Kimbolton School
Secular, Founded 1600
Updated July 2026
National Curriculum (England)
IGCSELanguages
English
French
SpanishKimbolton School is a co-educational independent day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 to 18, located in a historic setting in Cambridgeshire. It is a community-focused school that balances academic ambition with a strong emphasis on pastoral care and character development.
Term structure
Teaching approach
The school’s educational ethos values character and kindness as highly as academic achievement. It aims to nurture pupils as individuals, encouraging them to be well-rounded, hardworking, and resilient. The school’s "Learning DNA" promotes qualities such as being a problem solver, a leader, an independent thinker, a confident communicator, and being socially responsible and digitally literate.
Programmes
The school offers a broad academic curriculum from the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) through to the Sixth Form. Senior School pupils study for GCSEs in a wide range of subjects, including Astronomy, Computer Science, Food and Nutrition, and Philosophy, Religion & Ethics. The Sixth Form offers A Levels in subjects such as Psychology, Politics, and Economics, as well as a BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Business and the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).
Outcomes
The school reports excellent academic results at both GCSE and A Level. Pupils are encouraged to develop into well-rounded, multi-faceted, and empathic young adults who possess a clear sense of social responsibility and the ability to navigate the challenges of modern adulthood. ISI reports highlight that pupils grow into mature individuals with strong academic ambition.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides academic support across all stages, including specific EAL (English as an Additional Language) support for Senior School and Sixth Form pupils. Pastoral care is integrated into the school experience, with dedicated wellbeing coordinators and a house system that provides support for pupils throughout their time at the school.
Frequently asked questions(6)
- What curriculum does Kimbolton School offer?
- Kimbolton School offers National Curriculum (England), IGCSE and Cambridge A-Level.
- How much is tuition at Kimbolton School?
- Annual tuition at Kimbolton School is £16.4K–£47.7K. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
- What ages does Kimbolton School teach?
- Kimbolton School enrolls students aged 3 to 18.
- Is Kimbolton School a day or boarding school?
- Kimbolton School is a day and boarding school.
- Is Kimbolton School co-educational?
- Kimbolton School is a co-ed school.
- Where is Kimbolton School located?
- Kimbolton School is an international school in Bedford, United Kingdom.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Prep School | 3–6 | £16.4K |
| Upper Prep School | 7–10 | £21.3K |
| Senior School - Day | 11–18 | £26K |
| Senior School - Full Boarding (UK) | 11–18 | £46.5K |
| Senior School - Full Boarding (Non-UK) | 11–18 | £47.7K |
| Senior School - Weekly Boarding (UK) | 11–18 | £43.4K |
| Senior School - Boarding - 4 nights (UK) | 11–18 | £39.9K |
| Senior School - Boarding - 3 nights (UK) | 11–18 | £36.5K |
| Senior School - Boarding - 2 nights (UK) | 11–18 | £33K |
Other fees(6)
| Deposit· Admissions deposit required (amount not specified). | — |
|---|---|
| Meals· Lunches are mandatory for all pupils and are included in the total termly fee. Additional meals are charged as extras. | — |
| Bus / transport· Use of the bus service. Weekly boarding includes a free bus pass. | — |
| Materials· Fees include books, but parents may be asked to purchase books that require annotation. | — |
| Insurance· Insurances are charged as extras. | — |
| Uniform· School uniform is extra. | — |
Discounts
- Full-payment discount: 2%
- Sibling discount: 2.5%
Admissions
Kimbolton School is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 to 18, with boarding options available from age 11. The admissions process guides families from Early Years (3+) through to Sixth Form (16+), with specific entry points at 3+, 7+, 11+, 13+, and 16+. Prospective families are encouraged to attend open events, and entrance assessments for Year 7 and Year 9 entry are held annually.
Calendar
The school operates on a three-term academic year (Autumn, Spring, and Summer). Terms typically begin in early September, early January, and late April, with half-term breaks in October, February, and May/June. The academic year concludes in early July following Speech Day. Boarders are required to return to school on the evening prior to the start of each term.
Facilities
About the campus
The school is situated on the site of Kimbolton Castle and its surrounding parkland, featuring both a Preparatory School and a Senior School/Sixth Form. Campus facilities include the Vanbrugh Library, the Queen Katharine Building (QKB), and the Ian Knapp Fitness Suite. Sports facilities include a swimming pool, which is also available for public use and swimming academy sessions, alongside various sports pitches and grounds.
Co-curriculars
The school offers a wide range of co-curricular activities, including the Combined Cadet Force (Army, Royal Navy, and RAF sections), the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and the Community Service Unit. Pupils can participate in the Kimbolton Environment Initiative, LAMDA, and various music, drama, and sports programmes. Additionally, the school hosts masterclasses, residential trips, and a variety of clubs, such as the Kimbookworms and the Sports Leadership Programme.
Will ChuterHeadmasterWill became Headmaster of Kimbolton in 2023, bringing broad leadership experience from both the independent and state school sectors. A graduate of Durham University with a First in Ancient History, he has held previous roles including boarding Housemaster, Head of Classics, Deputy Head (Pastoral), and Headship of Cranbrook.
- Doug HarperChief Operating Officer
Doug Harper joined Kimbolton School as Chief Operating Officer in March 2026. He is a former commissioned officer in the British Army’s Royal Engineers and has held senior executive roles in international development, including Chief Executive of Engineers Without Borders UK. He holds a first-class degree in Civil and Structural Engineering and a Master’s degree in International Relations.
- Claire PetrieHead of Prep
Claire Petrie became Head of Kimbolton Prep School in 2024, bringing over a decade of leadership experience in independent education. She is a passionate advocate for holistic education and is currently pursuing a MSc in Leadership and Management.
- Daniel KochSenior Deputy Head – Senior School
Dr Daniel Koch serves as the Senior Deputy Headmaster at Kimbolton School, bringing over a decade of experience in senior management. He has previously served as Senior Deputy Head (Vice Master) at Bedford School, Head of Sixth Form at South Hampstead High School, and Head of History at Worth School. He is also an accomplished historian and author.