Senior School newsletter – 30 January 2026
Issue 08/2025/26
Head’s welcome
I hope you have all survived some of the wettest days of the school year so far, and that your children are doing as I asked them last week in assembly – cleaning their own shoes of mud! (They should be less muddy anyway since grassy areas are currently out-of-bounds; so a conversation with your child about why they are muddy might take on a different complexion now).
Academically, this is the point when choices for the future are being made. We are very proud of our Upper Sixth pupils as things become clearer for them. With the UCAS equal consideration deadline behind us, the results for our 95 university applicants are already outstanding: they have received 305 offers in total so far, with 173 from Russell Group universities (including Oxford and Cambridge), with success across fields including Medicine, Engineering, and Law, as well as future-facing courses like Conservation Biology and Ecology, History with Innovation, and Cyber Security and Forensics. Many congratulations to our Fifth Formers, who have received their GCSE Mock results and a full analysis of strengths and areas for improvement from their teachers and Tutors. They can all take real confidence from strong results and from knowing better what they need to do as they head into the summer’s exams; I also hope it will help them with their A-Level choices. Meanwhile, the Third Formers are choosing their GCSEs! As always, if you or your child would like any further support in the decision-making processes here, contact their Tutor.
This week, I am thrilled for our STEM Racing (formerly F1 in Schools) teams, Helix Racing and Aero Nova, who both performed brilliantly in Wednesday’s STEM Racing Global Regional Finals, winning one section and being runners-up in another. A huge amount of effort, creativity and drive (sorry) went into this. The full story is here. On a more sombre note, we marked Holocaust Memorial Day on Tuesday with a thought-provoking and powerful assembly given by L6 pupils Eloise, Henry, Eva and Tilly, and a Gallery of Remembrance in the Orangery that encouraged pupils to participate in remembering those lost in acts of genocide. We were also pleased to host an audience with Baron Mark Sedwill, former Cabinet Secretary to Theresa May and Boris Johnson, at Politics Society yesterday. You can hear the resulting Kimpolcast on Spotify here.
Lost Property has been transformed. I know this has been a point of frustration for pupils and parents and am pleased to report that its contents have been consolidated and a simple new system put in place to ensure that kit gets back to pupils. The Bursar will write shortly with the details.
The DfE updated its guidance on mobile phones in schools last week. This states that all schools should be, by default, mobile phone-free environments. There are caveats for Sixth Formers and pupils with specific needs. Our policy, which was introduced in 2024, is fully compliant.
Finally, Millie Al-Allie (L6), Alasdair Large (U6) and I are excited to be running the Cambridge Half-Marathon on March 8th in aid of the William Templeton Foundation for Young People’s Mental Health. We would be delighted if you were able to support this charity that is very dear to our hearts by donating here.
I wish you all an excellent weekend.
Warm wishes,
Will Chuter
Headmaster
“I am thrilled for our STEM Racing teams, Helix Racing and AeroNova, who both performed brilliantly in the STEM Racing Global Regional Finals. A huge amount of effort, creativity and drive went into this.”
Will Chuter
Headmaster
Whole school updates
For National Year of Reading we are introducing our Kimbolton Reads series in our newsletter and on our social media. Please find the first three recommendations below.
Mr Dickens, Head of Philosophy, Religion & Ethics, recommends The Dignity of Difference by Jonathan Sacks.
“I loved this book for the way Sacks combines his deep-seated faith with real compassion for people who are different from us. His reflections on hospitality, identity and global inequality felt both challenging and encouraging. At a time when diversity is so often framed as a threat, this book makes the case that our differences are a gift to be celebrated.”
For National Year of Reading our Librarian, Ms Bennett recommends: What Happens Online by award-winning author Nathanael Lessore.
It is a funny, fast-paced story about living two lives. Online, Fred is Existor—the coolest guy in school. Offline, he’s just Fred: awkward and friendless. When his worlds collide, he must figure out who he really is—and whether reinventing yourself is worth the risk.
Mrs Yates, from the History Department, recommends ‘Once’ by Morris Gleitzman: an incredible novel because it brings the Holocaust to life in a way that feels real and personal, all through a child’s honest, hopeful voice. It’s one of those stories that sticks with you and makes history feel truly meaningful.
Boarding survey for all parents – chance to win a Kimbolton water bottle!
We are proud of our boarding provision at Kimbolton, and our boarders are an integral and valued part of the Kimbolton family, contributing enormously to the life, character and community of the school.
As part of our ongoing commitment to listening to families and communicating clearly about the opportunities available, we would really value your views.
Whether or not your child currently boards, has boarded in the past, or you have simply considered boarding as an option, your feedback will help us better understand:
- how boarding is experienced and perceived by families
- how useful parents find the different boarding and extended-day options available
- awareness of the full range of boarding provision
- how can we communicate more effectively about boarding at Kimbolton
The survey should take around 5–7 minutes to complete, and all responses will be treated in confidence. All replies will be entered into a draw for a free water Kimbolton water bottle!
The survey will close after the February half term, and we would be grateful if you could complete it by then.
Castle Opening – Sunday 1 March 1-4 pm
I am delighted to announce that the Castle will be open to the public on Sunday 1 March. At Kimbolton, we are so lucky to have a building of national importance at the heart of our community. You will be able to learn more about the medieval castle, Katharine of Aragon, the Civil War, and even Castle ghosts. 2026 is a particularly important year for the Castle as we help celebrate Vanbrugh 300, the national commemorations to mark the 300th anniversary of the death of Sir John Vanbrugh, the most renowned architect of Kimbolton Castle
The tour 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.
Please do bring your friends and neighbours along. There is an admission charge, though there are concessions for children and senior citizens. To ease the flow and enable you to make the most of your visit, tickets can be booked online on a timed ticket basis. On previous occasion tickets have tended to sell out quickly, so we would strongly recommend prior booking.
I am really looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me via email
If you would like to reserve tickets, please follow the link below.
Today’s assembly focused on the theme “Belonging at Kimbolton: All unique, all united.” We reflected on how every pupil brings their own strengths, backgrounds and perspectives to our community — and how, by valuing individuality while living our shared values of kindness, curiosity, courage, endeavour and integrity, we create a supportive and inclusive school where everyone feels known, valued and connected.
The latest episode of Kimpolcast is now live. In this episode, we join the Manchester Group to interview Lord Sedwill — Crossbench peer, former Cabinet Secretary and National Security Adviser — for a wide-ranging and engaging conversation.
Don’t forget, 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.
Get Wet & Go Wild – February Half Term Holiday Club
Looking for a fun, active option this February half term? Our Get Wet & Go Wild Holiday Club is open to Kimbolton pupils aged 8–13 and offers a full day of energetic activities alongside calmer options for those who prefer a quieter pace.
Across the day, pupils will enjoy a varied programme including sport and swimming, with opportunities to wind down through arts and crafts, games and reading. The club is designed to be inclusive, engaging and enjoyable for all.
Key information
- 📍 Drop-off & pick-up: Swimming Pool
- ⏰ 9.00am–4.00pm
- 💷 £40 per child, per day
- 🍴 Packed lunch required
- 👟 Suitable footwear essential
Bookings
Places must be booked via Engage/Daybooks.
For full details, including what to bring, please see the downloadable poster below or contact the school on 01480 862276.
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
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.
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.
