to next year’s First Form parents last week about how we work in partnership with them to hold, help and guide their children through their first year at the Senior School. Given the questions they asked – about AI, mobile phones, the future of the job market for graduates, rather than about lost property or bus routes – I was struck by how many extra layers of complexity have landed for us as parents only in the last 18 months. Childhood is becoming more complicated, too. Our job, together, is to simplify it for your boys and girls and help them focus on the elements that have always made being a child fun and nourishing – relationships, learning, play – without ignoring the educational imperative to help them understand and navigate the complexity. A strong induction and transition programme is a very good place to start.
Have a wonderful weekend,
Will Chuter
Headmaster
“Our job, together, is to simplify childhood and help young people focus on the things that have always made being a child fun and nourishing – relationships, learning and play.”
Will Chuter
Headmaster
Whole school updates
Celebrating National Boarding Week
As part of National Boarding Week, we are pleased to share a short film featuring boarders Elva G. and Vera C.C., who reflect on their experiences of life at Kimbolton.
From friendships and community to new opportunities and independence, their stories offer a wonderful insight into what makes boarding so special.
Sports Weeks return this summer
Looking for an active and engaging way to keep your child busy this summer? Our popular Sports Weeks return this July, offering children aged 8–13 the chance to enjoy a fantastic variety of sports and activities in a fun, supportive environment.
Running from 6–10 July and 13–17 July, each week includes coaching sessions, games and optional daily swimming, with opportunities to build confidence, make friends and try something new. Children are grouped by age and experience a range of activities throughout the week, with the emphasis firmly on enjoyment rather than competition.
The cost is £200 per week, with places limited and demand always high. To book, please log in to Engage and select Daybook – Sports Week Summer 2026.
We look forward to welcoming another fantastic group of young sports enthusiasts this summer!
School sailing team take part in Cambridge Youth League
Pupils in the school sailing team recently took part in the Cambridge Youth League hosted by Grafham Water Sailing Club.
Despite the challenging conditions, our sailors gave it their all and had a great time. Well done to everyone who took part and congratulations to Lucas R. for finishing 4th place overall, sailing his ILCA.
Ingrams House Music competition
This week we held our Ingrams House Music competition!
It was a fantastic evening of music, with outstanding performances from soloists, groups and choirs. Pupils showcased their talent, dedication and hard work, making it a truly memorable event. Congratulations to everyone who took part, and special congratulations to our trophy winners!
Athletics County Championship
These four pupils performed brilliantly at the Athletics County Championships on Saturday. Congratulations to Kitty K. for winning the 300m, and to Josh S. and Clara B. for securing impressive second-place finishes in the 800m.
As a result of their excellent performances, they have qualified for the Anglian Schools Championships next Saturday in King’s Lynn. Well done to all involved!
Wind in the Willows – closing night
This evening, our talented Junior Production cast will take to the stage for the final performance of The Wind in the Willows after months of hard work, dedication and enthusiasm.
Throughout rehearsals, pupils have shown tremendous commitment, bringing energy, creativity and confidence to every scene. Their teamwork and support for one another have embodied the very themes at the heart of the production: friendship, loyalty and belonging.
We are incredibly proud of all those involved, both on stage and behind the scenes, for bringing this much-loved classic to life. We wish the cast and crew every success for their final performance and thank them for sharing their talents with our school community.
The Ian Knapp Fitness Suite
Have you heard about the exciting plans to create a new strength and fitness facility for pupils, parents, staff and the local community?
Located in the Senior School sports centre, “The Ian Knapp Fitness Suite” will be named after one of several OK donors who have given to the project.
Find out more about the new facility and how you can contribute to the costs of the equipment.
Readathon – last week to sponsor
Our Readathon is coming to an end next week. If you are a sponsor, please give your money to the pupil or use the QR code.
East Area Prep athletics event
A fantastic day at the East Area Prep athletics event recently, featuring over 50 schools.
Congratulations to Greg H. who won Silver in the U14 Boys’ High Jump, and to Kitty K. who claimed Silver in both the 200m and 800m. Both pupils have now qualified to represent the school and the East region at the National Finals in Birmingham next month.
A huge well done to all pupils who competed and represented the school brilliantly.
Record-breaking fundraising effort from our boarders
We are delighted to share that our boarders have raised an incredible £1,520 for Breast Cancer Now and the William Templeton Foundation through a series of charity events held last week. Together, these events have achieved a new fundraising record for our boarding community.
This remarkable total is a testament to the generosity, enthusiasm and hard work of everyone involved. Special thanks go to Louise (WH Matron), Richard Barnes, the Lawless family, the Gilbert family, the Hadden family, and all those who supported the events in any way.
Thank you to everyone who donated, baked, washed cars or helped behind the scenes. Your support has made a real difference.
Free delivery on Schoolblazer orders
Families can enjoy free UK delivery on all Schoolblazer orders placed between 29 June and 12 July 2026.
With the summer holidays approaching, now is a great time to prepare for the new school year. Schoolblazer offers a 365-day returns policy, free name tags sewn into garments, and a simple exchange service should sizes need changing.
If you have any questions, Schoolblazer’s customer service team can be contacted on 0333 7000 703.
