Upper Prep pupils took centre stage on Friday, 23 May as families, staff and guests gathered in the Senior School marquee for the annual Upper Prep Prize Giving – an afternoon filled with pride, reflection and celebration.

The ceremony began with an introduction from Mr Jonathan Gray, Chairman of Governors, followed by reflections from Mrs Claire Petrie, Head of the Preparatory School. Mrs Petrie spoke of a year shaped by support and the school’s core values – Kindness, Curiosity, Courage, Endeavour and Integrity – and celebrated the many ways these values have been demonstrated across daily school life.

Pupil voice played a central role in the event, with House Captains sharing memories in A Journey Through Prep and The Next Chapter, offering a heartfelt snapshot of life at Kimbolton and looking ahead with excitement to the next stage of their school journey. The programme was further enriched by musical performances from the Senior Choir, Chamber Choir, Music Captains and instrumental soloists.

Prizes were presented for academic excellence, endeavour, subject achievements and musical distinction, recognising pupils who have demonstrated commitment, talent and integrity across all aspects of school life. The ceremony also featured special awards, including the R J Wells Prize, the Common Room Prize and the ever-popular Sportsboy and Sportsgirl of the Year.

The School was honoured to welcome The Rt Hon Sir John Major KG CH as Guest Speaker. His words of encouragement and inspiration offered a fitting send-off for Year 6 pupils as they prepare for the transition to Senior School.

The afternoon concluded with refreshments in the Castle Courtyard, where families, friends and staff gathered to reflect on a successful year and to celebrate the collective achievements of Kimbolton’s vibrant Upper Prep community.