Five Minutes With... Simon Kibler, Head of King's Ely Prep from September 2024

This time next week, father-of-four, Mr Simon Kibler, will be welcoming pupils, staff, and families in his new role as Head of King's Ely Prep!

It was in December last year that we announced Mr Kibler had been appointed to be Mr Richard Whymark’s successor as Head of Prep, from September 2024.  

Mr Kibler was previously Headmaster of Terrington Hall Prep School, located outside York, having had a varied career in Prep, Senior and all-through independent schools, including positions as Director of Sport, Housemaster of both boys’ and girls’ boarding houses, and as Senior Deputy Head.  

He and his wife, Kate, moved to Ely this summer, and many of you may have already met Mr Kibler as he attended several school events here during the Summer Term.

As we do with all new staff joiners, we fired our 'Five Minutes With' questions at Mr Kibler as a fun way for you all to get to know him a little better. Enjoy!

Your full name: 

Simon Kibler  

Where did you grow up? 

Born and bred in Paignton, South Devon. I then moved to Seaford in East Sussex in my later teenage years. I regard both counties as home, with many fond and happy memories. 

Education:  

Privately educated in a day and boarding school in Sussex, where I was appointed Head Boy. Leicester University, where alongside studying for my degree in Geography and Sport Studies, I was also Captain of the 1st XI Football team. 

Your previous role and place of work: 

Headmaster at Terrington Hall Prep School, North Yorkshire – an independent stand-alone co-ed Prep school for children aged 3-13. 

What are you most looking forward to about your new role and working at King’s Ely? 

Creating a traditional Prep School culture, but with a modern twist, continuing to ensure we offer an exceptional all-round education; and also immersing myself into the wider King’s Ely community and attending cultural events, as well as actively supporting our choristers in the Cathedral and sports teams on the pitches. I cannot wait to get started and to lead a superb team! 

What did you want to be when you were growing up? 

A professional footballer or cricketer – I got close, but not close enough! 

Hobbies/interests outside of school: 

Anything sporty – I enjoy road cycling, playing and coaching cricket, as well as following Aston Villa FC. 
I am learning the art of making sourdough bread – still yet to perfect it though! 

I have an old Land Rover Defender, which I like to tinker with and am considering various upgrades, such as turning it into a camper. Watch this space…

Country walks with our dogs. I love the river walk at Ely and the variety of other walks on our doorstep.  

Skiing – as a former BASI ski instructor.  

Any pets? 

Yes, two black Labs, Millie and Lottie (12 and 18 months), and Bertie, a miniature Dachshund, with a mind and attitude that belies his size!

What is your favourite meal/food? 

I have to admit I have a soft spot for a good curry, but in the summer months I love nothing more than a seafood platter, and in the colder months a tender filet steak hits the spot. I have really enjoyed visiting the Turkish restaurant in Ely: fantastic food and welcome! 

If you could have a superpower, what would it be? 

To be able to speak every language in the world. Imagine the joy of being able to converse with anyone, no matter where you are in the world. The alternative would be to have the power to teleport instantly so that I could be on the side of a cricket pitch watching my daughters play, and the next minute back in my office.  

Who is your hero? 

I do not specifically have a hero, but I do admire and respect Eddie (The Eagle) Edwards, who taught me how to ski at Gloucester ski centre, before he became famous for representing GB in the Olympics as a ski jumper. He was not selected for the downhill race team, but he did not give up and found a way to overcome disappointment and adversity by being the first man to jump for GB. Anyone who has seen the film documenting his journey will understand this. If not, it is worth a watch.  

What is your proudest accomplishment? 

From a personal point of view, parenting and bringing up four outstanding children. 

From a career aspect, taking over the headship of a Prep School on its knees after Covid, and transforming it into a vibrant, happy, and full to capacity Prep School with an excellent regional reputation and a glowing ISI inspection report following last November’s routine inspection.  

Prior to school teaching, I taught a blind person who was 73 years old how to ski from being a complete novice.  

What was the last book you read? 

I often have two or three books on the go at any one time and flit between them. Of late, I have read 'The History of The Fens' by Francis Pryor; 'Ultra-Processed People' by Chris Van Tulleken; and re-read 'Legacy' by James Kerr.  

What song are you most likely to sing at a karaoke? 

I am definitely not a singer, nor a dancer - ask my wife or teenage daughters! Therefore, karaoke is not something I will be attempting anytime soon.  

What is your favourite film? 

You will never catch me watching a horror film, but I enjoyed the classics of 'Schindler's List' and 'The Godfather'. I am also drawn to family fun films like 'Paddington', 'Up', and 'Toy Story'.  

Do you have any phobias or fears? 

Snakes.  

If you could share a meal with any four individuals, living or dead, who would they be? 

Henry Blofeld – I would love to hear some of his funny stories from his cricket commentating. Sir Winston Churchill for obvious reasons, Queen Elizabeth II – she experienced so much during her 70 years of devout service to the nation. My last guest would be Dame Dench, one of the most naturally gifted female actresses in British history. No one played a better M. 

Name three things you would want with you if you were stranded on a desert island for a week: 

Fishing rod, drinking water, Bear Grylls!