Senior School newsletter – 5 December 2025
Issue 06/2025/26
Head’s welcome
Nearing the end of our longest term, I expect, like me, you feel that it has all gone rather quickly! The pace in the second half of this term can seem breakneck, as concerts, plays and carol services add to parents’ evenings, assessments, sports fixtures, clubs and other excitements – not to mention the inevitable November fatigue and illness. Varying stories abound about the amount of absence we had at the Senior School last week, and various names for the bug. I am pleased to say that most of our pupils and staff are back in school now and have weathered a nasty bout of “Kimbola” well.
Advent at school is exciting and we were launched into it marvellously by the KSPA Christmas Fair and Kimbolton Christmas Tree Festival on Sunday. I continue to be amazed at the dedication and hard work of our parent volunteers, who put on the winter wonderland of stall holders, cakes, gingerbread, mulled wine and Father Christmas while doing their day jobs – and then turn out to run the bar at the musical!
And what a musical it is. Come From Away has been a triumph of artistic vision, talent and sustained hard work from pupils and staff, actors, technicians and musicians. It is a riot of energy that highlights how great school teams bring everyone together, from First Form to Upper Sixth and performers to audience. I hope you have managed to see it.
Next week we look forward to a celebratory Final Assembly on Wednesday and the grand finale of House Carols on Friday. In the meantime, I hope to see as many of you as possible at Titchmarsh Church on Sunday at 7pm for our School Choir’s Christmas concert, and then at Nine Lessons and Carols on Wednesday at St Andrew’s in Kimbolton, followed by mulled wine and mince pies in the Saloon.
Warm wishes,
Will Chuter
Headmaster
“Come From Away has been a triumph of artistic vision, talent and sustained hard work from pupils and staff… a riot of energy that highlights how great school teams bring everyone together.”
Will Chuter
Headmaster
Whole school updates
Nine Lessons and Carols – Wednesday 10 December
A quick reminder that our Nine Lessons and Carols service takes place on Wednesday 10 December at 7.30pm in St Andrew’s Church, Kimbolton (doors open 7.00pm). No tickets are required.
If you’re joining us afterwards in the Castle Saloon for Christmas refreshments, please complete the form.
Boarding: one free taster night for every Senior School pupil
Did you know that 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.
Boarding can be especially helpful on evenings with late rehearsals, sports fixtures or events, offering pupils a safe, calm space, a structured routine, and the chance to be well-rested for the next day. It can also ease family logistics by removing the need for late pick-ups, while providing a positive, sociable environment with friends.
Occasional Boarding is open to everyone, although spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended. Fees (including childcare voucher eligibility for under-16s) can be found here: other charges – Kimbolton School.
To book a taster night or to enquire about availability, please contact our Houseparents:
• Mrs Laura Hadden – White House (Girls): lah@kimboltonschool.com
• Mr Tony Lawless – Kim House (Boys): asl@kimboltonschool.com
5th Form Mocks & Summer Study Leave – Key information
A reminder that important details regarding 5th Form mock examinations and summer study leave have now been shared with parents, including revision arrangements from 6 December, the January mock exam window, study-leave protocols, and advance notice of summer dates. Please take a moment to read the full update from Mr Whiteley, which outlines everything you need to know as pupils prepare for this next stage.
Flu Vaccination Clinics – information for parents
The School Immunisation Team has now completed their on-site flu vaccination visits. If your child did not receive the vaccination in school and you would like to arrange an appointment, community clinics are available in Cambridge, Huntingdon, Wisbech and Peterborough over the coming weeks. Booking is essential.
Full details, including clinic dates and locations, can be downloaded here.
Get Wet & Go Wild – Holiday Club
We are delighted to share details of our Get Wet & Go Wild holiday club for Kimbolton pupils aged 8–13. Running during the Christmas holidays, the club offers a fun mix of sports, swimming, arts and crafts, reading and games. Sessions run 9–4pm, with drop-off and pick-up at the Swimming Pool, and cost £40 per day. Bookings must be made via Engage/Daybooks – find instructions on how to book through Engage below.
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.
