Hampton School in Hampton-on-Thames is one of London's most academically successful independent boys' schools. Entry to Year 7 (the main 11+ intake) is selective and oversubscribed.
Hampton's 11+ test
Hampton sets its own bespoke entrance papers, sat in January of Year 6:
- English (60 min) — comprehension + creative writing.
- Mathematics (60 min) — free-response, no multiple-choice.
- Interview — 15-20 minutes with senior staff.
What Hampton looks for
- Strong creative writing voice — the writing paper is a key differentiator.
- Confident free-response maths (no guessing).
- Articulate, engaged behaviour at interview — Hampton interviews are conversational, often about a book the boy has read recently.
Recommended reading
Hampton expects strong recent reading. Books that have worked well for successful candidates include Skellig (David Almond), Holes (Louis Sachar), The Boy Who Made Everyone Laugh (Helen Rutter), and any classic of choice the boy can discuss with confidence.
Preparation
Hampton's free-response maths means most multiple-choice-only practice doesn't suffice. Quest Arena's centre-specific library includes a Hampton-style free-response practice pack.