Kimbolton School

[MustBeDueSomeBetterFeet]

Hiya

I have two children, one Reception age and one younger. Although I'd thought they'd remain in the Harpur Trust system, I have reservations about some of the practicalities around the schools there so have started to look at Kimbolton which is a similar drive time.

Does anyone currently have children there who can share their experience of Prep or Senior School? I've had a good look online but can't find anything negative about it.

We're going to reserve judgment on Senior School until we know whether they will board which will open our options at age 13, but have a tour of the Prep book for a few months' time to see for ourselves.

That's good to hear. Thank you! I know some friends haven't felt it matches Pilgrims for education but I think Pilgrims is focussed on getting kids through the Year 2 exams, so is very intense. I'm not sure that's necessarily always the right way for each child, nor will it necessarily result in a better success for children ultimately (in whatever area suits them).

Hi,
a friend of mine considering Kimbolton for her child who has some learning process issues. Would he have to take an entrance exam?
What is Kimbolton like for supporting non academic/ children who learn differently to the norm/ need extra support?
For some reason friend anti the state option.

PS:
This is for secondary school....

DinkyDaisy - perhaps someone with children in the Senior School can advise on what additional support there might be.

The website says for joiners at 11+ the process is:

First Form (Year 7)

short interviews with the Deputy Headmaster, Head of English and Head of Mathematics in the January or February preceding the September entry date.

formal entrance examination comprising papers in English, Mathematics and Verbal Reasoning (held on the morning of the first Saturday in February)

a satisfactory confidential report from your child’s current school.

One thing Kimbolton prep & senior have in common is a fantastic medical & additional needs team. DD had many friends there who relied on them, from the girl needing treatment every day for CF to the lovely lad who needed additional support academically. It just becomes too much of a hot house at senior for DD's liking. Some parents join prep at the beginning of year 6 to secure their entrance into senior too. We were told if you were a prep student you were pretty much guaranteed a place at the castle

That's good to know, whichschoolnow.

We had a little nose round the Lower Prep when we went to a show there a couple of weeks' back and have our proper visit coming up over Easter. Looking forward to getting my questions answered and having a real look at facilities.

I did read in the Good Schools Guide that all the Prep pupils went up last year, but I also heard about children lower down the school being advised if they wouldn't make it through. I think it's a bit early to know with mine! I think they are both capable and you're right, it depends how much the senior school environment suits.

Hi there. My no.1son is LOVING the castle (senior school). He only moved to the prep in yr6 - but the transformation has been amazing. He is more confident, he is thriving academically (I think the two are linked), and the pastoral support has been brilliant.
I’ve not heard of anybody leaving in the years close to his. About 3 left at the end of yr 6 in the prep to go elsewhere - but that was it. But his year group is totally full, as is the year below. I hear that the prep school now fills up its year groups from about yr 5, as its obviously easier to get into the castle.
The kids seem to take real pride in their school, and want to achieve for themselves and their teachers.
The school fees are considerably lower than other independents in the area, but I don’t feel this is reflected in the academic grades.
We really have no regrets at all about moving our children, even if it means beans on toast for a few years 😉

Forgot to mention it’s latest ISI report from 2017 is here
www.kimbolton.cambs.sch.uk/_files/BB7782EEF5FDB10AF2771F1ADF52DFE6.pdf
And a good review in the good schools guide - which are good and totally independent.

My eldest has additional learning needs. She does not attend Kimbolton, but a local special needs school. It really depends on how much support is required. Personally - I would say this may not be the best place if there is a reasonable level of difficulty, purely to avoid unnecessary stress this may cause. But there is academic and pastoral support available at the school.

Hi Kerpo! That's lovely to hear. I didn't realise it was any cheaper than the Bedford schools (I know BMS is cheaper) but I will have a bit of a nosy now....