About Hampton School
Hampton School is a leading independent day school for boys aged 11–18 in Hampton, south-west London (Richmond upon Thames), founded in 1557. With around 1,300 pupils and a 28-acre site, it is one of the country's strongest academic schools (from September 2026 it becomes all-through with Hampton Prep, for boys aged 7–18). As an independent school it charges fees — £9,972 a term (about £29,916 a year) for 2025/26.
Entry to Year 7 is highly competitive (around 160 places for roughly 1,100 candidates). Hampton sets its own entrance exam — written papers in English (comprehension and creative writing), Mathematics and Words & Reasoning (verbal and non-verbal) — sat on a Saturday in November of Year 6, with an interview in January for successful candidates.
Year 7 Admissions Guide for Hampton School
Hampton School Admissions Criteria
Hampton School is a boys independent day school in London. Entry to Year 7 (11+) is via the school's own assessment process, which includes academic assessment in English and Mathematics, and may include an interview. The school offers a comprehensive education with a wide range of academic, sporting, musical, dramatic and artistic opportunities.
- ✓Step 1 — Initial enquiry: Contact the Admissions Team at Hampton School to register your interest and request a prospectus. Visit the school on an Open Day or arrange a private tour to experience the school environment first-hand.
- ✓Step 2 — Submit registration: Complete the online (or paper) registration form and pay the registration fee to formally apply for a Year 7 place at Hampton School. Early registration is recommended — many independent schools have rolling admissions and limited Year 7 places.
- ✓Step 3 — Reference from current school: The school will request an academic and pastoral reference from your child's current school. This provides insight into your child's academic progress, character and suitability.
- ✓Step 4 — Entrance assessment: Your child will sit Hampton School's own bespoke 11+ entrance assessment covering English, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning. The assessment is designed by the school's academic staff to identify both current ability and future academic potential.
- ✓Step 5 — Interview (where applicable): Many independent schools include an interview as part of the selection process — this is a friendly conversation to learn about his interests, motivations and aspirations.
- ✓Step 6 — Written decision: Following the assessment, parents are notified in writing whether him child has been offered a place at Hampton School.
- ✓Step 7 — Accept the place: To accept an offer, parents complete an acceptance form and pay a deposit to secure the place. The deposit is typically credited against future school fees.
- ✓Academic Scholarships: Awarded to applicants demonstrating exceptional academic ability in the entrance assessment.
- ✓Music Scholarships: For pupils with proven musical ability — supported by an audition.
- ✓Art & Drama Scholarships: For pupils with strong creative and performance ability, supported by a portfolio or audition.
- ✓Sport Scholarships: For pupils with talent and achievement in sport at a competitive level.
- ✓Bursary Awards: Means-tested financial support for families who require help with school fees at Hampton School. Awards are typically assessed annually.
- ✓Sibling Discount: Available at many independent schools for families with multiple children attending.
Hampton School Oversubscription Criteria
- Looked-after and previously looked-after children (highest priority).
- Children who achieve the highest scores in the 11+ entrance test.
- Children living within the school's priority catchment area.
- Children with siblings currently attending Hampton School.
- All other qualifying children ranked by distance from the school.
Key Dates & Deadlines — Hampton School 2026
| 📌 Open Events | Throughout the year — check school website to register |
| 📌 Application Window | Rolling admissions — apply early to secure assessment slot |
| 📌 Entrance Assessment | Arranged after registration submitted |
| 📌 Decision Notification | Following assessment, by written letter from the Head |
| 📌 Acceptance & Deposit | Deposit required to secure offered place |
How to Apply to Hampton School
Step 1 — Visit Hampton School in South West London
Visit Hampton School in South West London — arrange a personal tour or attend an Open Event
Step 2 — Complete the online registration form
Complete the online registration form on the school's admissions portal
Step 3 — Pay the registration fee at the time of application
Pay the registration fee at the time of application
Step 4 — The school requests a confidential reference from your
The school requests a confidential reference from your son's current school
Step 5 — Your son sits the 11+ entrance assessment at Hampton
Your son sits the 11+ entrance assessment at Hampton
Step 6 — Attend an interview as part of the assessment process
Attend an interview as part of the assessment process
Step 7 — Following assessment, offers are communicated
Following assessment, offers are communicated
Step 8 — On acceptance, pay the deposit to secure the place
On acceptance, pay the deposit to secure the place
Subjects Tested at Hampton School
Scholarships & Bursaries at Hampton School
Available scholarships and bursaries: Academic, Music, Art, Drama, Sport Scholarships. Means-tested bursaries available.
Outcome announced: Awards announced alongside offers
Additional notes: Hampton School is one of the leading independent boys' day schools in South West London (founded 1557 by Robert Hammond). Times rank #27. Linked with The Lady Eleanor Holles School (LEH).
Catchment Area for Hampton School
As an independent school, Hampton has no catchment area; boys travel in from across south-west London and Surrey. Places are awarded on the entrance exam and interview.
Hampton offers life-changing bursaries, including around 96 completely free places; apply for fee assistance alongside your entry application.
Independent Practice Papers for Hampton School
Hampton School uses School's own bespoke 11+ format. Our Practice Papers is a great way to practice for the exam — with full video explanations for every question.
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 31.5 hours of video content
- 3 × English, Maths, VR & NVR tests
- 600 video explanations
- 28.5 hours of video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 11 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 10 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9.5 hrs video content
- 4 mixed-subject practice tests
- 200 video explanations
- 9 hrs video content
Academic Performance at Hampton School
Hampton School has an outstanding academic record at GCSE and A‑Level, with many leavers progressing to leading UK universities including Oxford and Cambridge. As a selective independent it sets its own standards through its entrance assessment.
Pastoral Care, Sport & Co‑curricular at Hampton School
- ✓Pastoral: a strong house and tutor system across the school.
- ✓Co‑curricular: renowned sport (notably rowing and rugby), music, drama and CCF.
- ✓Links: close ties with The Lady Eleanor Holles School for joint activities.
How to Prepare for the Hampton School 11+ Exam
ExamTutor practice papers with tutor explanations for every question offers an affordable substitute for private tuition for a fraction of the cost.
📋 Take a Diagnostic Test
Start with a timed practice test to identify strengths and areas needing improvement.
📅 Build a Study Plan
Start at least 6–12 months before the exam. Focus extra time on weaker subjects.
🎥 Review with Video Explanations
Watch video solutions for incorrect answers. Rewatch difficult topics until confident.
⏱️ Develop Exam Technique
Practice under timed conditions to build stamina and learn to manage difficult questions.
📈 Track Progress
Monitor scores over time to see genuine improvement and identify remaining weak spots.
🚀 Build Confidence
Simulating real exam conditions means no surprises on the day — your child knows what to expect.
Hampton School — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to Hampton at 11+?
Register online directly with the school by around 1 November of Year 6 (a £150 registration fee applies). Your son sits the entrance exam on a Saturday in November, with interviews in January for successful candidates.
What is on the Hampton 11+ exam?
The school's own written papers — English (comprehension and creative writing), Mathematics, and Words & Reasoning (verbal and non-verbal) — followed by an interview for those who do well.
Is Hampton selective, and does it charge fees?
Yes — it is a highly selective independent day school for boys, so it charges fees (£9,972 a term, about £29,916 a year, for 2025/26).
How many Year 7 places are there?
Around 160, for roughly 1,100 candidates, so entry is very competitive.
Does Hampton have a catchment area?
No. As an independent school it admits boys from any area; rail and an extensive coach network serve south-west London and Surrey.
When is the entrance exam?
On a Saturday in November of Year 6 (November 2026 for September 2027 entry); register by around 1 November, with interviews in January 2027.
Are bursaries available?
Yes — Hampton offers many means-tested bursaries and around 96 completely free places (some funded by the Fitzwygram Foundation); apply alongside your entry application.
Is Hampton becoming all-through?
Yes — from September 2026 Hampton and Hampton Prep form an all-through school for boys aged 7–18 (with a co-ed pre-prep from age 3).
How can my son prepare?
Build confident Year 5/6 English and maths, practise timed creative writing, and become familiar with verbal and non-verbal reasoning. ExamTutor offers Independent-style practice papers with full video explanations.