If you’re aiming to secure a place at Hampton School, here’s a practical guide to help you through the process
- Know the Entry Points: Hampton School takes in new students at key stages: 11+ (Year 7), 13+ (Year 9), and into the Sixth Form. At 11+, there are about 125 places available, many of which go to boys from state primary schools or Hampton Prep. For Sixth Form, competition is particularly intense, so it’s important to stand out academically and personally.
- Prepare for Entrance Exams: For 11+ entry, you’ll need to sit the school’s entrance exams in November of Year 6. These include English, Maths, and Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. The English test has a creative writing section, while the Maths paper goes beyond basic Key Stage 2 knowledge, testing your child’s ability to solve multi-step problems. Reading widely and practising problem-solving are great ways to prepare.
- Get Ready for Interviews: If your child performs well in the entrance exams, they’ll be invited to an interview in January. The interview focuses on their suitability for Hampton beyond just test results—expect questions that explore their interests and values. The school looks for students who will fit into its community, so practising some interview techniques at home could be helpful.
- Consider Financial Support: Hampton offers generous bursaries, which are means-tested and can cover up to 100% of fees, including the cost of uniforms, school trips, and more. If your family could benefit from this support, it’s definitely worth exploring the school’s bursary programme, especially for high-achieving pupils who meet the academic criteria.
- Visit the School: Attending an open day or booking a private visit is highly recommended. Meeting the staff and students and seeing the campus first-hand can give you a good sense of the school’s environment and ethos, which is hard to gauge from just the website.
By following these steps and preparing ahead of time, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the admissions process at Hampton School.