Well-being and pastoral in Senior School
Exceptional pastoral support for our students
Supporting personal growth and academic success
When young people feel happy and secure, they can thrive.
At Kimbolton we pride ourselves on our pro-active approach to equality, safeguarding and pastoral care. 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 Senior School, small classes and tutor groups ensure personalised attention for every student. Teachers collaborate to provide tailored support, fostering a strong sense of community.
Pastoral care is centred around our house system, and our co-educational approach extends to mixed houses, classes, and tutor groups, preparing students for real-world dynamics. Our Parents’ Pastoral Evenings cover topics pertinent to raising teenagers with outside speakers, facilitating small group discussions and interaction with pastoral staff.
Pastoral support
Our pastoral support prioritises the well-being and personal development of pupils. This support system features a dedicated team of tutors, housemasters, and housemistresses who provide daily guidance and assistance.
House system
First and Second Formers all join Ingrams House our junior house. This provides a comfortable ‘stepping stone’ between Prep or primary school and joining a senior house: Balyes, Dawsons, Gibbards or Owens. Our house system builds community and is the focus of a wide variety of sporting, academic and other competitions.
Tutor groups are selected by house, and pupils meet their tutor daily, and for a longer tutorial period twice a week. Small tutor groups allow tutors to really get to know their tutees well, to provide guidance and advice on everything from study techniques and subject choices, to how to deal with upsets or misunderstandings.
Well-being services
We offer a range of initiatives to support the emotional and social development of all pupils, including:
- The Wellbeing Hub – An online resource offering mental health and wellbeing support for both parents and pupils.
- Wellbeing Room – A safe space where pupils can seek guidance and support from dedicated staff members.
- Wellbeing Mentors – Sixth Form mentors provide peer support to younger pupils, while a team of staff volunteers offer advice and encouragement.
- Mental Health Workshops – Practical sessions offering strategies and techniques to address key mental health issues.
- Health Centre – Our on-site centre provides comprehensive physical and mental health support, with nurses and counsellors available for both pupils and staff.
“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
