Essay writing competition

Peter Smout Memorial Essay Writing Competition

The Smout Essay Writing Competition is an exciting opportunity for students to showcase their writing skills, creativity, and critical thinking. Named in honour of former Kimbolton School Headmaster, Mr Robert Smout, this competition encourages students to engage with thought-provoking topics and demonstrate their ability to express ideas clearly and persuasively.

Robert Smout (1929-2006)

Charles Anthony Peter Smout (known as Peter) was born in Birmingham on 14 November 1929. Following school at The Leys, National Service in the Army, a degree at Cambridge and teaching practice at KES Birmingham and Kimbolton, Peter joined the staff of Kimbolton School as an English teacher in 1954.

He remained here for 35 years, becoming Second Master in 1964. Many former colleagues and pupils remember him as the originator of outdoor Shakespearian productions in the castle courtyard; now home to a memorial bench bearing his name.

Peter had many and varied interests, including football, birds, butterflies, the church and opera. The Kimboltonian magazine of 1989 notes:

“He always welcomed the opportunity to broaden his already diverse interests, and the Printing Club, the Wine Club, the Paperback Bookshop and the School magazine all benefitted from his enthusiasm and efficiency.”

In addition to his School commitments, Peter also stood three times as parliamentary candidate for the Liberal Party in the 1970s, highlighting environmental issues and on one occasion polling over 17,000 votes. A former colleague recalls:

“Many of those votes were in addition to any national swing, reflecting personal support gained by diligent long-term canvassing”

Peter celebrated his golden wedding anniversary in 2004 and remained in good health until his death on 22 December 2006, aged 77. He leaves his wife Mary, two sons and four grandchildren.

His dedication to nurturing the minds of young people has inspired generations of students, and this competition reflects his commitment to encouraging creative and critical thinking.

Stay tuned for more details and the upcoming themes for this year’s competition. We look forward to seeing your entries!