Kimbolton School: A Comprehesive School Review
Kimbolton School in Cambridgeshire educates pupils aged 3 to 18 as both day and boarding students. The school combines strong academic results with a wide range of extracurricular activities and a close community. Families choose Kimbolton for its balance of learning, personal growth, and support. This review covers its academics, facilities, boarding life, and student experience to give parents a clear view of what the school offers.
Table of Contents
Key Features of Kimbolton School
School Type: Co-educational
Year of Establishment: 1600
Location (County): Cambridgeshire
Nearest Airport: Stansted (55 miles), Heathrow (75 miles)
Religion: Christian
Staff/Student Ratio: 1:8.5
Total Number of Students: 717
Number of Boys: 348
Number of Girls: 369
Boarding Age: From Year 7
Number of Boarders: 40
Kimbolton School Exam Results
GCSE (2025)
- Grades 9–7: 61%
- Grades 9–6: 80%
A-Level (2025)
- A*–A: 21%
- A*–B: 73%
- Pass rate: 97%
Kimbolton School Fees
| Year Group | Annual Fee (Full Boarding) |
|---|---|
| Year 4–6 | N/A |
| Year 7–8 | £43,221 |
| Year 9–11 | £43,221 |
| Year 12–13 | £43,221 |
Boarding Experience in Kimbolton School
Kimbolton offers boarding from Year 7 onwards. However, the school remains mainly a day school, with boarders making up around 7% of pupils. Two houses sit at either end of Kimbolton High Street: White House for girls and Kimbolton House for boys.
In terms of options, full and weekly boarding are available, and flexi boarding is offered when space allows. As a result, boarding attracts a mix of pupils. About 45% come from overseas, while many others live within two hours of the school.
According to parents, the houses are well run, with weekly and flexi boarders treated the same as full boarders. Trips and activities fill the weekends, and pupils enjoy a busy calendar planned in advance. Staff maintain curfews and routines, yet they give older boarders more independence. Parents of girls also highlight the caring approach of staff, who take time to check in with them.
When it comes to facilities, rooms house up to three pupils, while Sixth Formers usually get their own. Each house has common rooms that pupils of all ages use regularly. Because of this, boarders often describe the community as close-knit and welcoming, with plenty of encouragement to join sports and clubs.
Overall, boarding at Kimbolton gives pupils the security of a small rural village with the benefit of easy access to London. With around 30 nationalities represented, the community feels diverse but small enough for pupils to form strong friendships.
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 07:30 | Wake up and get ready for school |
| 08:00 | Breakfast in the dining hall |
| 08:40 | Tutor time, then lessons |
| 11:00 | Break (older pupils may return to the house or visit the High Street) |
| 11:20 | Lessons continue |
| 13:10 | Lunch; Sixth Formers may return to the house during study periods |
| 14:10 | Afternoon lessons |
| 16:20 | End of school day; snacks, sports, clubs or time in the house |
| 18:00 | Supper in the dining hall |
| 19:00–21:00 | Prep time; younger pupils in a prep room, older pupils in their rooms |
| 21:00 | Free time – activities, common room, or personal time |
| 22:45 | Bedtime (varies by year group; older pupils have later curfews) |
Extracurricular Activities at Kimbolton School
Kimbolton offers a wide programme of activities that extends well beyond the classroom. Pupils can join academic clubs such as Chess, language societies, the Enlightenment Society, the Feminist Society, and Philosophy for Community. These groups encourage debate, broaden thinking, and help pupils sharpen their communication skills.
Music plays a central role in school life. The Music School runs ensembles, choirs, and orchestral groups, alongside individual tuition. Every Sixth Former takes part in the annual Senior House Music Competition, which features solo, group, and inter-house performances. The school also stages regular concerts, from formal orchestral and choral evenings to informal lunchtime sessions.
Drama is another highlight. Each spring, the school stages a major production, open to pupils across the Senior School and Sixth Form. Recent shows include Les Misérables and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Students often take on directing, backstage, and front-of-house responsibilities, with extra support available through the Technical Theatre Club.
Art and design carry equal weight. Pupils can join Saturday art sessions, open workshops, or KiMedia, the school’s film-making club. Trips, competitions, and exhibitions give pupils of all abilities a chance to develop and showcase their work.
Outdoor pursuits form a distinctive part of Kimbolton’s offer. Pupils can sail, canoe, climb, or windsurf, supported by highly qualified staff. The school holds RYA recognition and strong links with British Canoeing. Its canoe teams compete in demanding events such as the Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race, while sailors train and compete at Grafham Water Sailing Club and in national school competitions.
Sport remains a major focus. Alongside core games like football, hockey, netball, cricket, and tennis, pupils can try athletics, badminton, squash, pilates, table tennis, swimming, water polo, shooting, fitness training, horse riding, and more. Facilities and coaching ensure opportunities for both serious athletes and those who want to stay active.
Admissions Process: Entering Kimbolton School
Kimbolton School is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 3 to 18, with boarding available from age 11. The admissions team supports families through applications at every stage, from Pre-School to Sixth Form.
Open Events
The school holds regular open events, giving families the chance to explore the campus, meet staff and pupils, and experience school life first-hand. Upcoming events include:
- Senior & Sixth Form Open Morning: 20 September 2025
- Pre-School & Prep School Open Morning: 3 October 2025
- Sixth Form Open Evening: 13 November 2025
Key Dates for 2026/27 Entry
- Application Deadline: 30 November 2025
- Bursaries (Years 7–11): Request a bursary pack by 15 October 2025; return by 15 November 2025
- Bursaries (Year 12): Request a bursary pack by 1 November 2025; return by 30 November 2025
- Entrance Assessment Day: Saturday, 31 January 2026
Next Steps
Families should register their interest early and attend an open event where possible. The school recommends submitting bursary applications well before the deadline. The admissions office is available to answer questions and guide families through the process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kimbolton School
Kimbolton School welcome day pupils from age 3 to 18. Boarding is available from age 11 (Year 7) upwards.
Yes. The school encourages families to attend one of the open events, which include tours of the school, opportunities to meet staff and pupils, and a chance to experience the facilities.
Yes, international applicants follow the same admissions process. The school offers support for families applying from overseas, including guidance on boarding.
The Admissions Office is available throughout the year to answer questions and guide families through the process. You can also contact the Britannia team for a free consultation.
Apply To A UK Boarding School Today!
Speak to us today for free application assistance and education advice. Our expert consultants are more than happy to help!
Subscribe For Our FREE Insider UK Study Advice
Apply To Your Favourite Boarding School Today!
Speak to us today for free application assistance and education advice. Our expert consultants are more than happy to help!