Scholarships

Academic Scholarships

Academic Scholars at Hampton have a passion for knowledge and a profound intellectual curiosity. Given Hampton’s highly selective nature, the academic curriculum and extensive co-curricular programme are designed to stretch and challenge all our pupils, but scholars are expected to embrace these opportunities particularly well.

For entry to the First Year at 11+

All candidates who sit the 11+ entrance assessments are automatically considered for an Academic Scholarship.  Potential Academic Scholars at 11+ are identified based on their performance in the written assessments and interviews.

Edmund Pigeon Scholarships, named after one of the School’s principal benefactors, are awarded annually to boys joining the First Year (Year 7) who demonstrate outstanding academic ability. The prestigious Robert Hammond Scholarship, named after the School’s principle founder, may also be awarded for exceptional academic excellence.

There is no separate application form for the Academic Scholarship and the number and value of awards varies from year to year.

For entry to the Third Year at 13+

Nathaniel Lacey Scholarships and John Jones Scholarships are awarded annually to boys joining the Third Year (Year 9) for academic excellence. 13+ entry, Academic Scholarships are awarded through the Common Academic Scholarship Examination based on the Common Entrance syllabus. Candidates are recommended by their Prep School Head and are invited to sit written assessments in the May prior to their September joining date.

Applications should be made by the candidate’s parents using the admissions portal. The closing date for 13+ Academic Scholarship applications is 1 February prior to the September of entry.

Art Scholarships

Art Scholarships are awarded for entry to the First Year at 11+ and the Third Year at 13+. Art Scholarships recognise creativity, imagination and passion as well as artistic talent across a wide range of media. Hampton offers superb, purpose-built Art facilities, including spacious studios, a ceramics kiln, darkroom, iMacs and printing presses. A stunning gallery space regularly showcases pupils’ work and there are numerous opportunities to visit galleries, museums, art events and lectures. Art scholars are required to play an active, enthusiastic part in the creative life of the School and are encouraged to enter local and national competitions to develop their artistic talents. Many Art Scholars continue their studies in art or design at university or art college. Successful Art Scholars should expect to study Art to GCSE level and ideally beyond.

Please see Mrs Williams, our Head of Art, discuss our Art Scholarship programme below:

What are we looking for?

Successful candidates must demonstrate natural flair and a reasonable level of technical skill as well as a commitment and passion for art.

For entry to the First Year (Year 7), only candidates invited for interview following the written entrance exam will be invited for an Art scholarship assessment and assessment does not guarantee the offer of a place. Candidates joining the School in the Third Year (Year 9) are assessed for the Art Scholarship in the January of Year 8 and will already have accepted their place at Hampton.

Portfolio of work

Candidates are asked to submit a digital portfolio showcasing their recent work across a range of media.  Only work completed in the last two years should be included, and sketch books may also be submitted.  Suggested content includes:

• Up to ten sheets of two-dimensional work in A1 or A2 format, including observational drawings and paintings (such as still life, portraits and landscapes) as well as imaginative pieces
• Photographs of three-dimensional work
• Examples of photography, textiles or printmaking

The assessment process

Candidates are shortlisted for assessment based on their performance in our 11+/13+ admissions process, their portfolio of work, supporting references and Headteacher’s report.

Assessments take place in the Art Department in January prior to the September of entry.  Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete a short drawing and/or painting task and to present and discuss their portfolio of work with a member of the Department.

Scholarship Applications forms for 11+ and 13+ entry in September 2026 will be available in October.

Eligibility
For entry to the First Year (Year 7), only candidates who are invited for interview following the 11+ written entrance exam will be considered for an Art Scholarship assessment. Please note that taking part in the assessment does not guarantee the offer of a place.

Candidates joining in the Third Year (Year 9) are assessed in January of Year 8 and will already have accepted their place at the School. Those applying for entry to the Sixth Form are assessed in the January prior to the September of entry and after the offer of a place has been made.

key dates

Chess Scholarships

Chess Scholarships are awarded for entry to the First Year (Year 7), Third Year (Year 9) and the Lower Sixth. Chess is hugely popular at Hampton and the School plays in the Surrey Schools league and the ECF British Schools Championship, winning a number of regional and national titles each year. Chess Scholarships are available to talented chess players playing, or with the potential to play, at national level.

What are we looking for?

Candidates need to demonstrate aptitude and enthusiasm and have experience in rapid and longplay chess tournaments.  Those applying for 11+ entry will typically play at a level equivalent to an ECF grading of around 1250, and 1400 or higher for entry at 13+ – or the equivalent FIDE rating.

The assessment process

Candidates are shortlisted for assessment based on their performance in our 11+/13+ admissions process. Assessments take place at the School in January prior to the September of entry and include game play, chess puzzles and an informal interview with the Head of Chess. Supporting references from appropriate professionals are required.

Scholarship Applications for 11+ and 13+ entry in September 2026 will open in October 2025.

Eligibility
For entry to the First Year (Year 7), only candidates who are invited for interview following the 11+ written entrance exam will be considered for a Chess Scholarship assessment. Please note that taking part in the assessment does not guarantee the offer of a place.

Candidates joining in the Third Year (Year 9) are assessed in January of Year 8 and will already have accepted their place at the School.  Those applying for entry to the Sixth Form are assessed in the January prior to the September of entry and after the offer of a place has been made.

Key dates

Choral Scholarships

Choral Scholarships are available to boys joining the First Year at 11+ and are awarded in conjunction with The Chapel Royal at Hampton Court Palace. Choral Scholars are therefore required to be, or to become, choristers of the Chapel Royal. They are also expected to take a leading part in the School Chamber Choir and play a full and enthusiastic part in the musical life of the School throughout their time at Hampton. This can include playing in an orchestra, ensemble or band if their instrumental ability is of a sufficiently high standard.

Hampton Court Chapel Royal choristers rehearse twice a week, and sing at the two choral services held on Sundays and other Holy Days. Further details and information on the regulations for choristers at the Chapel Royal are available on the School website.

The assessment process

Candidates are shortlisted for assessment based on their performance in our 11+/13+ admissions process and auditions for Choral Scholarships take place at the Chapel Royal. Candidates are asked to perform a song or hymn of their own choice and to sight-read music of an appropriate standard. The audition will also include aural tests and questions on general music topics. Instrumentalists will also have the opportunity to play a piece of their choice should they wish to do so.

Supporting references are required and letters of support from appropriate representative bodies and professionals.

When a Choral Scholar’s voice changes, his obligation to the Chapel Royal ceases, however, he is expected to remain in the School Chamber Choir, or to return to it when he can, and to contribute in other ways to the musical life of the School.

CHAPEL ROYAL INFORMATION CONDITIONS OF CHORISTER

Scholarship Applications forms for entry in September 2026 will be available in October.

Eligibility
Please note that only candidates who are invited for interview following the 11+ written entrance exam will be considered for a Choral Scholarship audition and that the audition does not guarantee the offer of a place.

KEY DATES

Music Scholarships

Music Scholarships are awarded for entry to the First Year (Year 7), Third Year (Year 9) and the Lower Sixth.

Hampton has a longstanding tradition of musical excellence and we are looking for bright, enthusiastic candidates who will lead the School’s orchestras, ensembles, bands and choirs by example and participate fully in the musical life of the School.

We believe passionately in fostering a love of music and inspiring boys to achieve their musical goals and ambitions. Our Music Scholars not only benefit from outstanding music-making facilities but also have the opportunity to learn from a team of first-class specialist musicians who are prominent performers in their field. The experience of studying and performing alongside other equally talented and enthusiastic musicians in our professional-standard Hammond Theatre also provides an added dimension to a richly rewarding School life.

Academic music is also particularly strong and the School achieves outstanding results at GCSE and A level, and has a notable track record of Choral and Organ Scholarships to Oxbridge colleges.

To find out more about Music at Hampton, please visit our Music page and watch the video below, where Mr Roland, our Director of Music, talks about our Music Scholarship programme:

Music Scholarships for entry to Hampton at 11+ and 13+ .

What are we looking for?

Candidates are expected to offer at least two instruments (which may include voice).  Those applying for 11+ entry are expected to have achieved at least Grade IV standard on their first instrument, and candidates for 13+ entry need to have reached at least Grade VI.  Those applying for Sixth Form entry are expected to be at least Grade VIII standard.

The Assessment Process

The Pre-audition video 

Candidates are asked to submit a video in support of their application demonstrating their musical ability and enthusiasm should they wish. The video should be no longer than two to three minutes and show the applicant performing a piece of music of their choice which best demonstrates their current level on their MAIN instrument or voice.

Supporting references

Supporting references from the candidate’s Head of Music (where appropriate) and other professionals are required.

The Audition

Candidates are shortlisted for audition based on their performance in our entrance process, their pre-audition video and application form, supporting references.

At audition, candidates will be asked to perform two contrasting pieces, of their choice, on their first instrument, undertake short sight-reading and aural tests, and answer questions on general music topics.  A skilled and sympathetic accompanist will be provided, but candidates are welcome to bring their own accompanist if preferred.

Scholarship Applications forms for 11+ and 13+ entry in September 2026 will be available in October.

Eligibility
For entry to the First Year (Year 7), only candidates who are invited for interview following the 11+ written entrance exam will be considered for a Music Scholarship audition. Please note that taking part in the assessment does not guarantee the offer of a place.

Candidates joining in the Third Year (Year 9) are assessed in January of Year 8 and will already have accepted their place at the School. Those applying for entry to the Sixth Form are assessed in the January prior to the September of entry and after the offer of a place has been made.

Key dates

Performing Arts Scholarships

Performing Arts Scholarships are awarded for entry to the First Year (Year7), Third Year (Year 9) and the Lower Sixth.

The arts are an important and exceptionally vibrant part of Hampton life and our superb Performing Arts centre, The Hammond Theatre, gives Performing Arts Scholars the opportunity to fulfil their potential in all aspects of theatre.

Scholarships are awarded to candidates demonstrating significant ability and potential in Drama and/or Musical Theatre, and a strong commitment to working as part of the performing arts team throughout their time at the School. They are expected to immerse themselves fully in the life of the Drama Department by auditioning for School productions and playing an active part on stage or behind the scenes. For Musical Theatre candidates are expected applicants to demonstrate significant ability and potential either as a singer or dancer, alongside accomplished acting ability.

What are we looking for?

We welcome applications from those with a genuine passion for drama and all aspects of theatre.  Candidates should have experience of performing on stage and be able to demonstrate a sustained interest in the performing arts and theatre. While attending a performing arts school such as Stagecoach and/or taking LAMDA exams may be helpful, it is not a requirement.

To experience Drama at Hampton, we invite you to join us at one of our upcoming theatre productions.  If you are interested in attending, please contact the Admissions team for further details and dates.

The assessment process

Candidates are shortlisted for assessment based on their performance in our 11+/13+ admissions process. Auditions take place at the School in January prior to the September of entry. Candidates invited for assessment will be asked to prepare and perform a short monologue from a published play, and prepare and perform a short piece from a published musical (for Musical Theatre candidates).

The assessment will also includes a short interview with the Director of Drama to discuss drama interests and ambitions. Supporting references from the candidate’s Head of Drama (where appropriate) and other representative bodies and professionals are required. Please supply telephone contact numbers where applicable.

Scholarship Applications forms for 11+ and 13+ entry in September 2026 will be available in October.

Eligibility
For entry to the First Year (Year 7), only candidates who are invited for interview following the 11+ written entrance exam will be considered for a Performing Arts Scholarship audition. Please note that taking part in the assessment does not guarantee the offer of a place.

Candidates joining in the Third Year (Year 9) are assessed in January of Year 8 and will already have accepted their place at the School. Those applying for entry to the Sixth Form are assessed in the January prior to the September of entry and after the offer of a place has been made.

KEY DATES

Sport Scholarships

Hampton is unusual – probably unique – among the UK’s top academic schools in concurrently being one of the country’s best sporting schools. Many Hamptonians achieve regional and national representative honours in their chosen sport.

Sport Scholarships are awarded at 11+ and 13+ to exceptionally talented and committed sportsmen who have demonstrated ability and potential in one or more of the School’s main sports (Association Football, Athletics, Cricket, Rowing (13+ only), Rugby Union, Tennis) or who are very strong ‘all-rounders’.

Sport Scholars benefit from:

• Use of outstanding sports facilities, including gym and all-weather pitch
• Strength and conditioning training
• First-class specialist coaching from experts in the field
• Expectation to serve as a role model to peers
• Opportunity to attend workshops, matches and international tours
• Psychological and physical endurance training
• A personalised health and wellbeing programme

What are we looking for?

Hampton is nationally renowned for having exceptionally high sporting standards, and potential scholars will be playing at A team level or equivalent at their current school, and/or competing at a strong club level.  We expect a high level of physical fitness; as a guide, 11+ candidates should be able to comfortably run at least 2300m in 12 minutes, 2500m for 13+ candidates.

Applicants should also be competing, or have the potential to compete, at county, national, or international level.

Candidates who are awarded a Sport Scholarship are expected to contribute fully to the sporting life of the School across all three terms of the academic year throughout their time at Hampton.

To experience Sport at Hampton, we invite you to join us on a Saturday on the School field on a Saturday to watch some of our sports fixtures.  If you are interested in attending, please contact the Admissions team for further details and dates.

The assessment process

Candidates are shortlisted for assessment based on their performance in our 11+/13+ admissions process, their sporting achievements to date and supporting references (including letters of support from clubs, coaches and other representative bodies and sporting professionals).  Please note that Sport Scholarships are not awarded to boys who will find the academic demands of School life too challenging.

Stage 1: The first stage of the assessments involves practical tests such as drills and games in the candidate’s two chosen sports. The assessments are led by our specialist coaches.

Stage 2: Shortlisted candidates are invited for Stage 2 of the assessment process later in January. This stage focuses on athletic testing including endurance, power agility and coordination. Candidates also meet individually with a member of the Sports department for a short informal interview.

To find out more about Sport at Hampton please visit our Sport page and watch the video below, where Mr Mills, our Director of Sport, talks about our Sport Scholarship programme.

Eligibility
For entry to the First Year (Year 7), only candidates who are invited for interview following the 11+ written entrance exam will be considered for a Performing Arts Scholarship audition. Please note that taking part in the assessment does not guarantee the offer of a place.

Candidates joining in the Third Year (Year 9) are assessed in January of Year 8 and will already have accepted their place at the School. Those applying for entry to the Sixth Form are assessed in the January prior to the September of entry and after the offer of a place has been made.

Scholarship Applications forms for 11+ and 13+ entry in September 2026 will be available in October.

KEY DATES