Senior School newsletter – 5 June 2026
Issue 13/2025/26
Head’s welcome
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Have a wonderful weekend, filled with studious, revising children!
Will Chuter
Headmaster
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Will Chuter
Headmaster
Whole school updates
Young performers celebrate double success in Theatre Competitions
Young Performers Celebrate Double Success
It was a remarkable weekend for Kimbolton School’s young performers, who achieved outstanding success in two prestigious theatre competitions.
At the regional final of the All England Theatre Festival, our dramatists secured an impressive second place against strong competition, including two adult theatre companies. In their first-ever attempt at the festival, the cast delivered a performance that earned high praise from the adjudicator, with the winners prevailing by only a very narrow margin. Adding to the achievement, Beau J. was awarded Best Actor for his powerful portrayal of Prior Walter.
The celebrations continued in London, where Toby T. competed in the semi-finals of the National Youth Monologue Competition. Selected from more than 4,000 entrants nationwide, Toby performed as Hannay from The 39 Steps and won first place in his category. He will now progress to the national finals at Trafalgar Studios on 14 June.
These achievements are a testament to the talent, dedication and hard work of our pupils, as well as the strength of the School’s drama department. Congratulations to Beau, Toby and everyone involved on an exceptional day of success.
Gold DofE Success at Buckingham Palace
Several Kimbolton pupils and Old Kimboltonians recently celebrated achieving their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at a special presentation event at Buckingham Palace, joined by Martin Bray, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Manager.
Held in glorious sunshine, the day featured inspirational speakers, a brass band performance of the National Anthem and plenty of tea and cake as Gold Award recipients from across the country gathered to mark their achievement.
The Gold Award is the highest level of the DofE programme and recognises exceptional commitment to volunteering, skills, physical activity, expeditions and residential experiences. This year, 16 Kimbolton pupils have already completed their Gold Award, contributing a remarkable 861 hours of volunteering between them.
Congratulations to all our Gold Award recipients on this outstanding achievement.
Anne Bantin, Head of History in a new film – all about learning History at Kimbolton
New fitness suite coming to the Roger Peel Sports Centre
Work will begin this summer on a fantastic new fitness suite in the Roger Peel Sports Centre, featuring a dedicated weights room and aerobic fitness space to enhance our strength and conditioning provision for pupils.
The project has already attracted generous support from Old Kimboltonians and the KSPA, and we look forward to officially opening the facility in September.
Parents, staff and members of the local community are invited to find out more about the project, meet the architect and speak with members of staff involved at one of our informal drop-in sessions on 16 and 18 June.
Boarders’ charity events – Sunday 7 June
Please come and support the boarders if you can on Sunday. The girls will be having a bake sale and also serving tea and cake in the garden of White House between 12 and 4, whilst the boys will be cleaning cars at the back of Kim House 11-1pm.
Please help us support our charities – William Templeton Foundation for Young People’s Mental Health and Breast Cancer Now – both charities which are close to our hearts.
Vanbrugh300 talk with Dr Simon Thurley CBE – free for all
As many of you are aware, 2026 is an exciting year for the heritage of Kimbolton as we help to celebrate the life of Sir John Vanbrugh as part of the national commemoration of his life on the occasion of the 300th anniversary of his death.
On 2July, distinguished historian and heritage leader, Dr Simon Thurley CBE, will present a lecture examining his lifelong fascination with Sir John Vanbrugh.
A former pupil of Kimbolton School, Dr Thurley currently serves as Chair of the Delivery Authority for the Restoration and Renewal of the Houses of Parliament. From 2002 to 2015, he was Chief Executive of English Heritage. Dr Thurley will recount the story of the Castle’s “Great Rebuilding”, when Vanbrugh and his assistant Nicholas Hawksmoor were commissioned by Charles Edward Montagu, 4th Earl of Manchester, to redesign the building’s south front. What began as a single commission soon expanded as Vanbrugh persuaded the Earl to transform all four sides of the building in a unified architectural style. The talk will explore Vanbrugh’s ambitious plans for the Castle, including the creation of the grand Saloon, the State Bedchamber and adjoining Boudoir, the Green Drawing Room, and significant alterations to the Chapel and Main Staircase. This talk is free and will offer a fascinating insight into the history of Kimbolton.
The Old Kimboltonian 2026 Summer Reunion
On Saturday 20 June, Kimbolton School will be welcoming alumni back for The Old Kimboltonian 2026 Summer Reunion. This is an annual celebration for former pupils of Kimbolton School. Throughout the day, alumni from across seven generations will return to reconnect with one another, tour the school, and enjoy a variety of sporting events.
Castle Ball – tickets now available
The KSPA are excited to announce that the Summer Ball will be held on the 4 July 2026.
It will take place during the evening of our Speech Day, and we hope to see many of you there!
