Well-being and pastoral in Prep
We take pride in delivering exceptional pastoral support
We believe children flourish when they feel content, protected, and assured, irrespective of their age. Working closely with parents, we instil values of good conduct and mutual respect. We foster a strong sense of community that many families believe extends well beyond our gates.
In the Prep School, our small class ensure highly personalised attention. Every child is acknowledged and understood, and our teaching and pastoral colleagues collaborate to provide appropriate, specific support.
Prep School
We take pride in delivering exceptional pastoral support. We believe children flourish when they feel content, protected, and assured, irrespective of their age. Working closely with parents, we instil values of good conduct and mutual respect. We foster a strong sense of community that many families believe extends well beyond our gates.
In the Prep School, our small class ensure highly personalised attention. Every child is acknowledged and understood, and our teaching and pastoral colleagues collaborate to provide appropriate, specific support.
House system
Pastoral care is centred around our house system. We are a co-educational school and strongly believe that, as far as practically possible, boys and girls should be educated together. So, all our houses are mixed and house competitions feature mixed teams for non-sporting events.
Kimbolton houses provide an added dimension to the children’s sense of community and are a focus for a wide variety of sporting, academic and other competitions.
In the Lower Prep, all pupils are members of Aragon House (also the name of our Lower Prep building). Class teachers are responsible for the well-being of pupils and are the first point of contact for parents.
In the Upper Prep, class teachers remain key to pastoral care. Pupils belong to classes, but also to one of four houses:
- Fitzpiers
- Montagu
- Stafford
- Wingfield
Well-being services
We offer a range of initiatives to support pupil well-being including:
- Our Well-being Room is a safe place for young people to talk to dedicated staff members who can provide strategies to build a well-being tool kit.
- An on-site Health Centre staffed by nurses and counsellors ensures that both mental and physical health are supported.
- The Wellbeing Hub – An online resource offering mental health and wellbeing support for both parents and pupils is available from Year 6 in Upper Prep through to Sixth Form.
In Prep School, we have a nurse on duty throughout the school day, and a suite of rooms at the Upper Prep provide first aid and minor injury assessment, plus a quiet area. In Lower Prep, we have an area for immediate first aid.
For any pupil with a medical concern, we work closely with parents and the young person to understand their needs and any implication this may have on school life.
“Our holistic approach to well-being ensures that pupils feel valued, supported, and equipped to excel both academically and personally.”
Spiritual life at Kimbolton
Our school welcomes people from all faiths and secular backgrounds. Christian principles and ideals shape our ethos.
The Castle’s chapel, once the spiritual retreat of Katharine of Aragon and decorated by Pellegrini, acts a calm retreat and is a thought-provoking place for worship and reflection.
Our Chaplain leads services, encourages student involvement in services and assemblies and provides pastoral care for all members of our school community. The Castle’s historic chapel – once the spiritual retreat of Katharine of Aragon – offers a serene space for worship or reflection.
Across Kimbolton School, we mark key Christian events each year. We also celebrate Founders’ Day in October, and our Combined Cadet Force joins the local village community for the annual Remembrance Sunday Service.
We hold joint Christian Union activities, including a popular annual summer camp, and preparation for Confirmation is available, culminating in a service led by a local bishop in Spring Term.
Safeguarding
We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all our boarding and day pupils, irrespective of age, ability, race, culture, religion or sexuality, Safeguarding is deeply embedded within the ethos of the School and we expect all colleagues, volunteers and visitors to share this commitment.
Full details of our safeguarding policies including child protection, whistle-blowing and recruitment procedures are published in our policies area.
Safeguarding team
Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
– Whole School-
Vanessa Garratt
01480 862041
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
– Senior School –
Laura Hadden
01480 862240
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
– Prep School –
Oliver Stokes
01480 862062
Deputy Designated Safeguarding & Mental Health Lead
– Senior School –
Emily Davidson-Smith
01480 862241
Other Designated Safeguarding Staff
- Head of Lower Prep School: Mrs Laura Collins
- Assistant Housemistress, LAC (Looked after Children Coordinator): Mrs Stephanie Lace
- Health Centre Manager: Mrs Claire Watson
