Senior School newsletter – 21 November 2025
Issue 05/2025/26
Head’s welcome
It has been a brilliant autumn fortnight – the early nights and cold weather is here, and we have embraced all the moments that herald the approach to winter. Thank you to the KSPA Committee and all of you who volunteered to make our 60th anniversary Fireworks go off with such a bang two Fridays ago. I am staggered by the commitment of the team that organises what must be the biggest parents’ association event in the country. They sold 8,000 tickets and managed the evening safely and enjoyably for all. Two days later, Kimbolton’s Remembrance Parade was a huge source of pride to school and town as all 240 of our CCF cadets marched in the High Street and paraded at school for Reviewing Officer, Lt Col Robert Agnew. And the events have continued apace: it was excellent to welcome so many Fifth Form families to our Sixth Form Open Evening last Thursday, before a beautiful Winter Concert on Monday.
I’m a great believer in the power of the team that is our school, and all the smaller teams that make up that big one have been incredibly busy, doing us all proud.
Last weekend, our senior girls’ swimming team placed 13th in the country in the national relays (huge credit to Tessa, Emily, Charlotte and Abi), the Model United Nations team travelled away to Brentwood School, the canoe team competed in the National Kayak Championships, and the equestrian team were crowned county show jumping champions in the 1m and 90cm at the county qualifier in Norfolk. And these were on top of what all our ‘regular’ teams were up to on that rather soggy Saturday.
We marked National Anti-Bullying Week with an important assembly given by Mrs Garratt and Reverend Cathy on the power of good – being an upstander, not a bystander – and I am looking forward to analysing the findings of our annual whole-school bullying and unkindness survey to understand what we are doing well and what we can improve. And we celebrated International Men’s Day on Wednesday through an insightful questionnaire and social media post that revealed that the overwhelming favourites for the most inspiring men in our community are our fathers (closely followed by Sir David Attenborough!).
Finally, I wrote to all parents about our ISI inspection report on Tuesday and encourage you to find time over the weekend to digest its very positive findings. Have a terrific weekend!
Warm wishes,
Will Chuter
Headmaster
“I’m a great believer in the power of the team that is our school, and all the smaller teams that make up that big one have been incredibly busy, doing us all proud.”
Will Chuter
Headmaster
Whole school updates
Deputy Head (Academic), Ruth Taylor, has put together a simple overview of when you can expect written reports and Parents’ Evenings throughout the year. She hopes this helps families feel well-informed and supported, and reinforces our commitment to clear, ongoing communication about each child’s progress. You’ll find the full schedule for every year group for 2025–26 in the attachment.
Satchel One: Homework record
Many thanks to all parents who provided feedback on our trial of Satchel One, an app that allows you to see the homework set for your child. The response has been very positive, and we are delighted to continue with this provision.
We also really appreciate the time taken to let us know about the issue regarding homework not being marked as completed on Satchel One. We are working with Satchel One to rectify this.
If you would like to sign up to Satchel One but have not yet done so, please find the instructions HERE.
GCSE and A Level options guidance meetings – 3rd and 5th Forms
We’re delighted to continue our offer of GCSE and A Level options guidance meetings for
parents and pupils in the 3rd and 5th Forms. These meetings are a valuable chance to talk through pathways, ambitions, or any questions you may have with a senior member of staff before choices are submitted at February half term. They sit alongside our broader programme of support, including careers guidance, to help each pupil make confident and well-informed decisions about their next steps.
If you’d like to book a meeting, please complete this form, and we’ll be in touch to confirm a time.
Ruth Taylor, Deputy Head (Academic)
We are delighted to let you know that tickets for this year’s school production are now on sale.
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).
Kimbolton Castle Christmas Fair – Sunday 30 November 2025
Join us for a wonderfully festive day at the annual Kimbolton Castle Christmas Fair, taking place on Sunday 30 November from 10am to 3pm. Enjoy a host of Christmas gift stalls, children’s face-painting, a festive choir, seasonal refreshments, mulled wine, and a raffle — plus plenty more to get you into the spirit of the season. Santa’s Grotto is back too, and places can be booked via the link on the flyer.
Entry to the grotto is £3, and all are warmly welcome.
Schoolblazer will be running a flash sale from Monday 24 – Tuesday 25 November 2025. There will be 1/3rd off ALL in-stock items online at schoolblazer.com during the sale period, while stocks last. If you have any queries, please feel free to contact us.
The Schoolblazer Team
International Men’s Day 2025
To mark International Men’s Day, we’ve created a short film celebrating the positive male role models our school community values, featuring thoughtful reflections from staff and pupils.
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.
