As another action-packed term draws to a close, I would like to reflect on the immense amount of sport and physical activity that has taken place since Easter.
It has been an incredibly busy term, characterised by exceptional participation rates across all our disciplines. We have seen record numbers of pupils representing the school in cricket, tennis, hockey, football, equestrian events, sailing, canoeing, and athletics. In total, 572 pupils—an impressive 86% of our student body—have represented the school this year across 11 different sports.
Canoe Club: A Historic Term
The Devizes to Westminster (DW) Canoe Race held over Easter saw remarkable success. Congratulations to Emily, Hannah, Jake, Laura, and Hayden for completing their first DW. A special mention to Aimee & Isaac (5th overall, 1st mixed crew) and Tom & Theo, who won the junior doubles—the first time in history a Kimbolton crew has placed 1st in the DW! Our collective results were outstanding: 1st School Team, 1st Junior Team, and 1st CCF Team.
Cricket: Highlights and Progress
Participation remained high throughout the term, with hard work translating into significant on-field success.
• Girls’ Cricket: The U18s reached the 3rd round of the Cricket Paper Cup Plate after a thrilling chase against Oakham. The U15s reached the regional Hundred Ball final after commanding wins over Stamford, Oundle, and Stowe.
• Boys’ Cricket: The U15s were victorious in the Cheffins Cup T20 competition, while the 1st XI continues their bid for the Castle Festival trophy in Monmouth next week.
• Notable Performances: A special well done to Jess T. (half-century), Amelie J. (4 wickets v Oundle), Elliott C. (5 wickets), and Elliot R., Zac T., Monty G. and Jack., who all scored 50s for the 1st XI. Additionally, our 1st XI girls played their first-ever MCC women’s match.
Athletics: National Success
Sports Day was a tremendous success, featuring several impressive record-breaking performances.
Our athletes performed well at the District Championships, producing five District Champions: Kitty K. (2 events), Anais B., Greg H., and Oscar G.
Momentum continued at the County level, where Kitty, Josh, and Clara qualified for the Anglian Schools competition. The season’s pinnacle arrived at the Prep Schools Nationals, where Greg H. was crowned National Champion in the High Jump (leaping 1.65m and breaking a 24-year-old school record). Kitty K. finished a brilliant 2nd in the 200m. Finally, we are delighted that Kitty (Junior Girls 300m) and Josh S. (Junior Boys 800m) have been selected for the English Schools Athletics Championships in Birmingham this July.
Tennis: Growth and Resilience
• Boys’ Tennis: Led by captains Ben S. and Luke M., the 1st VI secured excellent victories against Stamford and the OKs. The U15s enjoyed an undefeated season, highlighted by a 5-4 victory over Oakham.
• Girls’ Tennis: The season was defined by team spirit and tactical growth. The U15s enjoyed a particularly successful campaign, while the 1st VII, captained by Christiana R., balanced academic rigour with consistent excellence on the court.
Sailing & Equestrian
• Sailing: The team adapted quickly to keelboats at the London regatta, securing a race win and three top-five finishes. Their competitive resilience shone through at home, leading the results against Oundle and Haileybury.
• Equestrian: Following Tilly R.’s win at the Bloxham Championships, the team excelled at the National Championships at Hickstead, placing in the top 10 across multiple disciplines, including 3rd in the 100 Eventer Challenge and 4th in the 90 Eventer Challenge.
Swimming & Individual Honours
Our senior girls’ team—Tessa & Emily Q., Abi D., Charlotte J., and Charlie D.—won the Thursday Swim League. Additionally, we are proud to announce that Oscar G. has been selected to represent the Independent Schools FA National U14 team.
We are incredibly grateful to our coaching staff for their expertise and dedication. We bid a fond farewell to our sports graduates—Mr. Earwicker, Miss James, and Miss Grigg-Pettitt—and wish them the very best. We also extend our sincere thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Lawless for their years of service to Kimbolton Sport; we wish them every success at Ampleforth College. Finally, to our departing Upper Sixth: thank you for your contribution to our sporting culture. We look forward to seeing you represent the OKs in the future.
We hope you all enjoy a well-deserved, restful break. We look forward to seeing you back on the pitch in September!
