Kimbolton School: Comprehensive 11+ Admissions Guide

Key Information Summary

School Type: Independent co-educational day and boarding school
Age Range: 4-18 years (Prep and Senior Schools)
Location: Kimbolton Castle, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE28 0EA
Student Numbers: Approximately 1,000 pupils (700 Senior, 300 Prep)
Headmaster: Mr Will Chuter
Day Fees: £4,150-£6,590 per term
Boarding Fees: £10,485-£11,175 per term
Founded: 1600
Phone: 01480 860505
Website: kimbolton.cambs.sch.uk

About Kimbolton School

Kimbolton School occupies one of England's most remarkable educational settings, housed within the magnificent Kimbolton Castle since 1950. This historic independent school, founded in 1600, combines over four centuries of educational tradition with modern excellence in a truly unique environment.

Set in the picturesque Cambridgeshire countryside, Kimbolton educates approximately 1,000 pupils across its Preparatory and Senior Schools. The school's ethos centres on developing character alongside academic achievement, creating confident, well-rounded individuals prepared for future challenges. The castle setting provides an inspiring backdrop for learning, whilst state-of-the-art facilities ensure pupils receive a contemporary education of the highest standard.

Kimbolton's academic programme emphasises both breadth and depth, with pupils encouraged to pursue their passions whilst maintaining high standards across all subjects. The school's co-educational environment fosters collaboration and mutual respect, preparing pupils for the modern world. Strong pastoral care ensures every child feels valued and supported throughout their educational journey.

The school's boarding community enhances the overall experience, with pupils from various backgrounds bringing different perspectives to school life. Day pupils benefit equally from the extended school day and comprehensive co-curricular programme, ensuring all students maximise their potential regardless of their attendance pattern.

Fees and key dates for 2026/27

Kimbolton School publishes day fees of £8,680 per term for 2026/27, with boarding at £11,005 to £15,900 per term, and the figures above come from the school's own fees page as checked in September 2026. Registration for the next 11+ round closes on Monday 30 November 2026 (application deadline, Year 7, Year 10). The assessment takes place on Saturday 30 January 2027 (Entrance Assessment Day for entry to Year 7 and Year 9). Candidates sit an entrance examination comprising papers in Mathematics, English and Verbal Reasoning, and are invited for interview. Fees and dates change each year, so the school's website remains the reference for the current round.

The 11+ Assessment Process at Kimbolton School

Kimbolton School employs a comprehensive assessment process for Year 7 entry, designed to identify pupils who will thrive in their academic environment. The entrance examination evaluates candidates across multiple disciplines, ensuring a holistic view of each child's capabilities.

Assessment Components:

• Mathematics: Problem-solving skills, numerical reasoning, and mathematical concept application
• English: Reading comprehension, creative writing, and language analysis
• Verbal Reasoning: Logical thinking using language-based concepts
• Non-Verbal Reasoning: Pattern recognition and visual problem-solving skills

The examination process is carefully structured to allow pupils to demonstrate their abilities in a supportive environment. Kimbolton recognises that some children perform better in different settings, so the assessment considers various learning styles and approaches.

Beyond academic testing, the school values character and potential. Interviews may be conducted to understand each candidate's interests, motivations, and suitability for Kimbolton's unique community. This personalised approach ensures the school selects pupils who will contribute positively to school life whilst benefiting from the excellent education provided.

How to Apply

The application process for Kimbolton School Year 7 entry requires careful planning and early preparation. Families should begin considering their application well in advance of their desired entry year.

Application Steps:

• Visit the school's official website and review the admissions section thoroughly
• Complete the online application form with accurate and detailed information
• Submit all required documentation as specified in the admissions guidelines
• Attend the entrance assessment on the designated date
• Participate in any interviews if selected by the admissions team
• Await notification of the outcome and respond promptly to any offers

Registration should ideally occur during the academic year preceding the intended entry year. This allows sufficient time for all assessment processes and ensures families can make informed decisions about their child's educational future.

The school welcomes visits from prospective families, providing opportunities to experience the castle setting and meet staff and pupils. These visits offer valuable insights into daily life at Kimbolton and help families determine if the school aligns with their educational aspirations.

Preparing for the Kimbolton School 11+ with Taylor Tuition

Preparation for the Kimbolton School 11+ tends to go best when it starts early and stays steady, and most families who work with us begin between twelve and eighteen months out. Our tutors, who have prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, plan the work backwards from the school's own assessment format and registration deadline.

The tutors we match to 11+ preparation are drawn from a pool in which more than half hold Qualified Teacher Status, around three in five hold a master's degree or doctorate, and which includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools. Every tutor who works with children holds an enhanced DBS check.

Families in Greater Manchester and further afield work with us online, and in person in central London. Fees start from £50 per 50-minute session and depend on tutor level and subject, with no registration fee and a free initial consultation to talk through your child's current level and the timeline to the 11+. Families receive progress reports after sessions and have a dedicated point of contact, and we reply to enquiries within one working day with tutor recommendations.

Read more about our 11+ entrance exam tutors, or send an enquiry and we will come back with tutor recommendations.