Senior School newsletter – 26 September 2025
Issue 02/2025/26
Head’s welcome
It’s been quite a fortnight for our pupils and staff! We’ve floated serenely from a marvellous Open Morning on Saturday into a three-day ISI inspection, and all while school life continues as busily as normal – including most of the Fourth Form away on Silver DofE last weekend and the entire First Form in Derbyshire for three days on their residential adventure. Wow! We have made it to the weekend in great shape, though, and I am especially proud of the way that the entire school community has come together to present itself to the inspectors with characteristic optimism and verve. I have written to parents separately about the inspection.
Open Morning was very well attended, with 155 families escorted around the school by our incomparable pupil guides. We now look forward to our Pre-School and Prep Open Morning next Friday and our Sixth Form Open Evening on 13 November: a great chance for current Fifth Form pupils to engage further with A-level subjects, post-18 options, and the Sixth Form experience. You can find out more information on both events. Thank you to the KSPA team for their fabulous MacMillan Coffee Morning today, and to all the bakers who contributed – cake will be my diet for the next week!
There is always so much happening here and next week is no different. I’m looking forward to welcoming German pupils from Christianeum School, Hamburg, for the first leg of our German cultural exchange, to Balyes and Dawsons House Chapel on Sunday, Languages Day on Monday, our First Form Sustainability Day on Tuesday, National Poetry Day on Thursday (with the visit of poet Leo Boix) and Dawsons’ Sixth Form Party on Friday, not to mention a great array of sports fixtures.
Good luck to the U15 netballers as they take on St Columba’s in the National Cup on Thursday!
Warm wishes,
Will Chuter
Headmaster
“I am especially proud of the way that the entire school community has come together to present itself to the inspectors with characteristic optimism and verve.“
Will Chuter
Headmaster
Whole school updates
As the term gathers pace, the Senior School is buzzing with activity both in and beyond the classroom. Pupils are embracing new challenges, from stretching themselves academically to exploring fresh opportunities in co-curricular clubs and societies. It’s been inspiring to see so many getting involved — whether on the sports pitches, in rehearsals, or in our academic and service programmes. With the calendar full of events and activities, there is much to look forward to in the weeks ahead.
Dining menu – highlights
Our menus for the coming fortnight are available to view here. Recent highlights have included: chicken and vegetable curries, pasta with a choice of toppings, jacket potatoes, sandwiches and soup and the ever-popular roast lunch, which made its welcome return last week. We’re pleased to offer a wide variety of options each day and look forward to sharing more in the weeks ahead.
Flu vaccinations 1st – 5th Form – action needed
Vaccination UK will be in school on Tuesday, 8 October and Tuesday, 25 November.
Note: Select the correct year group (1st Form = Year 7 … 5th Form = Year 11).
We launched a new Cambridge bus service this September. Stops include Eltisley, Cambourne, Hardwick and Cambridge. More information on our bus service is here.
Cadets take flight with new RAF newsletter
Our RAF section of the CCF has launched its very first cadet-led newsletter, Airside. The September 2025 issue is packed with summer highlights, from national camps and work experience placements at BAE Systems and IAE Ltd, to cadets competing on the world stage in agility championships and earning gliding scholarships. With stories of leadership, teamwork and unforgettable moments at RIAT and Little Rissington, the publication is a testament to the talent and enthusiasm of our cadets. You can read it here.
Pre-School and Prep Open Morning – Friday 3 October
We are excited to be opening our doors for the Prep School Open Morning next Friday and to share what makes Kimbolton such a special place. If you know of families who may be interested in joining us, please do pass on the booking link below — it’s set to be a wonderful occasion.
Castle opening – Sunday 5 October 1-4pm
Join us for a historic tour of our castle which will include all the State Rooms including the Queen’s Room where Katharine of Aragon died as well as the dedicated Heritage Room on the history of the Castle from its motte and bailey origins to it being acquired by the school in 1950.
From Monday 15 September, the Health Centre will be moving to an appointment system for non-emergency visits. Pupils will be able to book slots easily via the intranet or QR codes displayed around school. Break and lunchtime visits, emergencies, and care set out in individual plans will continue as normal without the need for an appointment. The new system aims to reduce waiting times and allow the nursing team to expand their health promotion work across the school community. Find out more.
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.
