Hampton Court House Prep is about providing an educational experience centred around the child with a bespoke approach for every individual.
Prep at Hampton Court House
Prep at Hampton Court House builds confidently on the strong foundations laid in the Early Years, offering an inspirational and nurturing environment where childhood is genuinely cherished and learning is purposeful. For pupils in Years 1 to 6, our Prep School provides a carefully considered educational journey that is centred on the individual child, recognising and celebrating each pupil’s unique strengths, interests and potential.
A Nurturing and Homely Environment
At the heart of Prep is a warm, welcoming community in which children feel known, valued and supported. The environment is intentionally small and personal, allowing strong relationships to flourish between pupils and staff. This sense of belonging gives children the confidence to express themselves, to take risks in their learning, and to develop a genuine love of school
Whether in classroom settings, extra-curricular activities or charity work, we teach the children to be well-rounded and caring and to contribute to all aspects of school life. Our day-to-day curriculum is one of the foundations of this approach. Lessons are designed to be interesting, engaging, supportive and challenging so that all children feel able to do their best. Teachers will always enable children to contribute fully to lessons, learn and demonstrate new knowledge, skills and ideas, and to shape their voice as part of a dynamic, but homely, community.
Within this setting, pupils are encouraged to be both ambitious and grounded—confident in their abilities, and kind and respectful in their relationships with others
A Child-Centred and Enriched Curriculum
Learning at HCH Prep is centred on the individual. Every child is both supported and challenged through a personalised approach that nurtures curiosity, independence and resilience, while building strong academic foundations alongside creativity and personal growth.
A distinctive feature is our award-winning French immersion programme in Years 1 to 4, where pupils learn within a bilingual environment that develops language skills naturally and broadens cultural understanding. Teaching is carefully adapted as children progress, with a non-French pathway available for later entry.
Small class sizes of up to 18 pupils enable strong relationships and tailored teaching. A rich programme of specialist subjects, including Music, Art, Drama, Dance and Ballet, sits alongside outdoor learning through Forest School and swimming in the younger years, supporting confidence, wellbeing and physical development.
Explore our Prep Curriculum page for more information including our French bilingual immersion programme in Years 1-4.
The School Day
The Prep School day at Hampton Court House is carefully structured to provide a balanced rhythm of focused academic learning, enrichment and time to recharge.
The school day runs from 8.40am to 4.00pm and consists of six 50-minute lessons, alongside a morning break and an extended lunchtime. This structure ensures a purposeful blend of academic focus, rest, play and enrichment, supporting both wellbeing and achievement
We hope you enjoy exploring Prep at Hampton Court House and encourage you to visit us in person on one of weekly Open Mornings to discover our Achievement With Heart
Growing Confidence and Character
Beyond academic achievement, Prep places a strong emphasis on developing character. Children are encouraged to think carefully, act responsibly and contribute positively to the school community.
Through everyday experiences in and out of the classroom, pupils learn the importance of kindness, integrity and perseverance. They are supported in becoming thoughtful, self-aware young people who understand both themselves and the wider world around them.
Clubs and Opportunities
We recognise that many children have commitments outside of school, and our provision is designed with this in mind. Clubs are offered both during lunchtime and after school, ensuring that every pupil has access to a wide range of opportunities that spark interest and extend learning beyond the classroom.
From sport and creativity to academic enrichment and fun, our co-curricular programme is an integral part of Prep life – helping children to discover new passions, develop skills and make the most of their time at Hampton Court House.
A Foundation for the Future
The Prep years at Hampton Court House are about much more than academic preparation; they are about laying the foundations for lifelong learning, confidence and character. By the time pupils move on, they do so as curious, capable and compassionate individuals, ready to embrace the next stage of their education with enthusiasm and self-belief.
We invite you to visit us on one of our weekly Open mornings to discover more about our Prep School and discover our Achievement with Heart .
