The chapel bells mark the hours at Kimbolton Castle, a Grade One listed building and former residence of Katharine of Aragon, where a thriving all-through school now educates 1,100 pupils aged four to 18. Founded in 1600, Kimbolton combines centuries of heritage with thoroughly modern facilities, occupying 120 acres of landscaped grounds designed by Sir John Vanbrugh in the early 18th century. The school ranks 356th for GCSE performance (top 8%, FindMySchool ranking) and 309th in England for A-level results (top 12%, FindMySchool ranking), placing it firmly in the upper tier of independent schools. A co-educational day and boarding school, Kimbolton attracts families from across the East Midlands and beyond, with approximately 45% of boarders coming from overseas.
At drop-off, the sense of purposeful community is immediately apparent. Pupils stream between lessons with quiet confidence. The castle itself dominates the skyline, its red-brick façade and classical portico by Alessandro Galilei evoking centuries of history, yet every corner of the campus reflects contemporary investment. The Queen Katharine Building, opened in 2011 at a cost of £10.6 million, houses STEM and languages facilities. The Donaldson Building underwent extensive refurbishment, now home to geography, art history, and food and nutrition. The Vanbrugh Library provides a study focal point for seniors, while the William Brown Lecture Theatre accommodates large-scale events.
Will Chuter became Headmaster in 2023, arriving from Cranbrook School where he headed a Kent boarding grammar. He trained in Ancient History at Durham University and taught Classics for over a decade at Uppingham and Gresham's, building expertise in both academic rigour and pastoral boarding. His vision emphasises character development alongside achievement, a philosophy echoed in the school's stated values of kindness, courage, and curiosity. Claire Petrie leads the Preparatory School from September 2024, replacing Philip Foley after nine years. She brings seven years' experience as Deputy Head at Wellingborough Prep, with particular focus on pastoral care and safeguarding.
The school is structured as one coherent all-through community. The Prep (ages 4-11) occupies the village end of Kimbolton with its own modern facilities and mature grounds. The Senior School (ages 11-18) anchors the castle and surrounding parkland. Many pupils continue from Prep to Senior, creating continuity and reducing the disruption of transfer. Five pastoral houses in the Senior School carry names steeped in history: Balyes and Dawsons honour the 1600 founders, whilst Gibbards and Owens remember influential early leaders. Cyril Gibbard served as Senior Master from 1911 to 1953, growing pupil numbers from 30 to 380 during his 42-year tenure. Each house is led by a Housemaster or Housemistress, with a tutor system providing personalised oversight.
In 2024, 55% of GCSE entries achieved grades 9-7, compared with the England average of 54%. This places performance firmly in line with the England benchmark. The school ranks 356th in England for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool data), positioning it in the top 8%. Locally, among schools in Cambridgeshire and surrounding regions, Kimbolton holds first rank, reflecting its standing as the leading independent secondary in the wider area.
Attainment 8 scores and Progress 8 metrics reflect solid foundations and effective teaching. The fact that performance is competitive with national grammar schools and select independent schools, whilst remaining accessible through means-tested bursaries, underscores the school's commitment to educational quality without exclusivity. Subject-specific strength shows across sciences, humanities, and languages, with broad uptake of GCSE options including separate sciences, Further Mathematics, design technology, and modern languages.
The sixth form delivers particularly strong results. In 2024, 74% of A-level entries achieved grades A*-B, well above the England average of 47%. This 26-percentage-point margin demonstrates that the sixth form attracts and nurtures high-achieving students through demanding teaching. The school ranks 309th in England for A-level performance (top 12%, FindMySchool data), placing it within the top 25% of schools in England and reflecting consistent excellence.
Specifically, 16% achieved A* and a further 29% achieved A, indicating significant numbers reaching the highest grades. The breadth of A-level subjects offered, 26 in total, including Classical Greek, Russian, History of Art, and Further Mathematics, reflects curriculum ambition and caters to diverse post-school aspirations. Sixth formers are encouraged toward competitive university applications, with dedicated careers guidance and access to professionals from fields including medicine, law, and engineering.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
73.7%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
54.51%
% of students achieving grades 9-7
Teaching follows a disciplined, knowledge-rich approach grounded in small class sizes. Average class sizes of 14 in senior years and below 10 for some A-level sets mean teachers know pupils individually and tailor challenge accordingly. Specialist staff in each subject bring depth. The curriculum balances breadth and challenge: core academics (English, Mathematics, Science, Languages) receive substantial time, while pupils choose from a rich menu of electives.
The school emphasises structured lessons with clear outcomes. Teachers are expected to explain concepts well, model thinking processes, and provide scaffolding that builds pupil independence. Digital learning is embedded through iPads (required from Year 7), with online learning platforms supporting homework and feedback. A dedicated digital school strategy ensures technology enhances rather than substitutes for face-to-face teaching.
Learning extends beyond the classroom through organised lecture series, speaker visits, and field trips. Model United Nations sessions bring international perspectives. Academic competitions, essay writing, science challenges, mathematics olympiads, provide extension for those pursuing university entrance to competitive courses. The school holds annual Arts and STEM Weeks featuring visiting speakers and immersive project work.
In 2024, 66% of sixth form leavers progressed to university, with a further 16% entering employment. The university cohort shows strong placement at competitive institutions. Leavers regularly secure places at Russell Group universities including Cambridge, Durham, Bristol, Edinburgh, and Warwick. In the measurement period, one student secured a Cambridge place; whilst Oxbridge uptake is modest relative to some independent schools, the absolute numbers and placement at leading research universities reflect rigorous preparation.
Beyond Oxbridge, strong representation across medicine and professional courses indicates effective careers guidance and compelling school recommendations. The small sixth form (around 200 students combined Years 12 and 13) means places are competitive and universities regard Kimbolton endorsements seriously.
1% progressed to further education (typically vocational or apprenticeship-level study), and 1% took up apprenticeships or vocational training. The 16% entering employment typically comprise school leavers at Year 11 who chose not to continue to sixth form, plus small numbers from Year 13 pursuing immediate employment rather than university.
Total Offers
1
Offer Success Rate: 5.6%
Cambridge
1
Offers
Oxford
0
Offers
Beyond the Classroom represents the distinctive educational offer at Kimbolton. The school invests substantially in developing the whole person: athletic prowess, artistic expression, leadership, resilience, and service to others feature throughout the curriculum and co-curricular programme.
Music permeates school life. Over a quarter of Senior School pupils receive individual instrumental or vocal tuition, many learning multiple instruments. The school employs 26 full-time music staff, offering coaching in all orchestral and band instruments, plus piano, jazz piano, harpsichord, organ, guitar, electric guitar, drums, percussion, and voice. Those demonstrating merit progress to Music Exhibitions: four terms of funded tuition awarded to candidates achieving Grade 5 or above with merit or distinction. Exhibitioners must perform actively in school ensembles, deepening musical culture across the community.
Named ensembles include the Chamber Choir (open to Fourth Form and above), the Main School Choir, and the Symphony Orchestra. Jazz tuition and performance groups cater to those drawn to contemporary styles. Annual concerts showcase soloists, chamber groups, and full orchestral works. A new music theatre programme has developed, with recorded performances expanding reach. The Director of Music emphasises encouraging "students to become actively involved in making their own music, whatever their interests and aspirations."
Drama is central to school identity. Each year the school stages a major production alternating between play and musical. Recent shows include Les Misérables, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Sweeney Todd, and Into the Woods. The entire school community participates: younger pupils attend as audiences, learning theatre appreciation; older pupils audition as performers or join technical teams. A Junior School Production reserved for First to Third Form showcases talent in The Wizard of Oz or The Sound of Music. The Whole School Gym and Dance Display celebrates movement across all ages.
Year 7-9 pupils attend dedicated drama clubs led by GCSE and A-level candidates, developing confidence and theatrical technique. The Technical Theatre Club teaches sound, lighting, costume, hair and make-up, and stage management. Student directors, lighting designers, and front-of-house teams run major productions, creating genuine responsibility and career insight. Theatre trips to London and Cambridge theatres expose students to professional work, informing exam studies and performance ambition.
Sport flourishes at Kimbolton. The school employs a dedicated Director of Sport and has made provision for all to compete, from inter-house competitions to elite representative pathways. Core sports, rugby, hockey, netball, cricket, tennis, athletics, are compulsory in lower years, with choice and specialisation available thereafter. A 25-metre modern swimming pool hosts competitive water polo and swimming training. The sports hall accommodates basketball, badminton, squash, and gymnastics. Floodlit astroturf pitches allow winter games and training through dark months. Acres of playing fields provide space for cricket practice nets and athletic development.
Beyond traditional team sports, the school actively supports individual pursuits. Sailing and canoeing attract keen participants, with strong links to Grafham Water Sailing Club and British Canoeing. The school's canoe teams compete in demanding events including the Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race. Climbing, windsurfing, and horse riding are available through specialist providers. The Combined Cadet Force (Army, Navy, and RAF sections) offers military training and leadership development. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award runs to Gold level, with supported expeditions building resilience and practical skill.
The school publishes an extensive co-curricular menu. Specific clubs include the History Society, Politics Society, Digital Learning Club, and CSI Kimbolton (forensic biology and investigation). The Enlightenment Society brings together those exploring philosophical questions. Kimbookworms brings together readers to discuss literature monthly. The Engineering Club engages pupils in problem-solving and design challenges. The Law Society invites professionals to discuss legal careers. Philosophy for Community explores ethical reasoning with real-world application.
The Debating Society competes inter-school and regionally. Model United Nations sessions develop public speaking, diplomatic negotiation, and international awareness. The Feminist Society offers space for gender-focused discussion and activism. Subject-specific clubs, the Medical Society, Computer Science Club, prepare those considering professional pathways. Outdoor Pursuits clubs beyond formal sport include climbing, kayaking, and wilderness skills.
Art and design are equally prominent. Saturday art sessions and open workshops allow experimentation in painting, printmaking, sculpture, and ceramics. The school's residence, Burwell House, hosts visits and outdoor art exploration. KiMedia, the film-making club, produces short films and supports media literacy. Pottery and clay work attract creative practitioners.
Performance opportunities extend beyond drama and music. Speech and language coaching through LAMDA develops confidence and articulation. The school hosts speaker events and masterclasses. Creative writing competitions and poetry sessions celebrate literary expression.
Boarding at Kimbolton accommodates approximately 35 pupils (5% of the Senior School), with roughly equal numbers of boys (in Kimbolton House) and girls (in White House). Both houses sit in Kimbolton village High Street, within walking distance of the Senior School campus. Full, weekly, and flexible boarding options support diverse family needs. Full boarders remain across weekends; weekly boarders return home Friday afternoon; flexi-boarders use boarding as needed for fixtures or study support.
Boarding staff maintain attentive routines. A House Dame (matron) knows pupils personally, monitoring health and wellbeing. Housemasters and housemistresses live on-site with families, providing visible presence. Tutors meet with boarders regularly. Weekend activity programmes, organised trips, social events, sports fixtures, keep boarders engaged and prevent isolation.
The close integration of boarding into the wider school culture means boarders access all day school activities; they are not marginalised as separate residents. Many day pupils join boarders for breakfast or tea, and boarding houses host social events. Pupils and parents consistently report satisfaction with boarding provision, citing staff responsiveness, activity quality, and a sense of belonging.
Day fees for 2025-26 are charged per term:
Fees include books and core examination entries but exclude trips and visits. Individual music lessons, academic support, bus travel, and specific clubs are charged separately.
The school offers a 2% discount for Direct Debit payment of full termly fees and a 3% sibling discount. Continuity of Education Allowance supports Armed Forces and Diplomatic Service families. An Advance Fee Payment Scheme allows parents to pay lump sums in advance and receive tax-free discount.
Bursaries are available and means-tested. The school has recently launched an enhanced Bursary Fund as part of its 425th anniversary celebrations, signalling commitment to broadening access. Scholarships are offered for academic achievement, music, sport, art, drama, design and engineering, and computer science, typically providing 10-25% fee reduction. The school states it seeks to identify talent from all backgrounds.
*Bursaries may be available for eligible families.
Basis: per term
Entry to the School occurs at multiple points: Reception (age 4), Year 1 (age 5+), Year 3 (age 7+), Year 7 (age 11+), Year 9 (age 13+), and Year 12 (age 16+). The admissions process is managed through the school's own assessments combined, at secondary entry, with entrance examinations.
For Year 7 entry, candidates sit papers in English, Mathematics, and Verbal Reasoning. The English paper comprises comprehension and writing sections; Mathematics evaluates core concepts including number, algebra, and problem-solving (without calculators); Verbal Reasoning assesses logical thinking and linguistic agility. Interviews follow strong performance in written papers. For those in the Prep School, Common Entrance may satisfy the entrance requirement.
Registration opens in autumn of the year preceding entry. The school recommends early registration to secure assessment appointments. A non-refundable registration fee of £100 applies. Offers are typically released by February half-term, with an acceptance deadline in early March.
For Sixth Form entry (Year 12, age 16+), candidates must achieve a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 6 or above. Subject-specific requirements apply for A-level courses, for instance, Further Mathematics usually requires GCSE Grade 7 or above in GCSE Mathematics.
Admissions deposit of £1,500 secures a place; this is held during enrolment and returned upon leaving the school.
Pastoral systems are deliberately personal. The tutor system assigns each pupil a form tutor who meets with them regularly, monitors academic progress, and provides emotional support. House structures organise pastoral oversight: house staff know pupils across their pastoral group and respond to concerns quickly.
The school employs a dedicated Mental Health Lead and provides regular access to counselling. The Health Centre, staffed during the school day, handles routine medical matters and refers complex cases appropriately. Staff are trained in safeguarding and mental health awareness.
Behaviour expectations are clear and applied consistently. The discipline system emphasises responsibility and restorative approaches; serious breaches result in appropriate consequences, ranging from extra work to temporary exclusion. The school reports low levels of bullying, supported by peer mentoring and clear reporting channels.
Wellbeing initiatives include a structured PSHE curriculum covering relationships, online safety, financial literacy, and career exploration. The school celebrates cultural diversity and promotes tolerance. Chaplaincy is offered from a Christian perspective, welcoming all backgrounds.
The school day runs 8:50am to 3:20pm for Senior School day pupils, with morning and after-school supervision available. The Prep School operates 8:00am to 3:15pm, with Kim Club (wraparound care) available from 7:30am to 6:00pm. The school provides this flexibility to support working families.
Transport is available through a school bus service, with routes covering Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, and Huntingdonshire. The village of Kimbolton is accessible by rail from Cambridge (20 minutes). Parking is available at the school for families with pass permits.
School uniform is required. The Prep follows traditional expectations; the Senior School requires blazer, tie, and formal dress, with slight variations for sixth form. Current cost guidance is available through the school shop.
Meals are compulsory and included in fees for day pupils. The school provides a balanced menu including vegetarian and allergy-aware options. Boarders have breakfast, lunch, and tea provided; day pupils eat lunch during school day.
Entry is competitive. The school ranks highly and is well-regarded regionally, resulting in more applications than places, particularly at Year 7. Families should view entrance assessments as rigorous and prepare pupils appropriately. The written papers are designed to assess reasoning ability, not rote knowledge, so familiarisation with question styles is wise.
Boarding is selective. With only 35 boarding places across a school of 680 seniors, full or weekly boarding spots are rare. Families must register well in advance if boarding is desired, and availability depends on balancing gender, year group, and pastoral care capacity.
The ethos emphasises character and kindness alongside academic achievement. The school's value of "kindness most of all" is genuine. Whilst results matter, families should expect the school to assess whether a child would thrive in a community-focused, character-driven environment. Pupils who are solely academically motivated or uncomfortable with pastoral expectations may feel the social and emotional dimensions are demanding.
Bursary and scholarship funding are limited. Whilst bursaries exist, the school is independent and not heavily endowed. Families requiring significant financial support should enquire directly and apply early, as funds are allocated competitively. The percentage receiving support is modest relative to some larger independent schools.
The Prep-Senior transition is smooth but distinct. Many Prep pupils progress to Senior; however, this is not automatic. Selection occurs at Year 7 entry, and the Senior School admits external candidates as well. Families should not assume continued enrolment without meeting entrance criteria.
Kimbolton School is a serious academic institution with 425 years of heritage, real strength in teaching and results, and a genuine commitment to developing well-rounded, responsible young adults. The combination of historic setting (Kimbolton Castle), modern facilities (£10.6 million invested in recent years), strong examination results (ranking in the top 8% in England for GCSE, top 12% for A-level), and expansive pastoral care places it squarely among the leading independent all-through schools in the East of England.
The school is best suited to families who value both academic rigour and character development, who want their children in a genuinely mixed community (approximately 50-50 boys and girls, mixed ability in lower years), and who appreciate the infrastructure of pastoral care and activity breadth. Day families within reasonable commute (Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, North London) will find Kimbolton accessible and excellent value relative to many independent equivalents.
The primary constraints are entry competitiveness and fees. Those seeking full boarding or highly specialised academic tracks (e.g., classical languages, music specialism) may find themselves disappointed by limited places. Those with substantial bursary needs should explore the school's willingness to support early, but should not assume places will be funded.
For families who fit the profile, Kimbolton offers an enviable blend of heritage, modernity, and educational quality.
Yes. Kimbolton ranks 356th in England for GCSE results (top 8%, FindMySchool data) and 309th for A-level (top 12%). In 2024, 74% of A-level entries achieved grades A*-B, well above the England average of 47%. The latest available ISI inspection report is dated 23 September 2025. The school delivers strong academic outcomes alongside comprehensive pastoral care and extracurricular opportunity.
For 2025-26, day fees are £5,235 per term for Lower Prep, £6,797 for Upper Prep, and £8,323 for Senior School day pupils (lunch included). Full boarding costs £14,407 per term; weekly boarding £13,489. Fees exclude trips, some clubs, and individual music lessons. The school offers a 2% discount for Direct Debit payment, 3% sibling discount, and means-tested bursaries. Scholarships (10-25% reduction) are available for academic, music, sport, art, drama, and design talent.
Entry is competitive, particularly at Year 7. The school receives significantly more applications than places available. Candidates are assessed through entrance examinations (English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning) and interviews. For Sixth Form, five GCSEs at grade 6 or above are required, with subject-specific entry standards for A-level courses. Early registration is advised, as assessment appointments fill quickly.
The school offers extensive activity beyond the classroom. Core sports include rugby, hockey, netball, cricket, tennis, and swimming. Additional options include sailing, canoeing, climbing, windsurfing, horse riding, shooting, badminton, and squash. The Combined Cadet Force (Army, Navy, RAF), Duke of Edinburgh's Award, and outdoor pursuits programs develop leadership and resilience. Clubs span debating, Model United Nations, STEM subjects, arts, drama, and music. The school publishes a full co-curricular programme termly.
Yes. Over a quarter of Senior School pupils receive individual tuition. The school employs 26 music staff offering coaching on all orchestral and band instruments, plus piano, jazz, organ, guitar, drums, and voice. Music Exhibitions (funded tuition) are awarded to candidates achieving Grade 5 or above with merit or distinction. Named ensembles include the Chamber Choir, Main School Choir, and Symphony Orchestra. An annual concert season showcases student talent. Music is available through to A-level, with specialist pathways for those pursuing conservatoire study.
The Senior School occupies Kimbolton Castle and 120 acres of grounds, designed by architect Sir John Vanbrugh in the early 18th century. Modern facilities include the Queen Katharine Building (STEM and languages, £10.6 million investment in 2011), the Donaldson Building (sciences, geography, art), Vanbrugh Library, William Brown Lecture Theatre, a 25-metre swimming pool, sports hall, floodlit astroturf pitches, and extensive playing fields. The Prep School has its own reception, classrooms, library, and sports facilities. Boarding houses (Kimbolton House for boys, White House for girls) sit in the village High Street.
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