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+

Edmund Pigeon Scholarships, named after one of the School’s principal benefactors, are awarded annually to boys joining the First Year (Year 7) for academic excellence.  A Robert Hammond Scholarship may also be awarded for academic excellence and is usually restricted to boys’ resident for the previous two years in Hampton, Hampton Hill or Hampton Wick.

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

Potential Academic Scholars at 11+ are identified through the 11+ Entrance Examination and all candidates are automatically considered.  Candidates performing exceptionally well in the Entrance Examination are invited for interview with the Headmaster in the week following the examination.

Candidates must be under the age of 12 on 1 September 2018.

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.  The 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 May prior to their September joining date.

Applications should be made by the candidate’s parents using the online application form linked below.  The closing date for 13+ Academic Scholarship applications is 1 February 2018.

Academic Scholarship Application form

Common Academic Scholarship Examination Dates (for entry in September 2018)
Tuesday 8 May 2018
Wednesday 9 May 2018
Thursday 10 May 2018
Please note that Hampton School will not offer a candidate a scholarship if he has already accepted a scholarship offered by another school.

Art Scholarships

Please note that the applications for Scholarships are now closed. Please refer all enquiries to the Admissions Office.

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, printing presses and iMac suite.  A stunning gallery space regularly show cases 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.

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.  All candidates must achieve strong results in the School’s standard academic entry assessments.

The assessment process

Assessments take place in the Art Department in the January prior to the September of entry.  Candidates will be asked to complete a short drawing and/or painting test and to present and discuss their portfolio of work with a member of the Department.  Art materials are provided but candidates are also welcome to bring their own materials too if they wish.

Portfolio of work

Candidates are asked to bring a portfolio of recent work in a range of media to the assessment (all work should have been completed within the last two years). The following are suggestions of what may be included:

• No more than 10 sheets of two dimensional work in an A2 or A1 portfolio, including examples of drawings and paintings from observation (still life, portraits, landscapes) as well as imaginative pieces
• Examples of 3D work – to avoid the risk of damage, we would prefer photographs to be taken and included in the portfolio rather than the work itself
• Examples of photography, textiles and printmaking

Supporting references are required and should include a Headteacher’s report and letters of support from appropriate representative bodies and professionals.

To apply for an Art Scholarship please use the link below:

Key Dates

All scholarships and bursaries are subject to annual review by senior staff members.  Scholars and bursary holders are required to work hard and to make academic progress in line with their scores achieved in the School’s entrance assessments and commensurate with their academic potential.  They must contribute positively to Hampton life, be a credit to the School and set an example to other pupils.  Where a scholarship has been awarded for expertise in a particular field, the scholar is expected to contribute significantly to that field throughout his time at the School in order to retain the award and any fee remission attached.

The School reserves the right not to award an Art Scholarship if, in the assessors’ opinion, the candidates are not of a sufficiently high standard.

Chess scholarships

Please note that the applications for Scholarships are now closed. Please refer all enquiries to the Admissions Office.

Chess Scholarships are awarded for entry to the First Year at 11+ and the Third Year at 13+.  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 play to a standard in line with an ECF grading of at least 110 if applying for a Scholarship for entry at 11+ and a grading 125 or higher for entry at 13+.  All candidates must achieve strong results in the School’s standard academic entry assessments.

The assessment process

Assessments take place at the School in the January prior to the September of entry and include game play and an interview with the Head of Chess.  Supporting references from the candidate’s Headteacher and other appropriate professionals are required.

Key Dates

All scholarships and bursaries are subject to annual review by senior staff members.  Scholars and bursary holders are required to work hard and to make academic progress in line with their scores achieved in the School’s entrance assessments and commensurate with their academic potential.  They must contribute positively to Hampton life, be a credit to the School and set an example to other pupils.  Where a scholarship has been awarded for expertise in a particular field, the scholar is expected to contribute significantly to that field throughout his time at the School in order to retain the award and any fee remission attached.

The School reserves the right not to award a Chess Scholarship if, in the assessors’ opinion, the candidates are not of a sufficiently high standard.

Choral scholarships

Please note that the applications for Scholarships are now closed. Please refer all enquiries to the Admissions Office.

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

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.   All candidates must achieve strong results in the School’s standard academic entry assessments.

Supporting references are required and should include a Headteacher’s report 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

Key Dates

All scholarships and bursaries are subject to annual review by senior staff members.  Scholars and bursary holders are required to work hard and to make academic progress in line with their scores achieved in the School’s entrance assessments and commensurate with their academic potential.  They must contribute positively to Hampton life, be a credit to the School and set an example to other pupils.  Where a scholarship has been awarded for expertise in a particular field, the scholar is expected to contribute significantly to that field throughout his time at the School in order to retain the award and any fee remission attached.

The School reserves the right not to award a Choral Scholarship if, in the assessors’ opinion, the candidates are not of a sufficiently high standard.

Music Scholarships

Please note that the applications for Scholarships are now closed. Please refer all enquiries to the Admissions Office.

Music Scholarships are awarded for entry to the First Year at 11+ and the Third Year at 13+. Hampton has a longstanding tradition of musical excellence and the vibrancy and diversity of our music programme is remarkable.  Our Music Scholars are passionate about making music and they are expected to play a leading role in the musical life of the School throughout their time at Hampton.

Instrumental Music Scholarships are awarded to boys entering the First Year and the Third Year.

What are we looking for?

Candidates are expected to offer two instruments (which may include voice).  They must have reached Grade IV in their principal study if applying for a Music Scholarship at 11+, or Grade VI if applying for a Music Scholarship at 13+.   All candidates must achieve strong results in the School’s standard academic entry assessments and demonstrate a passion for music.

The assessment process

Auditions take place at the School in the January prior to the September of entry.  Candidates will be asked to perform two contrasting pieces of music, of their choice, on their first instrument.  A skilled and sympathetic accompanist will be in attendance, but candidates are welcome to bring their own accompanist if preferred.  The audition will include sight-reading (on the principal instrument), aural tests and questions about general music topics.  Supporting references from the candidate’s Headteacher and Head of Music (where appropriate) and other professionals are required.

We strongly encourage all candidates to book an appointment for a pre-audition with the Director of Music before applying for a Music Scholarship. 

Pre-auditions take place during the Autumn Term prior to the September of entry and candidates will be required to play two pieces of their choice, sight read and complete some aural tests.  Please contact Ms J Nurthen, Performing Arts Co-ordinator, to arrange an appointment (020 8783 4200 or email J.nurthen@hamptonschool.org.uk ).

Key Dates

All scholarships and bursaries are subject to annual review by senior staff members.  Scholars and bursary holders are required to work hard and to make academic progress in line with their scores achieved in the School’s entrance assessments and commensurate with their academic potential.  They must contribute positively to Hampton life, be a credit to the School and set an example to other pupils.  Where a scholarship has been awarded for expertise in a particular field, the scholar is expected to contribute significantly to that field throughout his time at the School in order to retain the award and any fee remission attached.

The School reserves the right not to award a Music Scholarship if, in the assessors’ opinion, the candidates are not of a sufficiently high standard.

Performing Arts Scholarships

Please note that the applications for Scholarships are now closed. Please refer all enquiries to the Admissions Office.

Performing Arts Scholarships are awarded for entry to the First Year at 11+ and the Third Year at 13+. Drama is an important and exceptionally vibrant part of Hampton life.  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 a strong commitment to working as part of the performing arts team throughout their time at the School.  Performing Arts Scholars 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.

What are we looking for?

Applicants should have experience of acting on stage and be able to show a sustained interest in the performing arts and theatre.  Candidates may have attended a performing arts school such as Stagecoach and/or taken LAMDA exams, but this is not a requirement.  All candidates must achieve strong results in the School’s standard academic entry assessments.

The assessment process

Auditions take place at the School in the 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 perform an unseen audition piece (ten minutes preparation time is allowed immediately prior to the unseen audition piece assessment).

The assessment will also include a short interview with the Head of Drama (Mrs J P James).  Supporting references from the candidate’s Head and Head of Drama (where appropriate) and other representative bodies and professionals are required.  Please supply telephone contact numbers where applicable.

Key Dates

All scholarships and bursaries are subject to annual review by senior staff members.  Scholars and bursary holders are required to work hard and to make academic progress in line with their scores achieved in the School’s entrance assessments and commensurate with their academic potential.  They must contribute positively to Hampton life, be a credit to the School and set an example to other pupils.  Where a scholarship has been awarded for expertise in a particular field, the scholar is expected to contribute significantly to that field throughout his time at the School in order to retain the award and any fee remission attached.

The School reserves the right not to award a Performing Arts Scholarship if, in the assessors’ opinion, the candidates are not of a sufficiently high standard.

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(s).

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’.  All candidates must achieve strong results in the School’s standard academic entry assessments to complement their sporting ability.  Hampton does not award Sport Scholarships to boys who will find the academic pace of School life too demanding.

Sport Scholars benefit from outstanding sports facilities and are supported in their physical and psychological development by a team of dedicated teachers and professional coaches.

What are we looking for?

Hampton is nationally renowned for having exceptionally high sporting standards, meaning that scholarship candidates will need to demonstrate they are playing (or have the potential to compete) at county, national or international level.  Candidates must be an outstanding ‘A’ team player or equivalent in their current school setting and/or an excellent club level performer.

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.  Retention of the award is dependent on excellent effort and performance, exemplary conduct and sportsmanship during training and matches, and a positive contribution to team spirit.  Scholarship holders are expected to lead by example and high levels of motivation and commitment to training, teamwork and competition are required.

The assessment process

Candidates are shortlisted for assessment based on their performance in the written entrance examination papers, their achievements to date in their chosen sport(s) and references provided in support of their application (including the Headteacher’s report and letters of support from representative bodies and appropriate sporting professionals).

Assessments are held in the January prior to the September of entry and candidates will be assessed on their sporting ability and also their sportsmanship, leadership and teamwork skills.  The assessment will include:

• Practical tests in chosen sport(s) including drills and games
• Generic ball and spatial awareness skills, technical ability and knowledge
• Basic fitness tests including endurance, power, agility and co-ordination
• An interview with the Director of Sport (Mr C T Mills) or the relevant Head(s) of Sport

Prospective pupils who are interested in applying for a Sport Scholarship are encouraged to contact the Director of Sport should they have any queries about the assessment criteria and the sporting life of the School.

Key Dates

All scholarships and bursaries are subject to annual review by senior staff members.  Scholars and bursary holders are required to work hard and to make academic progress in line with their scores achieved in the School’s entrance assessments and commensurate with their academic potential.  They must contribute positively to Hampton life, be a credit to the School and set an example to other pupils.  Where a scholarship has been awarded for expertise in a particular field, the scholar is expected to contribute significantly to that field throughout his time at the School in order to retain the award and any fee remission attached.

The School reserves the right not to award a Sport Scholarship if, in the assessors’ opinion, the candidates are not of a sufficiently high standard.