Key Findings
ISI INSPECTION 2026
In April 2026, the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) conducted their latest Inspection of Hampton Pre-Prep & Prep.
We are delighted to share their findings with you.
Our ISI visitors assessed five key aspects of School life, including the quality of education, standards of leadership and pupil wellbeing.
We are very pleased indeed to report that every standard was met, with inspectors warmly praising our intellectually curious and enthusiastic pupils, recognising the skill and dedication of their teachers, and highlighting our School’s nurturing, kind and purposeful environment.
We hope that you will enjoy reading about the key findings of the 2026 ISI report in this summary booklet.
The full text of the report can be found here
With best wishes
Tim Smith Headmaster Hampton Pre-Prep & Prep
A Warm and Purposeful Community
Offering academic and all-round excellence, Hampton Pre-Prep & Prep provides children with the very best start in life.
Inspectors commented on the School’s warm and caring community and praised the strength of relationships among all at the School.
Positive relationships between staff and pupils create a supportive and purposeful learning environment
Children’s positive relationships with staff enhance their personal development
ISI
Pupils are well behaved, courteous and sensitive to the needs of others
ISI
Governors and leaders ‘promote and prioritise the wellbeing of pupils’
ISI
Aspirational Teaching and Learning
Inspectors praised our well planned and thoughtfully designed curriculum, taught by subject specialists who set high expectations and genuinely inspire and motivate.
Lessons are engaging, challenging and designed to create independent learners with strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Teachers routinely challenge pupils to think and apply their learning in more complex and independent ways
Teachers are aspirational in their expectations about what pupils can achieve
Teachers’ expert subject knowledge, high expectations and choice of motivating activities extend pupils’ thinking and enable them to make good progress
The well-planned curriculum is thoughtfully designed
Curious, Confident Learners
We understand that every pupil is unique and we encourage each child’s natural curiosity, creativity and flair.
The inspection team described our boys and girls as curious, enthusiastic and self-motivated learners who are able to listen, reflect and articulate their views clearly.
Pupils are curious, enthusiastic and selfmotivated learners
Independent learners who reflect on their own experiences
Pupils are conscientious and focused
They reflect thoughtfully before responding, listen attentively to others’ views and articulate their views insightfully
The Best Start in Life
“Every day at Pre-Prep is full of excitement and discovery as our children build their knowledge, confidence and love of learning”
Imogen Murphy, Head of Pre-Prep
Welcoming boys and girls from the age of three to seven, Pre-Prep is a magical time in a child’s learning and development.
Inspectors noted the skill, expertise and knowledge of our early years teachers in understanding how young children learn and develop, and in creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
Leaders in the early years are knowledgeable about the way the youngest children learn and develop
They ensure that children learn well and grow in skill and confidence
‘Golden rules’ at Pre-Prep encourage pupils to be gentle, kind and helpful
Beyond the Classroom
Inspectors assessed the broad co-curricular programme at Pre-Prep & Prep, including sport provision, drama, the arts, and our thriving clubs.
These activities are an integral element of School life, allowing children to develop physical fitness and teamwork skills, while discovering new passions and interests that extend well beyond the academic curriculum.
26 Trips
Leaders encourage pupils to practise their existing skills and embrace new interests by providing wide-ranging co-curricular activities
Pupils perform with confidence and expression
ISI
34 Clubs
Stimulating activities engage pupils’ interest and deepen their understanding
10 Sports
ISI
“Every day at Pre-Prep is full of excitement and discovery as our children build their knowledge, confidence and love of learning”
Hampton Pre-Prep Parent
Exemplary Leadership
Inspectors highlighted the clear vision of our leaders and governors, recognising their investment of time, expertise and energy across all areas of School life.
The ISI team commented on the prioritisation of pupils’ wellbeing and the care taken to ensure pupils’ personal and academic growth.
Leaders set out a clear vision for the School’s continuing development
They encourage staff to engage in regular dialogue about children’s learning and pastoral requirements
Leaders create a nurturing and purposeful environment that encourages pupils to be positive members of the School community and engage actively in the breadth of School activities