Ages 
Interesting and unconventional (though not radically so), Hampton Court House is a school that’s on the up thanks to more rigour and consistency at management level while retaining the original family-feel and charm. Impressive language provision, particularly French, is a draw for many. Suits the more self-motivated child who will surely lap up the independent learning and a more gentle disciplinary approach.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 340 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 45 ·
- Religion
- None
- Fees
- £17,709 - £25,062 pa
- Local authority
- London Borough of Richmond upon Thames
Headteacher
Principal
Katherine Vintiner
Since 2022, Kate Vintiner, a former biology teacher brought in after the school was bought by Dukes Education. Grew up in Golders Green, where her father was a vicar, and attended St Mary’s Hendon, a state school in North London. Oxford educated, but
Entrance
Main entry point at 11+, and increasingly 13+, but pupils can also join 2+, 4+, 9+ and 16+. Pre-nursery and nursery children attend a trial morning. For reception, year 1 and 2, there’s a trial day, with some children also interviewed. Applicants
- Open days
- October
Exit
Small number leave at end of juniors, automatic entry to senior school. About a third leave after year 11, mainly to go overseas, to board or local state sixth form. School is working towards 75 per cent retention. When we visited, there were just
Latest results
In 2024, 76 per cent 9–7 at GCSE; 30 per cent A*/A at A level (70 per cent A*–B).
A level - Average points score (2024)
What is this?
These figures tell you the average grade and average points that pupils achieved in their academic qualifications. A maximum of 60 points are available for a grade A* at A level.
Teaching & learning
Teaching is relationships-based and teachers and pupils are (quite proudly) on first-name terms – head calls it ‘purposeful informality’, underscored by the lack of uniform. School keen to ensure all students make progress under the informal
- Qualifications taken in 2024
- A level
- EPQ
- GCSE
Learning support & SEN
Two specialists and three LSAs in the SEN department support the 10 per cent of students who have a learning need. Dyslexia most common, for which one-to-one and group support sessions are available (chargeable); school also ‘signposts’ support and
Arts & extracurricular
Superb indoor and outdoor theatres, with shows deliberately educational, eg the recent History of Christmas prep show looked at the Christmas period from the Stone Age to the Greeks and Victorians. Years 5 and 6 prepare a summer term show - Oliver!
Sport
Not traditionally a strong point and while neighbouring Bushy Park may be glorious, it isn’t designed for field sports. That said, huge efforts have been made to improve provision and the school now uses the facilities at nearby St Mary’s University
Ethos & heritage
The school was only set up in 2001, but the Grade II listed main building, on the very edge of Bushy Park, dates back to 1757 when it was built by George Montagu-Dunk, 2nd Earl of Halifax as a hide-away for his mistress. Its dreamy design comprises
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Pastoral care and discipline anchored by positive relationships between pupils and teachers. ‘We can talk to teachers at lunch, they come and sit with us,’ said one pupil. ‘Everybody at the school is incredibly approachable’, said a parent. Children
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review Our policy prohibits the use of mobile phones at school, except for sixth form students. For years 5-11, we understand that students prefer to keep their phones close, so we provide each pupil with a Yondr pouch. This pouch has a magnetic lock, allowing students to have their phones with them, though they can't use them until the end of the school day when the pouches are unlocked. In sixth form, the rules are more lenient, and students are allowed to have and use their phones.
Pupils & parents
Attracts parents who are less interested in the London schools ‘rat race’ and prefer the idea of a more informal and liberal approach. Many French-speaking families drawn to the immersion programme, and other Europeans, American and South Africans
Money matters
Fees in line with other local schools, with extra charges for lunch and exam entry. Academic and music scholarships from age 11.
- Fee information
- £17,709 - £25,062 pa
The last word
Interesting and unconventional (though not radically so), Hampton Court House is a school that’s on the up thanks to more rigour and consistency at management level while retaining the original family-feel and charm. Impressive language provision,
