Montagu House
Welcome to Montagu House
Housemaster: Mr Andrew Bull
House history
The Montagu family, who held the titles of Earls and later Dukes of Manchester, were the long-standing proprietors of Kimbolton Castle for more than three centuries. Their ownership began in the early 17th century, when Sir Henry Montagu, later the 1st Earl of Manchester, acquired the estate.
Under successive generations, the family transformed Kimbolton Castle from a medieval fortress into an elegant country residence, reflecting the evolving tastes and fortunes of the English aristocracy.
The Montagus remained in possession of the property until 1950, when the 10th Duke of Manchester sold the castle and its grounds to Kimbolton School, marking the end of an era in the estate’s distinguished history.
Did you know? Montagu has always been associated with the colour blue. Our blue house flag proudly displays both the school crest and the Montagu coat of arms.
House news
The House system in Prep
The house system at Kimbolton School was introduced in 1940 by then Headmaster, William Ingram, for pastoral care and competition purposes.
In Prep, all children are assigned to one of four Houses, named after previous owners of Kimbolton Castle:
- Fitzpiers
- Montagu
- Stafford
- Wingfield
Teachers are also allocated to a House and lead inter-house competitions including; football, cross-country, chess, netball, hockey, reading, general knowledge, cricket, rounders, maths, science and singing.
In Senior School and Sixth Form, different Houses are introduced. They reflect the school’s founders (Balye and Dawson) and key figures in its leadership (Ingram, Gibbard, Owen).
Leadership
Each house provides opportunities for older pupils to develop their leadership skills. In Year 6, House Captains take the lead at events such as sports day, and in leading House assemblies.
Other pupils have opportunities to encourage and support younger pupils, as well as taking lead roles in activities such as House singing.
