Welcome....
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to Hampton Court House
As an award winning all-through school for students aged 2–18, we offer something truly distinctive: a seamless educational journey underpinned by our ethos, Achievement with Heart This continuity allows students to grow in confidence, supported by enduring relationships, consistent values and an exceptional standard of care from their earliest years through to Sixth Form
Our outstanding results in the 2025 examinations stand as a testament to the intellectual rigour at the heart of our teaching, where passionate subject specialists cultivate curiosity, critical thinking and depth of understanding Through exacting standards and an unwavering commitment to academic excellence, our students are challenged to think profoundly and perform with distinction We are therefore proud to be recognised among the top 10% of independent schools in the United Kingdom
At Hampton Court House, we believe education should be extraordinary, yet learning here is never confined to the classroom From our pioneering French immersion programme in Years 1-4, to rich opportunities in sport, music and the arts, our curriculum is designed to stretch minds, nurture talents and ignite lifelong passions A vibrant programme of enrichment broadens horizons and builds character Clubs, workshops, and trips - both within the UK and internationally - are carefully woven into school life, ensuring every child has the opportunity to explore the wider world
The Sixth Form is deliberately designed to feel different - and be different We believe education should be both transformative and deeply personal Our approach blends academic study with a strong focus on wellbeing, leadership, cultural awareness and community engagement, delivered through our award-winning and nationally recognised Preparing for Life programme
Equally distinctive is our culture of purposeful informality Students address staff by their first names and wear their own clothes, fostering relationships built on mutual respect, openness and trust This approach develops confidence, independence and authenticity, while preparing students for the world beyond school
Set within historic parkland beside Hampton Court Palace, our buildings provide a setting of rare beauty and inspiration Alongside this heritage, students enjoy access to excellent facilities, specialist teaching spaces and access to world class sports facilities, enriching every aspect of their education
Whether you are considering Hampton Court House for your child’s first steps in education or their final years before adulthood, you will find a school defined by curiosity, kindness and ambition I warmly invite you to visit us, to experience the spirit of our community and discover what makes Hampton Court House such a remarkable place to learn and grow
With warmest regards,
Katherine Vintiner Principal, Hampton Court House
An Education That Goes Further
Historic Grounds, Modern Learning
A school steeped in history, Hampton Court House was built over two centuries ago by the Earl of Halifax and designed by renowned architect Thomas Wright Special period features include the heart shaped lake, exquisitely decorated shell grotto, winter garden adorned with palm trees and unique Icehouse Later residents of the house include the 4th Earl of Sandwich and the Twining’s family
Much of the buildings are Grade I and Grade II listed with our location right on Hampton Court Palace’s doorstep, nestled in 9-acres of parkland on the cusp of Bushy Park
Our historic and charming school offers an array of facilities to enhance learning, including science and IT labs, art studios, an amphitheatre, community garden, sports pitches and courts and Forest School
Celebrating Excellence and Innovation
At Hampton Court House, we believe education is most powerful when it inspires curiosity, creativity, and the development of the whole person Our awards and accreditations reflect not only academic excellence, but a vibrant community and innovative approach that define how our students learn, grow, and engage with the world
We are recent winners of the Talk Education Innovation in Education Award for Support Beyond Life and of the Education Choices Developing Student Voice Award, finalist for the London Indepedendent School of the Year Award (also shortlisted in 2024) and finalist for the Education Choices Opportunities in Art and Music Award
An All-Through Education
Our all-through education offers a continuous and enriching educational journey, ensuring a seamless transition from Early Years right through to Sixth Form education Students move confidently through the school without the stress of 11+ and 13+ entrance exams or unfamiliar environments, allowing them to focus on learning and personal growth Students benefit from consistent values, support and standards, personalised learning, seamless transition and a close-knit community, enabling every student to grow in confidence
Building Confidence Through Connection
We believe that young people thrive when they feel known, valued and challenged, and this belief equally underpins our culture of purposeful informality Students refer to staff by their first name and wear their own clothes, cultivating relationships built on respect, whilst preparing students for life beyond school
An Educational Trendsetter
We are proud to pioneer a distinctive French language immersion programme in Years 1–4 During these formative years, students are taught in both English and French, enabling them to develop fluency naturally and confidently This immersive approach sets Hampton Court House apart, nurturing curious, globally minded learners from an early age
While full immersion concludes after Year 4, linguistic excellence continues to be championed From Years 5–11, fluent speakers may follow the Français Langue Maternelle (FLAM) pathway, preparing them for study at a level suitable for entry to French universities All pupils also have the opportunity to sit the DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) examinations, alongside the study of Mandarin, Latin and Spanish
In the Sixth Form, this spirit of innovation extends beyond languages The award-winning Preparing for Life programme focuses on academic excellence, wellbeing, leadership, cultural literacy and community engagement, ensuring students leave not only academically accomplished, but confident, resilient and ready to make a meaningful impact
happy They enjoy coming to school, engage enthusiastically in learning and value the strong relationships they build with staff and peers. At HCH, young people are challenged, supported and inspired to become the very best version of themselves.
The Hampton Court House Experience
Strong Relationships Exceptional Pastoral Care
Every student belongs to a small form group led by a carefully selected form tutor who understands the needs of their year group Our tutors are caring, approachable and committed to knowing each child as an individual, ensuring students feel happy, supported and listened to Each year group is also supported by a dedicated Head of School (Early Years, Prep, Senior Lower, Senior Upper and Sixth Form), who plays an active role in student life through form activities, assemblies and events Alongside the SENDCo, our Heads of School are key members of the safeguarding team, working collaboratively to ensure every student feels safe, valued and well supported
Experiential Learning
At Hampton Court House, school is an inspiring, joyful journey-one that blends academic ambition with rich, real-world engagement.
We believe truly impactful learning happens through
Sport and wellbeing play a central role too, while adventurous and outdoor options further broaden the experience These diverse opportunities help students form strong friendships, practise collaboration across year groups and follow their curiosity wherever it
Little Courtiers
The Little Courtiers sits at the heart of Hampton Court House’s educational journey, offering a warm and inspiring introduction to school life
From Nursery through to Reception, our youngest students are welcomed into a nurturing environment where curiosity is encouraged and ignited
Learning blends the Early Years Foundation Stage with Forest School principles and influences from Montessori and Reggio Emilia, creating a play-based yet purposeful environment where children move confidently between indoor and outdoor learning, developing independence, curiosity and strong foundations in literacy, numeracy and communication
Led by experienced Early Years specialists and enriched by specialist teaching in areas such as French, music and Forest School, the programme provides a nurturing and joyful start that carefully prepares children for Reception and their onward journey through Hampton Court House
Prep
Prep at Hampton Court House confidently builds on the strong foundations established in the Early Years, offering a learning environment where childhood is cherished, and learning is purposeful For students in Years 3 to 6, our Prep School provides an educational experience that is carefully centred on the individual child, recognising and celebrating each student’s strengths, interests and potential
Prep at Hampton Court House offers a rich, engaging and personalised curriculum that inspires curiosity, independent thinking and a genuine love of learning, with interactive lessons, strong pastoral support and an emphasis on collaboration and self-expression
At the heart of Prep is a warm, homely community in which children feel known, valued and supported This sense of belonging encourages students to be confident in themselves, ambitious in their learning and kind in their relationships
Guided by our ethos, children are encouraged not only to do their best academically, but also to grow as thoughtful, caring and responsible members of the school community
From bilingual immersion through the awardwinning LabelFrancÉducation programme in Years 1–4 to an expanded curriculum including Latin, Mandarin and Computer Science in Years 5–6, alongside a vibrant co-curricular programme and community engagement, pupils are nurtured as confident, compassionate and well-rounded individuals, fully prepared for the next stage of their education
Senior
Senior at Hampton Court House offers a stimulating and supportive environment where academic ambition is matched by personal growth and strong values For students in Years 7 to 11, this is a stage defined by discovery, confidence-building and preparation for the future, guided throughout by our ethos of Achievement with Heart
We believe that the most successful education balances intellectual challenge with character development, enabling young people to think independently, act with integrity and contribute positively to the world around them
An ambitious and carefully designed curriculum inspires confidence and a genuine love of learning Rigorous teaching in core subjects is complemented by a broad range of GCSE options, allowing students to pursue their interests while developing depth of understanding, critical thinking and self-expression Lessons are engaging, challenging and interactive, with teachers who know their students well and tailor learning to support individual progress and ambition, complemented by a rich co-curricular programme Underpinned by outstanding pastoral care, strong relationships and a deep commitment to wellbeing, Senior life fosters empathy, resilience and a sense of belonging, preparing students to move confidently into Sixth Form and beyond as well-rounded, motivated and thoughtful young people
Sixth Form
The Sixth Form at Hampton Court House represents the culmination of our all-through educational journey: a distinctive and deeply personal experience that prepares young people for life beyond school, in an environment where academic excellence, independence and character development sit side by side
Small, close-knit and aspirational, the Sixth Form is a community in which students are truly known Teaching is tailored, relationships are strong and each student’s pathway is shaped around their individual ambitions At the heart of the Sixth Form is the award-winning Preparing for Life programme, which underpins the school’s belief that education should equip young people with the skills, character and confidence to flourish in an ever-changing world
Nationally recognised with the Talk Education Award for Innovation in Education, this pioneering programme blends academic excellence with personal development across key pillars including mental and physical wellbeing, leadership, cultural literacy, and community engagement
Through personalised coaching, leadership opportunities, wellbeing support and real-world experiences, students grow into thoughtful, resilient and socially aware young adults ready to make a positive impact wherever their next chapter takes them
