Kimbolton School

Since September 2023, Will Chuter, previously head of Cranbrook School and before that, deputy head and head of classics at Gresham’s School and a housemaster at Uppingham. Degree in ancient history from Durham. He joined the school with his wife,

Pupils for reception assessed in small groups and teachers visit them at local nurseries to see that they are ready to learn. School happy to say no at this stage. Older children assessed and spend taster morning at school. No automatic transfer t

Around 10 per cent leave after GCSE, mostly to local, excellent sixth form colleges rather than rival independents. The odd one doesn’t come up to scratch with GCSEs, but this is unusual. Most leave after A level for top-drawer universities such a

In 2024, 55 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 47 per cent A*/A at A level (73 per cent A*-B).

Spanish and French available at GCSE and A level, taught from reception. Not many take two languages at GCSE, nine or 10 a year. Half the year group take all three sciences. Pupils taught in mixed-ability groups apart from maths and languages. Mat

Some 40 pupils receive extra support throughout both schools, but only two are statemented. A handful of pupils bilingual, 18 on the EAL register. One-to-one available for learning and language support if necessary.

Music and drama popular and well represented. Lots of individual lessons, including over half of pupils in upper prep. Parents spoke of sensible way these lessons are timetabled, particularly in the senior school, so less academic do not miss esse

As you would expect with two heads who are ex-sports teachers, games plays an important part at Kimbolton. ‘We aim to get everyone out at least once a year representing the school,’ said the prep head. Lots of silverware in the cabinets and lots o

Boarding available from year 7. It’s not a major part of the school, which is predominantly a day school, with boarders making up about seven per cent of pupils.  Boarders housed in two houses at each end of Kimbolton’s High Street (it’s not very

Located in the small pretty village of Kimbolton, the Castle, originally an ancient castle and now a magnificent Georgian mansion, dominates the village sitting at the end of the High Street. Very little teaching actually takes place in the Castle

Every parent praised pastoral care. ‘I don’t know how they manage it,’ said one parent who went on to praise the ‘kind, patient, supportive, caring teachers’ and believed this atmosphere is absorbed by the children, who behave in the same way. ‘Th

A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.

Most families rural dwellers from surrounding villages and small towns. Traditionally a farming and Forces school, this is now changing with many families moving from London whilst parents still work there. More families now coming from Cambridge’

Scholarships available in senior school only, up to 20 per cent of fees, the vast majority academic, but the odd sports, leadership and arts available at 13+. The equivalent of six full means-tested awards at senior school per year group, usually

This small school, housed in beautiful surroundings, appears to be a well-kept secret, much to some parents’ bemusement. ‘Why is it not more well known?’ said by many. We get the impression that there's no need; the school is virtually full, has a