I N S I D E T H E H O U S E
Unforgettable trips to Paris and Milan
Maths Challenges Dukes Competitions
Offer Holders Day
An Insight to the Little Courtyard, Prep, Senior and Sixth Form Awards and Recognition
It is a great pleasure to welcome you to Inside the House, our celebration magazine and a true reflection of life at Hampton Court House
Within these pages, you will find the spirit of our school brought vividly to life From the richness of our arts and the strength of our sporting provision, to the academic ambition that underpins all we do, this magazine captures the breadth and balance of an HCH education Just as importantly, it shines a light on the experiential learning that takes place beyond the classroom - the moments where curiosity is sparked, confidence is built, and understanding is deepened
You will also see the strength of our partnerships with the local community, which play such an important role in shaping our pupils’ sense of connection and responsibility to the world around them At its heart, this publication is a celebration of our people - our students, staff, and wider community - whose energy, creativity and commitment define Hampton Court House
As we look ahead, I am proud to be leading our school into the summer term and all that it promises It is an exciting time, filled with opportunity, growth, and continued achievement.
For families considering joining our community, this magazine provides a wonderful glimpse into the exceptional opportunities our school offers To stay up to date with our latest news and events, please follow us on Instagram and Facebook: @HamptonCourtHouse
I hope you enjoy reading ‘Inside the House’ as much as we have enjoyed compiling it
Warm wishes,
Katherine Vintiner, Principal
We are proud to announce that HCH was nominated as a finalist in the London Independent School of the Year Award 2025, after being shortlisted for this award in 2024
According to the judges, " a record number of entries were received this year from schools across the country and the standard has never been higher". The fact that we have excelled in this award for the second year running makes this achievement all the more special
It is a testament to our amazing students, staff and entire school community, who make HCH the special school that it is amongst other London Schools
Scan to read the report in full:
“Achievement with heart.” “Kind students.” “Excellent progress.”
This term, we ’ re delighted that our recent inspection recognised the strength of our leadership, teaching, curriculum and the aspirational, supportive culture across the school, with students progressing to prestigious post-16 and post-18 destinations
Kate, our Principal commented:
"This report is testament to our efforts in creating a school that is not only academically strong but also offers a broad and well-rounded experience while recognising each student as an individual.
I would like to sincerely thank our exceptional staff and students who have worked so hard over the years, as well as all our parents for their support. We look forward to the future of HCH, together."
Last year, we were delighted to win the Talk Education Innovation in Education Award in the Support for Life Beyond School category for our pioneering “Preparing for Life” Sixth Form Programme
The programme continues to develop around five pillars: physical wellbeing, mental health, leadership, cultural literacy, and community engagement, focusing on strengthening mind and body through core strength training and bespoke fitness plans delivered at St Mary’s university, opportunities for one - to - one executive leadership coaching and careers workshops alongside opportunities to develop real cultural capital, leadership skills and engage with the wider world
“It’s been fantastic to see the theory of this programme come together in practice, sharpening our sixth-formers’ academic focus while broadening their perspectives and helping them more clearly define their next steps as young adults in an increasingly complex world”
Principal Kate Vintiner.
HCH has become the first independent school in the UK to achieve Harmony accreditation - a distinction that reflects not only innovation, but a deep commitment to rethinking how young people learn in a changing world This recognition reflects four years of dedicated curriculum development, staff training, and collaboration to embed the Harmony principles across all subjects and year groups
Inspired by the principles of King Charles III, this approach encourages students to see environmental responsibility as a mindset, nurtured from early years through to senior school, while also supporting wellbeing and mindful learning It marks a whole-school commitment to education grounded in nature, coherence, and long-term sustainability
In becoming the first independent school in the UK to receive this recognition, Hampton Court House is not simply participating in educational change, it is helping to define it
The Science Department recently provided students with an exceptional opportunity to deepen their curiosity and understanding Dr Elif Coskuncay generously shared her expertise and passion for biomedical science in a session which explored educational pathways in the field, explained what cancer is, and examined both current and future treatment options
Students were particularly inspired by learning about a remarkable and successful discovery made by a teenager, highlighting the impact that young people can have in scientific research We are extremely grateful to Dr Coskuncay for giving her time to engage and inspire our students by sharing her knowledge and experience
Year 6 students enjoyed an exciting residential trip to PGL, filled with challenge, adventure and memorable moments
The first two days featured a wide range of activities, including climbing, orienteering, abseiling and shelter building, keeping everyone engaged and eager to try new things On the final day, students honed their archery skills before ending on a high with the giant swing
Throughout the trip, they showed excellent teamwork, resilience and problem-solving, supporting one another and embracing every challenge It was a fantastic experience, with growing confidence, lasting memoriesand no doubt some very early nights at the end!
Students in Years 10–13 from the French/FLAM pathway enjoyed an unforgettable four-day trip to Paris, immersing themselves in the language, culture and daily life of the French capital
From the moment they arrived via the Eurostar, students embraced every opportunity to explore and experience the city Highlights included visits to iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, Notre-Dame, Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur, as well as a Seine river cruise and an exploration of the Catacombs
Along the way, students sampled fresh pastries and local specialities, discovered bustling markets, and took part in a food tour that brought French cuisine to life By navigating the Metro and speaking French with Parisians, students gained valuable real-life language experience
The trip was especially beneficial for those preparing for GCSE and A Level exams, helping to build confidence and deepen cultural understanding, while leaving everyone inspired to continue their French studies.
The Milan Football Tour was an unforgettable experience, combining elitelevel football with culture and exploration.
After an early start, the squad visited the historic city of Verona before delivering a disciplined and determined performance in a closely contested 2–1 match against Juventina Poiano U16 Players further benefited from two high-quality training sessions led by AC Milan Academy coaches, gaining valuable insight into professional standards and elite player development
Off the pitch, the group enjoyed the stunning scenery of Lake Garda, a day at Gardaland, and a memorable visit to the iconic San Siro Stadium The tour provided a powerful blend of challenge, learning, and cultural enrichment, leaving a lasting impression on all involved
A
Warm Welcome to our New Courtiers!
As an all-through school, we understand just how important these early experiences are in shaping each pupil’s journey, building confidence, easing anxieties, and fostering strong friendships alongside positive relationships with staff. Through carefully planned transition opportunities, we ensure that every student feels supported, secure, and ready to thrive from the very beginning.
At HCH, wellbeing remains at the heart of school life, and we are pleased to be marking Mental Health Awareness Week across the school
Students and staff took part in a range of activities throughout the week, including wearing green, a sponsored walk around the lake, and wearing funky or odd socks to raise awareness and support positive mental health
The Wellbeing Marketplace in the Main Hall, along with lunchtime activities in the Wellbeing Room, provided further opportunities for students to get involved, alongside raffles and wellbeing assemblies for both Prep and Senior
These activities reflect our ongoing commitment to promoting a positive and supportive school environment where wellbeing is prioritised and celebrated We also held a Krispy Kreme doughnut sale, with proceeds going to our partner charity
A huge thank you to everyone who supported our collection for Kingston Foodbank A wide range of essential items including tinned food, pasta, rice, UHT milk, toiletries and Easter eggs were donated by our school community
This initiative reflects the importance of community within our Sixth Form programme, encouraging students to contribute and support those in need locally
Our Easter Egg raffle was also a great success Congratulations to our winners across the school: Sienna (Little Courtyard), Elif (Year 3–6), Niki (Year 7–9), Evalina (Year 10–11) and Lisa (Sixth Form)
Our netball team travelled to Teddington Lock to face Radnor House School, competing in matches again Year 7 and Year 9 teams
The fixtures were challenging, but the players showed determination throughout Strong performances came against both teams, with Year 7 securing a 3–0 win through excellent teamwork, while Year 9 narrowly lost a close and exciting match 8–7
All players demonstrated great resilience and sportsmanship Special congratulations to Hesper and Julia (Year 7) and Eleanor (Year 9), who were awarded Player of the Match
The GCSE Music Recital showcased outstanding performances from Year 10 and Year 11 students in front of a supportive audience of parents, teachers, and friends Year 11 performed solo and ensemble exam pieces with confidence and musical maturity across drums, piano, violin, and guitar, whilst Year 10 also impressed with their developing skills and growing confidence
The evening highlighted the importance of live performance within the school community, with great support from our instrumental and singing teachers
Following on from the music recital, we excitedly prepared for our termly Prep and Senior Concerts
The Senior Concert featured impressive performances from Years 7–11 across jazz, pop and classical styles, with pupils showing confidence and commitment in solo and ensemble performances
The Prep Recital celebrated Years 1–6 with a wide range of instruments and genres, from classical pieces to popular songs
Both events highlighted pupils’ confidence, commitment and enjoyment of music Our thanks go to all our visiting music teachers for their support
Our Year 11 GCSE Drama students recently delivered their final practical examination, showcasing real creativity, commitment, and skill
From strong character work to engaging ensemble pieces, each performance reflected months of hard work and development. We are incredibly proud of their achievement and confident the examiner will have been impressed
Well done Year 11 - an excellent final performance
French Immersion: Charlie et la Chocolaterie
Our Year 1- 4 pupils wowed families and staff with a magical French Immersion performance of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, bringing language learning to life in a fun and interactive way
Through songs, acting and storytelling entirely in French, our young performers showed incredible creativity, confidence and the joy of immersive language learning From golden tickets to Oompa-Loompas, the stage was bursting with colour, energy and imagination!
At Hampton Court House, we ’ re proud to offer a bilingual education where pupils truly live the language As part of the LabelFrancÉducation network, we celebrate French language and culture every day - in our classrooms and on our stage
Bravo to all our pupils and staff for making this unforgettable show possible!
Vive la Francophonie!
From collaborative storybooks inspired by La Chenille qui fait des trous and Le Ballon Rouge, to creative comics, posters our pupils celebrated French language and culture in style all throughout Francophonie Week
We were priviledged to welcome another LabelFrancÉducation school, St Jerome, to engage in an exciting art challenge with our Year 4 pupils - a fantastic showcase of language and partnership working together hand in hand
Ending the week with Le Grand Goûter, laughter, games, and crêpes, we truly came together to share, create, and connect!
Forest School is an important part of Early Years, giving pupils the space to learn in a natural setting, supported by our on-site woodland area and nearby Bushy Park
Through practical activities such as building shelters, exploring wildlife and creating with natural materials, pupils develop creativity, confidence and problem-solving skills, guided by specialist practitioners They are encouraged to work independently, take sensible risks and build resilience Time in nature also supports wellbeing, helping children feel calm and focused, while encouraging teamwork and respect for the environment
With access to our wonderful surroundings, outdoor learning is a meaningful part of everyday life at Hampton Court House
Reception Class delighted their special guests during our Mother’s Day Assembly
The children proudly shared their portraits of their mums and beautiful handprint flower bouquets, before performing a cheerful dance and a touching song
They also spoke about what they love most about their mums, creating a truly heartwarming and memorable moment for everyone involved It was a special opportunity for the children to build their confidence, creativity and communication skills, while celebrating the people who mean so much to them in a joyful and supportive setting
The assembly was filled with smiles and pride, offering a lovely chance for families to come together and enjoy the children’s hard work and thoughtfulness
Book Week brought a vibrant celebration of reading to life across the school Throughout the week, pupils enjoyed shared reading sessions, where older students read alongside younger ones - building confidence and fostering a genuine love of books
With an array of costumes, engaging storytelling and exciting activities, the week was a joyful reminder of the power of reading to bring the whole school community together
Our school community came together to celebrate Chinese New Year at the end of term the Spring term Prep children enjoyed an energetic dance workshop, while pupils took part in cultural activities including calligraphy, a chopsticks challenge, and dragon crafts
Years 4 to 6 had a fantastic time at an exciting finance workshop delivered by the ThinkPieces company
The sessions brought real-world learning to life in an interactive way Pupils explored topics such as taxes, the skills needed for different careers and how qualifications are gained through university
The workshop made big ideas easy to grasp and left everyone feeling inspired
The whole sch ese lunch, followed by a lively karaoke session with festive songs. A big t Xue for organising such a fun and memorable celebration.
Six students from Years 8 -11 represented the school with distinction in the second round of the UKMT Maths Challenge
A special congratulations to Davin Chae (Year 8), who qualified for the prestigious Cayley Olympiad - typically reserved for the top 1,000 Year 9 mathematicians and below worldwide - making his achievement particularly outstanding
Erin Terry competed in the Grey Kangaroo, while Ethan Sun, Toprak Zeytin, Kihyun Lee, and Eric Zhang took part in the Pink Kangaroo, with all students tackling highly demanding problems designed to challenge even the strongest young mathematicians!
History at HCH continues to thrive, with a series of recent trips and workshops highlighting the department’s commitment to academic excellence
From exploring the grandeur of Hampton Court Palace, where Sixth Form students engaged with Tudor power, primary sources, and rigorous historical debate, to analysing artefacts and interpretations of global conflict at the Imperial War Museum, students are consistently challenged to think critically and deepen their understanding
Younger pupils have also benefited from immersive learning through a dynamic Roman history workshop, bringing key foundations of the subject to life through performance and participation
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is more than just a programme, it’s an opportunity for young people to build resilience, independence, and teamwork through real-world challenges
Last term, our students took an exciting step on their DofE journey with a hands-on training session ahead of their expedition From map reading and tent pitching to essential first-aid skills, they embraced every challenge with enthusiasm and determination
It’s been incredible to see their confidence grow, and there’s a real buzz of excitement as they prepare for what’s next - with Bronze heading to the Surrey Hills and Silver to the New Forest for their expeditions!
We’re proud to partner with St Mary’s in our Sixth Form ‘Preparing for Life programme ’ , giving students access to Olympic-standard weightlifting facilities This partnership is about more than strength, it’s about excellence
Research shows that structured strength training can support focus, confidence, resilience and academic performance By including weightlifting in the programme, students build discipline in the gym that carries through into the classroom
We’re also delighted to launch our after-school strength training club on site This exciting new club gives students the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of weightlifting as part of our Physical Health strand, developing strength, confidence and discipline in a supportive school environment
Training in a world-class setting helps raise ambition and build a mindset for success, both academically and personally
We were delighted to welcome HCH alumnus Brynley back to Hampton Court House to speak with Sixth Form students about his journey since leaving school
After studying at HCH, he went on to the University of Edinburgh and now works at Clifford Chance, an international law firm, in London He shared memories of his time at HCH and reflected on how the school’s opportunities and support helped his personal and academic development
He also offered advice on exams, revision, university life and entering the workplace The talk provided honest insights and practical guidance, leaving students inspired for their next steps
Year 12 students recently took part in a UCAS and Careers trip as part of our Preparing for Life programme, gaining valuable insight into pathways beyond school
They spoke with representatives from a wide range of universities, exploring courses, entry requirements, student life, and the different routes into higher education and beyond
The experience allowed students to ask questions, gather advice, and begin shaping their future plans with greater confidence
Following on from the success of last year, the Hampton Court House Futures Fair will take place on Friday, 12 June 2026, and we are excited to be running this annual event once again
We are also pleased to welcome pupils from other local schools, including partner Dukes school Radnor House, with around 100 students expected to attend
The fair brings together a wide range of speakers and exhibitors from different sectors, offering students valuable insight into future pathways and real-world careers
At Hampton Court House, we place equal importance on our pupils’ personal, academic, and emotional development, ensuring they are fully prepared for life beyond the classroom. As educators, this is among our most important responsibilities, and we are deeply committed to equipping every student in our care with the confidence, resilience, and skills needed to thrive in the future.
Hampton Court House offers a rich and varied co-curricular programme that is designed to enrich and extend learning beyond the classroom
Students can take part in sports such as Fencing, Football, Gymnastics, Ballet, and Touch Rugby, as well as creative clubs including Chamber Choir, Music Technology, Virtual Reality Design, and Art. Academic clubs include, but are not limited to, Maths Challenge, Model United Nations, Philosophy, Political Thinking, Science, Astrophysics, and Economics Cultural with a selection of language clubs covering Spanish, Chinese, Latin, Ancient Greek, and French Roleplay
There are also an array of unique clubs to cater for every hobby such as Zoo, Gardening, Inventors, and Newspaper Clubs This broad programme encourages personal growth, confidence, and caters to individual interests
In every edition, we take the time to shine a spotlight on a few of our clubs and find out more about what our students get up to whilst taking part
Our Zoo Club is growing! Over the course of the Spring term, we ’ ve welcomed baby shrimps, frogs, and an amazing orchid mantis, joining favourites like Kirby the axolotl, jumping spiders, geckos (with new babies!), African snails and our much loved snakes, Dan-Dan, Zombie and Arrabbiata
We’re also excited to welcome a bearded dragon very soon to join the crew! Zoo Club continues to inspire curiosity, responsibility and a love for the natural world, as students learn more about animals and their care, and gain exciting insights into animals from across the world
Models and Mayhem Club is a fun and creative group where students build, paint, and play with miniature models from the Warhammer tabletop game
Members learn modelling skills, practise detailed painting, and use strategy to battle their armies on tabletop battlefields The club is a great place to meet other hobbyists, share ideas, and develop creativity and teamwork
Yoga club offers pupils a calm and welcoming space to relax, stretch, and build strength in a fun way Through poses, breathing exercises, and mindfulness activities, children develop balance, co-ordination, and body awareness.
Sessions also support emotional wellbeing by helping pupils manage stress and improve focus Above all, Yoga club encourages confidence and positivity in an enjoyable and supportive environment
This is a great opportunity for pupils to try something new while building confidence on the court Children develop a range of skills, from accurate passing to effective positioning, while also drawing on abilities they’ve gained in other sports
It promotes teamwork, encouraging players to communicate and support one another in a positive environment and is a lively experience that keeps everyone engaged and motivated to improve
