Hampton School (11+) 11 Plus Exam - 2026 Key Information

​Hampton School is a prestigious selective independent school for boys in Hampton, Middlesex. Founded in 1557, it provides exceptional education to 1,350 boys aged 11 to 18, covering Key Stage 3 (KS3) and sixth form (6th Form).

Consistently ranked among the best independent schools in the UK, Hampton delivers stellar results. Its Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) inspection rates the school as "Excellent," achieving the highest possible standard for educational quality.

Hampton champions student well-being as a pioneering Mindfulness Hub and fosters profound social responsibility through its unique, student-led Genocide 80Twenty initiative. This commitment to character is enriched by extensive co-educational collaboration with Lady Eleanor Holles, ensuring a balanced and forward-thinking education.

In this guide, I leverage my 18-year education consultancy background to simplify Hampton School 2026 11 plus (11+) Exam admissions for every parent.

School Details

• Type of School: Independent School (HMC)
• Boarding Type: No Boarding (Day School)
  
• Gender Type: Boys
  
• Religion: None
  
• Age Range: 11 – 18 years
  
• Number of Pupils (Total): 1360+
  
• Hampton School GCSE Results (2025): 98% achieved Grades 9-7
  
• Hampton School A-Level Results (2025): 72% achieved A*-A
  

Admissions Details

• Admissions Policy: Selective
  
• Number of Places in Year 7 (PAN): ~170
  
• Exam Board: Hampton School Internal Assessment
  
• Number of Stages: 2 (Entrance Exam and Interview)
  
• School Catchment Area: No
  
• Sibling Policy: No. (See Below for more details)
  
• Pass Mark: Aim for 90%

Attending a Hampton School open day provides vital insight into the school’s academic environment. I have compiled the essential Hampton School 11 plus exam dates to help you organise your schedule effectively. Keeping track of the specific 11+ Exam date and subsequent deadlines is critical. This guide details all the necessary 11 plus exam dates to ensure a stress-free application process.

Hampton School administers its own eleven plus exams for Year 7 entry in September 2026. Parents must complete the online application as detailed on the Hampton School Admissions Process page.

How to Register for 11+ Exam

• Submit the online registration form by 1 November of Year 6 to begin the 11 plus exam registration.
  
• Upload a recent digital headshot of your son and a copy of his passport's photo page.
  
• Pay the non-refundable fee of £150 to finalise the 11+ Exam application.
  Indicate any interest in bursaries or scholarships, such as Art, Music, or Sport, directly on this form.
  
• The school will request a confidential reference from your son’s current Headteacher regarding his academic potential.
  

For families researching Independent schools in Richmond upon Thames, please note that admission is merit-based, though siblings of current Hampton pupils are welcomed if they meet the academic standard.

What exam board does Hampton follow?

​The papers are set internally by the school.

How long is the 11+ Exam for Hampton?

​The assessment consists of three distinct papers and lasts approximately two and a half hours in total.

In this section, we explore what is in the 11 Plus exam at Hampton School.

The admissions process for Year 7 entry in September 2026 is designed to identify academic potential and a well-rounded character. Students entering in 2026 will sit their entrance examinations in late November or early December 2025.

As stated in the Hampton School Admissions Policy, the school uses a rigorous written assessment to evaluate candidates. All registered applicants are invited to the school to sit these formal papers.

11+ English

The 11+ English assessment is designed to test reading, understanding, and writing skills. It assesses how well a child can engage with a text and express their own ideas clearly.

• The paper typically begins with a reading comprehension task based on an unseen fiction or non-fiction passage.
  
• Candidates must answer 11 plus exam questions that test their ability to infer meaning and analyse language.
  
• The second section is a creative writing task where students must write a story or description based on a prompt.
  
• Markers look for accurate spelling, varied punctuation, and a sophisticated range of vocabulary.
  

11+ Mathematics

The 11+ Mathematics paper is based primarily on the Key Stage 2 National Curriculum. It aims to test both fluency and the ability to solve more complex, non-routine problems.

• The paper tests core skills in arithmetic, geometry, data handling, and measurement.
  
• Students will face multi-step word problems that require logical thinking and application of concepts.
  
• Calculators are not permitted, so candidates must demonstrate strong mental Maths abilities.
  Showing full working out is essential, as marks are often awarded for the correct method used.

Words and Reasoning

Hampton School includes a specific 'Words and Reasoning' paper to identify underlying logic and problem-solving skills. This is a unique component of the Hampton School 11 Plus Test.

• This paper combines elements of Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning into one assessment.
  
• It tests a boy’s ability to spot patterns, process verbal information, and solve visual puzzles.
  
• The format typically involves standard format questions rather than just multiple-choice.
  
• Speed and accuracy are crucial here, as this section measures processing speed and adaptability.
  

Check out our blog on Free 11 Plus Papers with Answers pdf to familiarise yourself with the 11+ Exam Format of Best Private Schools in the UK.

The 11+ Interview

Boys who perform well in the written examinations are invited back for an interview in January 2026. This is a vital part of the holistic review to see how the child interacts with teachers.

• The interview is friendly and informal, lasting approximately 30 minutes.
  
• It aims to explore the child's wider interests, hobbies, and intellectual curiosity.
  
• Parents should review 11+ Interview Questions to help their child feel comfortable and reflective during this discussion.
  

Hampton School does not publish a specific required standard for the eleven plus exam. Consequently, admission offers rely on achieving strong 11 plus test results relative to the cohort.

While there is no official pass mark, consistent high scoring is key. Achieving a 95%+ score in PiAcademy’s 11+ Practice Papers effectively prepares students to ace the Hampton School 11 plus exam.

Hampton School is a premier choice for boys’ education in South West London, renowned for its academic and sporting balance. However, securing a place is incredibly competitive, with high applicant numbers for limited spots. Most successful candidates will have a robust backup plan in place.

I have guided families through the London 11+ system for over 18 years. I frequently see parents fixate on Hampton School, only to face disappointment due to the unpredictable nature of entrance exams. I always advise parents to curate a portfolio of three grammar schools and two private schools.

Top 5 Alternative Grammar and Independent Schools

​When families target Hampton, they typically look at the Kingston and Sutton grammar consortiums for state options. For independent alternatives, they explore the highly academic Wimbledon and Barnes corridors. Here is how the top alternatives compare:

*Based on recent 2024 results/averages.

**Refers to St Paul's Senior School outcomes.

Why these schools are the top alternatives to Hampton School

• ​Tiffin School: This is the direct state equivalent to Hampton School for high-achieving boys. It offers a comparable academic peer group without the school fees, making it the most popular competitive alternative.
  
• King’s College School (KCS) Wimbledon: KCS is an academic powerhouse often viewed as a "stretch" target. The entrance exam is rigorous, focusing heavily on verbal reasoning and English skills alongside advanced mathematics.
  
• St Paul’s Juniors (formerly Colet Court): For parents seeking the absolute gold standard in private education, St Paul's is the benchmark. The 11+ entry is extremely selective and utilises the ISEB Common Pre-test as a first stage.
  
• Kingston Grammar School (KGS): KGS provides a co-educational environment while maintaining high academic standards. It is geographically very close to Hampton and offers a slightly different, more rounded school culture.
  
• Sutton Grammar School: This is a strategic grammar backup. It uses the Sutton Selective Eligibility Test (SET), allowing your son to qualify for multiple schools with a single exam sitting.
  

The Hampton School 11+ entrance exam assesses candidates on Mathematics, English, and Words and Reasoning. This rigorous process identifies boys with the academic potential to thrive in a challenging environment.

Analysis of 11+ Exam Maths Topics

Our analysis of 11+ Maths past papers indicates a strong emphasis on numerical proficiency and problem-solving abilities. The exam often features multi-step questions designed to test logical thinking under timed conditions.

The table below outlines the topic weighting observed in typical independent school papers similar to Hampton's style.

Enhance your preparation with our topic-wise questions. Check out our FREE 11 Plus Exam papers blog to download the latest 2026 11 plus exam papers.

Analysis of 11+ Exam English Topics

The English paper at Hampton tests both reading and writing skills significantly. Our review of 11+ English papers suggests that comprehension and creative writing carry the most weight.

Students must demonstrate strong inference skills and vocabulary. Using 11+ English past papers can help boys adapt to the required standard of written expression.

Analysis of 11+ Exam Verbal Reasoning Topics

The "Words and Reasoning" paper includes a significant Verbal Reasoning component. Analysis of 11 Plus Verbal Reasoning papers shows a focus on vocabulary manipulation and logical coding.

Mastering these types requires consistent practice. Our resources cover all essential question types found in 11 Plus Practice Papers for reasoning.

Analysis of 11+ Exam Non-Verbal Reasoning Topics

The second part of the "Words and Reasoning" exam tests spatial awareness. 11 Plus Non Verbal Reasoning questions often involve identifying patterns, shapes, and sequences.

Which are the Best 11+ Practice Papers for Hampton School?

We highly recommend resources that mirror the independent school style. The following 11+ Practice Papers are tailored to help students succeed in Hampton's rigorous entrance assessments.

Hampton School is fiercely competitive, making consistent and targeted practice vital for success. Sitting a specific Hampton School 11 plus mock exam helps boys adapt to the unique "Words and Reasoning" format. Regular 11 plus mock tests allow students to identify weak areas and refine their exam technique under pressure.

Since the school sets its own bespoke papers, we recommend resources that mirror this independent school style:

Parents can also try our Free 11 plus mock test to gauge their son's initial progress. Booking an 11 plus mock test Richmond upon Thames ensures your child is confident and ready for the big day.

For the 2024-25 academic year, Hampton School fees are £9,972 per term, which includes school lunches. The total annual cost is currently £29,916 subject to future government VAT changes.

Talented boys may apply for Hampton School Scholarships recognising excellence in academics, art, music, and sport. Furthermore, substantial means-tested Hampton School bursaries are available to support families requiring financial assistance.

Parents researching private school scholarships bursaries should view our guide on the most expensive Private Schools UK for helpful cost comparisons.

• Autumn Half Term 1: Thursday 4^th September 2025 to Friday 17^th October 2025
  
• Autumn Half Term 2: Monday 3^rd November 2025 to Friday 12^th December 2025
  
• Spring Half Term 1: Thursday 8^th January 2026 to Friday 13^th February 2026
  
• Spring Half Term 2: Monday 23^rd February 2026 to Friday 27^th March 2026
  
• Summer Half Term 1: Tuesday 21^st April 2026 to Friday 22^nd May 2026
  
• Summer Half Term 2: Monday 1^st June 2026 to Friday 3^rd July 2026​
  

This information has been sourced from Get Information about Schools and Hampton School Official Website.

Independent school admissions involve direct applications, distinct registration deadlines, and bespoke pre-testing. Review these official inspection reports and testing guidelines to prepare your child for Hampton School.

• ​Hampton School Admission Policy​
• UK Govt. - Get Information on Hampton School Page
• Hampton School ISI report
• UK Govt. - Schools, pupils and their characteristics data