Key Findings
ISI INSPECTION 2026
SIGNIFICANT STRENGTH
Leaders make promoting pupils’ wellbeing their highest priority. This is particularly evident in the School’s co-curricular provision
ISI
We are delighted to share the key findings of the latest Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) report on Hampton.
In April 2026, an ISI team assessed five key aspects of School life, including the quality of education, leadership, and pupil wellbeing. Hampton fulfilled every ISI standard, with inspectors commending our School as a setting in which pupils thrive and flourish.
It is especially pleasing that our School is one of only a few nationally to be awarded ISI’s rare ‘Significant Strength’ endorsement. In Hampton’s case, this was in recognition of our ‘exceptionally comprehensive and well-managed co-curricular programme’ and its ‘highly positive and beneficial impact on all aspects of pupils’ wellbeing, particularly their behaviour, achievement and their social and emotional development.’
Our visitors were struck by the intellectual curiosity, enthusiasm and kindness of our boys inside the classroom and beyond; they were similarly impressed by the expertise of Hampton’s dedicated and hugely talented teaching and support staff.
We hope that you will enjoy reading about the key findings of the 2026 ISI report in this booklet. The full text of the report can be found here.
With kind regards and best wishes
Kevin Knibbs Headmaster
KEY FINDINGS
In their highly positive report, ISI inspectors found that Hampton School meets every standard. They praised the welcoming and harmonious environment at the School and noted that leaders make promoting pupils’ wellbeing their highest priority ensuring that young people thrive.
The School is a positive and welcoming place where pupils thrive
Pupils are polite, well-mannered and considerate
Mutual trust and respect are at the heart of the School’s culture
Relationships between staff and pupils are positive …. pupils feel safe and enjoy their time at School
ACADEMIC SUCCESS
Hampton School is one of the country’s leading academic schools.
The inspection team concluded that wellplanned, engaging lessons challenge and stretch pupils, who consistently outperform their peers while also developing a love of learning for its own sake.
Pupils are stretched academically so that they make the progress of which they are capable
Teachers plan and deliver lessons that are engaging and interesting
72% OF GRADES, A* - A A LEVEL RESULTS
26
SUBJECTS
84 % OF GRADES, 9-8 GCSE RESULTS
Teachers have good knowledge and understanding of the subjects they teach. This enables them to ask challenging questions that encourage pupils to think deeply
SIGNIFICANT STRENGTH
LEADERS MAKE PROMOTING PUPIL’S WELLBEING THEIR HIGHEST PRIORITY. THIS IS PARTICULARLY EVIDENT IN THE SCHOOL’S CO-CURRICULAR PROVISION.
THIS IS EXCEPTIONALLY COMPREHENSIVE AND WELL-MANAGED AND HAS A HIGHLY POSITIVE AND BENEFICIAL IMPACT ON ALL ASPECTS OF PUPILS’ WELLBEING, PARTICULARLY THEIR BEHAVIOUR, ACHIEVEMENT AND THEIR SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT.
THIS IS A ’SIGNIFICANT STRENGTH’ OF THE SCHOOL.
A Significant Strength is the ISI’s highest form of commendation and an endorsement only awarded to a very small number of schools.
It indicates that a school has gone substantially beyond expectations, delivering exemplary provision that serves as a model of excellence.
CO-CURRICULAR
Inspectors commended the highly extensive range of activities to choose from in sport, music, the performing arts and among the numerous clubs and societies on offer.
Judging this area as a ‘Significant Strength’ indicates that Hampton has gone substantially beyond expectations, offering exceptional opportunities that set the standard for what enrichment beyond the classroom can achieve.
The School’s co-curricular programme is highly extensive and notably well thought-out
Pupils are offered a particularly wide range of activities to choose from, including a host of music, performing arts and sporting opportunities
ISI
It plays a great part in helping pupils to develop confidence and self-esteem
ISI
CLUBS & SOCIETIES
The co-curricular programme has a very clear impact on how much pupils enjoy School and how well they achieve
ISI
Clubs and societies to suit every pupil’s needs and interests
ISI
PUPIL WELLBEING
Opportunities help pupils to develop their understanding of the wider community and the positive impact they can have on it
ISI
They reflect thoughtfully before responding, listen attentively to others’ views and articulate their views insightfully
ISI
Inspectors found that Hampton’s fundamental ethos of aspiring to personal best while supporting others with kindness and respect runs through all aspects of School life.
They found Hamptonians to be kind and considerate as well as conscientious, socially aware, and well-prepared for life beyond academia.
Fundamental British values such as democracy and individual liberty are threaded through everything the School does
Pupils develop positive views about equality and diversity
The concept of service and contributing to society is reinforced throughout the School
EXCEPTIONAL LEADERSHIP
Inspectors praised the leadership and governance of Hampton School, noting the pupil-focused approach across all decision making and the consistent emphasis on pupils’ wellbeing.
The ISI team highlighted the measures taken to ensure that every child develops a sense of belonging as a valued member of the School community.
Leaders continually seek to improve and develop the School
Leaders make promoting pupils’ wellbeing their highest priority
Leaders aim for every pupil to develop a sense of belonging as a valued member of the School community
Leaders have a deeply held belief that pupils should experience a broad education beyond the academic
