Kimbolton School

[SicilianOlives]

Just wondered if anyone had any first hand experience of the senior school or knows any parents of children there? Can't seem to find much searching through threads.

Have been reading the Perse/Leys thread on the Cambridge local talk page with interest too as we are also considering them for the year 7 entry and will be visiting all three at their next open days. Also know some parents with children at Perse Upper that are all very happy.

I wondered how Kimbolton differed to the other two and what kind of children they seem to suit? My children are fairly outgoing and confident and they don't struggle with anything in particularly academically (at he moment!).

I think I'm leaning towards the Perse Upper at the moment although am I right in thinking that that one would be the hardest to get an accepted place at?

My dd has a few friends there. 3 she went to primary with & 1 other. It is reasonably sporty but I wouldn't necessarily say overly academic. Children seem to do ok.
It is reasonably sporty but doesn't do Rugby.
It seems to have a mix of kids. Those that don't want to go to the local state secondaries (or are not eligible for one of the Peterborough schools) some overseas boarders. Possibly also people who don't want to do the Cambridge commute.
Most people I know get into Kimbolton.

By the way the girls I know that girl there are all nice & seem happy. There does seem to be a fair amount going on.

Thanks for the feedback LucyLight , I think I'll have to go an visit them all to compare. It sounds good though.

I have met many parents who have children at the school and often move within the area to ensure continued schooling. Over the last 18months I have noticed an increase in house buyers asking about the school and looking to send their children there.

The school appears to be very active within the community and I always here glowing reports. Well worth considering on the comments made to me over the years, especially if you do not fancy the commute you. Feel free to ring me for further advice and guidance

I'm sure Kimbolton is the one with the bloody awful uniform for girls.

It has stripey blazers. The one thing would put me off is the cadet stuff. If you don't want to do that you do volunteering but that is very much seen as second class.
The cadet thing just wouldn't fit very well with us as a family. I don't see why you can't do the same sort of activities without being aligned to some sort of military organization.
But apart from that it is ok. (less stressed than Perse I hear but Pearse has other good things going for it).

I thought the girls had to wear ridiculously long skirts? I could be confusing it with another indie but I thought it was Kimbolton.

I think you are thinking of King's school, Peterborough, which is a state school.

Nope, it is Kimbolton:

www.kimbolton.cambs.sch.uk/page/?title=Day+and+Boarding&pid=8

Thanks for all the thoughts. I'm not too worried about what uniform they wear as long as the school's good. Not sure if the cadet stuff would put me off as well though? Didn't realise they had to do that. Thanks again !

I live very close to Kimbolton school and know lots of people whose children have studied there. I also know one of the senior staff who is involved in cadets and she is wonderful.

It's a fabulous school and if I could afford to send DS I would go it in a heartbeat.

Thank you sebsmummy1