Hampton Court House offers an inspiring education for boys and girls aged 5 to 11 (Years 1 to 6), in a parkland setting beside Bushy Park. Our co-educational prep school builds on the foundations of the Early Years, nurturing each child’s strengths, interests and potential, and a lifelong love of learning.
Prep at Hampton Court House
Hampton Court House Prep is our co-educational independent prep school for pupils in Years 1 to 6, within our 2–18 all-through school near Richmond and Esher. Small classes and a child-centred approach combine purposeful learning with nurturing pastoral care. Families from Hampton, Esher, East Molesey, Kingston and across South West London and Surrey are warmly invited to visit.
Prep builds on everything children gain in The Little Courtiers Early Years. We focus on each child as an individual, getting to know what excites them, where they shine and where a little encouragement will help them flourish. This is Achievement with Heart in its earliest form.
A Nurturing Environment and Pastoral Care in Prep
Prep has the feel of a personal, homely school, where every child is truly known as an individual. Each pupil belongs to a form group with a tutor who gets to know them well, and both our Head of Lower Prep and Head of Upper Prep play an active part in daily school life and are part our pastoral and safeguarding team.
Because relationships between children and staff are close, any small potential concerns are noticed early and children feel secure enough to express themselves and take risks in their learning. Kindness, respect and emotional wellbeing run through everyday life: in how children treat one another, how they contribute to school life and in the charity work they take part in.
Find out more about wellbeing and pastoral care at Hampton Court House.
A Child-Centred and Enriched Curriculum
Personalised teaching builds curiosity, independence and resilience. Lessons are led by subject-specialist teachers.
- Classes of up to 18 pupils
- Award-winning French immersion in Years 1–4, with up to 30% of learning in French. Pupils joining in Year 3 or 4 with limited French can follow an alternative stream, with all core subjects taught in English.
- Specialist Music, Art, Drama, Dance and Ballet
- Latin, Mandarin and Computer Science from Year 5, including coding, app development and online safety
- Forest School and swimming in the younger years
The School Day
- School day: 8.40am to 4.00pm
- Lessons: six 50-minute lessons
- Breaks: a morning break and an extended lunchtime so that children can attend lunchtime clubs or academic clinics.
Clubs and any wraparound care until 5.00pm also take place outside these core hours.
Clubs, Opportunities and Character Development
Our lunchtime and after-school clubs cover sport, creativity, academic enrichment and plenty of fun. With over 50 clubs every child can find one that suits their interest choose from judo to lego robotics to zoo club to crochet club.
Clubs are also where character grows. We place great value on kindness, integrity and perseverance: sticking with a tricky new skill, taking responsibility within a team and supporting one another. Children are encouraged to share their ideas and contribute to school life, building the confidence to understand themselves and the wider world.
A Foundation for the Future: Senior School Transition
By the end of Year 6, we want our pupils to be curious, capable and compassionate, and ready for the next stage of their education.
From Year 5, academic goals become more focused as pupils begin working towards their Senior years, with staff guiding them every step of the way. Because Prep sits within an all-through 2–18 school, the move into Year 7 happens on a familiar site, with children already familiar with teachers and older students. Upper Prep and Lower Senior share a Head of Section, which helps keep that move joined up with a consistent understanding of each child’s strengths and potential.
Visit Our Prep School
The best way to get a feel for Prep is to visit and see our school in action for yourself. Book a personal tour with our Admissions team or join one of our weekly Admissions Mornings during term time for a welcome talk by our principal, a tour of the school with our students and time for questions. Parents and their children are invited to get a real understanding of our unique school and culture.
You can book a personal tour with our friendly Admissions team any time that suits you. Admissions Mornings for Lower Prep (up to Year 4) are on Tuesdays, and Upper Prep (Years 5 and 6) Admissions mornings are on Wednesdays.
Book your Admissions Morning · Book your Personal Tour
Ready to apply? Visit Prep admissions, read about our wider admissions process or view and download our Prospectus
Frequently Asked Questions
What age does Prep start and end at Hampton Court House?
Prep runs from Year 1 to Year 6, for children aged 5 to 11. Nursery and Reception come before Prep in The Little Courtiers Early Years. To discuss a particular entry year, contact our Admissions team.
Is Hampton Court House Prep co-educational?
Yes. Hampton Court House Prep is a co-educational independent prep school, welcoming boys and girls in Years 1 to 6. Small classes and a nurturing community mean every child is known as an individual.
What are the main entry points for joining Hampton Court House Prep?
Year 1 and Year 2 are the main entry points, with applicants invited to a Trial Day. Places in Years 3 to 6 may become available depending on space; for these years, children take an online assessment in English and Maths. Contact Prep Admissions early to check availability. To check whether space is available in Prep Years please contact our Admissions team on by calling us at 02086140865, e-mailing admissions@hchnet.co.uk or visit Prep admissions
What is the class size in Prep?
Prep classes have up to 18 pupils. This allows a personalised approach and close relationships between teachers and children, and every child is truly known as an individual by their teacher.
Does Hampton Court House Prep offer French immersion?
Yes. Our award-winning French immersion programme runs in Years 1 to 4, with up to half of learning in French. Evidence shows that learning another language from an early age not only enhances language literacy, but also improves children’s cognitive development, problem-solving ability and creativity. Children joining in Year 3 or 4 with limited French can follow an alternative stream taught in English. We’re happy to talk through the right pathway for your child.
How does Prep support pupils’ wellbeing?
Every child has a form tutor who knows them well, within a small, nurturing community where kindness and respect matter. Our Wellbeing page explains the school’s wider approach to pastoral care.
Does Hampton Court House offer wrap-around care or after-school clubs for Prep pupils?
Prep pupils can join a varied programme of lunchtime and after-school clubs covering sport, creativity and academic enrichment. For details of optional wraparound care (before and after school provision) available from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, please contact our Admissions team.
What does a typical Prep school day look like?
The Prep day runs from 8.40am to 4.00pm, with six 50-minute lessons, a morning break and an extended lunchtime.
Does Hampton Court House Prep offer Forest School and sports facilities?
Yes. Younger Prep pupils in Year 1 and 2 enjoy Forest School, and our parkland setting beside Bushy Park gives children space for outdoor learning, teamwork and discovery. Swimming is offered for Years 1 and 2 as well as ballet. From Years 3 ballet is replaced by dance and in Prep football, netball and basketball are played on our onsite football field and on our MUGA (Multi-Use Games Area).
Do Prep pupils automatically transition into the Senior School at Year 7?
Yes. As an all-through 2–18 school, we offer a continuous journey from Prep into Senior School and Sixth Form, and we work closely with families throughout Years 5 and 6 to prepare children for Year 7. We provide an easy progression and transition from Prep to Senior school with no 11+ exam stress and teachers and heads of sections who already know each child as an individual. Please speak to our Admissions team about how the move to Senior School works.
