Kindergarten delighted their audience with a festive showcase, featuring the songs A Little Christmas Fairy, Away in a Manger, and I Wish I was a Christmas Toy.
Through expressive storytelling, confident singing, and wonderfully energetic actions, the children whisked us away on a magical journey brimming with sparkle, imagination, and plenty of Christmas cheer.
It was the perfect way to begin the festive season.
It’s always a joy to share the stories, successes and smiles of life at Hampton Pre-Prep & Prep. From creative adventures to moments of teamwork and kindness, our pupils have embraced every opportunity.
One of the most exciting initiatives has been the launch of our Skills for Learning and Skills for Life framework. Pupils have taken to these skills brilliantly - collaborating thoughtfully, showing resilience and demonstrating curiosity. These skills are already helping everyone grow in confidence and independence.
We’ve also introduced PRIDE points, celebrating kindness, cheerfulness and consideration. Watching pupils support and encourage each other as they strive to earn these points has been inspiring, and reflects the very best of our community spirit.
As always, my heartfelt thanks to you, our parents, for your continued support. Wishing you a Happy Christmas, and I look forward to seeing you in the New Year!
Tim Smith Headmaster
Year 3 enjoyed an exciting day packed with team building activities.
From fun challenges to problem-solving games, pupils teamed up and cheered each other on, forging new friendships along the way. It was a great way to kick off their Hampton Prep adventure.
Our autumn term has been full of energy, creativity, and community spirit. From inspiring workshops to heartwarming performances, pupils have embraced every opportunity to learn, grow, and celebrate together.
Special thanks to the School Council for championing the spirit of giving, supporting charities including Children in Need and The Hygiene Bank. We also welcomed London Air Ambulance, who shared how last term’s fundraising will make a real difference. Meanwhile, our Eco Warriors have been busy planning improvements to the School grounds and ensuring sustainability is part of everything we do.
Our Nativity performances were a joyful highlight, showcasing pupils’ talent and enthusiasm. Through storytelling, singing, and teamwork, the children captured the true spirit of the season.
Wishing you all a happy and peaceful Christmas with your loved ones!
Imogen Murphy Head of Pre-Prep
A big welcome to our new Kindergarten pupils!
It’s been wonderful watching our youngest learners settle in with such curiosity and confidence.
From the very first day, they’ve thrown themselves into a world of play, laughter, and discovery - exploring new stories, songs, and creative adventures together. What an exciting start to their learning journey!
Kindergarten enjoyed a festive outing as they took a winter stroll to the Cavan Bakery.
The children were delighted to buy their very own reindeer gingerbread, proudly carrying their treats back to School. They returned full of smiles, excitement, and fully enjoyed their seasonal goody!
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and the Prep has been brimming with festive spirit.
Classrooms have been transformed into magical winter wonderlands, while Secret Santa surprises brought plenty of excitement as pupils carefully chose, wrapped and labelled gifts for their loved ones. The countdown to Christmas has certainly begun!
Festive cheer filled the classroom as Pre-Prep pupils enjoyed a creative morning of Christmas crafts.
They painted their own cards, decorating them with colourful fingerprint baubles, and created personalised Christmas bags to take home.
Our Carol Service rehearsal at St Mary’s Church was a joyful prelude to the festive season.
The church filled with music as pupils practised much-loved carols such as Once in Royal David’s City, Joy to the World, and O Little Town of Bethlehem. It was a wonderful opportunity to come together, fine-tune our voices, and share the spirit of Christmas in preparation for the big day.
Year 1 set off on a seasonal adventure in Carlisle Park, hunting for signs of autumn.
From spotting vibrant leaves to listening for birds hidden in the trees, our young explorers discovered the colours and sounds of the season.
The morning ended with an autumnal story and a tasty snack – a perfect finish to a day of discovery!
Year 2 brought the classroom to life with a hands-on workshop celebrating African culture.
They discovered the meaning behind traditional symbols, before designing their own cloths using the bold patterns. The day ended on a high note with an energetic drumming session, filling the room with rhythm and smiles.
Prep pupils let their imaginations soar higher than a Golden Snitch at this year’s Poetry Party.
From devising creative Quidditch chants and acrostic spells to mischievous howlers and daring journeys through the Forbidden Forest, the day was brimming with wizarding wonder.
Pre-Prep pupils enjoyed a visit from children’s author Lucy Gray Moreland.
Kindergarten and Reception loved The Little Boy Who Took My Spoon, sparking conversations about sharing and kindness. Year 1 and 2 explored The Phone-Away Day, which encouraged pupils to think about screen time and discover fun alternatives such as baking or playing outdoors.
Max, Oliver, Jazz, Caleb and Lev from Year 6 laced up their running shoes and headed to Bushy Park for the Richmond Borough Schools' Cross Country Championships.
Joining over a hundred runners, they tackled a 2.2km course full of twists and turns. Every athlete showed superb grit and determination, finishing in the top half of the field. What a fantastic achievement!
A sea of green, blue, red, and yellow swept across Carlisle Park as pupils battled it out in this year’s House Football competition.
Skill, determination, and teamwork shone through, with plenty of sportsmanship on display. With just two points separating first and second place, it was a nail-biting contest from start to finish. Congratulations to Tudor, our House Football champions!
The U10 A and B teams competed in the King’s College Junior School U10 Tournament, joining 24 schools for an afternoon of exciting football.
Both teams topped their groups unbeaten, earning places in the cup competition.
The B team impressed with a strong run to the quarterfinals. The A team kept their winning streak alive all the way to the final - securing a 1–0 victory to lift the coveted trophy! A brilliant effort from both teams.
Creativity was in full bloom at this term’s Open Homework Exhibition.
Pupils from Pre-Prep & Prep embraced the Pink theme with imagination and flair, producing colourful clay models, playful games and striking artwork.
Parents were treated to a showcase of originality and effort - a true celebration of the pupils’ talent and enthusiasm.
Congratulations to Jazz, Head Boy, and Siddarth, Deputy Head Boy - our new pupil leaders for the 2025–26 academic year.
Congratulations to our new House Captains: James and Harry for Lancaster House; Aryan and Barnabas for Tudor House; Zachary and Caleb for Windsor House; and Oliver and Adrian for York House.
Over at Pre-Prep, our new House and Vice Captains for the autumn term: Finlay and Francis for Lancaster House; Taksh and Finn for Windsor House; Wilf and Bodie for York House; Simran and Prayan for Tudor House. Well done everyone!
Year 4 pupil Alex stepped into the spotlight as Headmaster for the Day - and what a great job he did!
From making announcements and presenting his very own Awards of Distinction to reading stories to Kindergarten and writing the weekly bulletin, Alex tackled every task with confidence, enthusiasm, and a big smile.
STEM Day was packed with hands-on learning and innovation.
Four Year 2 pupils proudly represented Hampton Pre-Prep at the annual Fun with Numbers competition.
Working brilliantly as a team, they found clever ways to solve puzzles and showed how much fun maths can be.
Pre-Prep pupils became eco-architects, creating LEGO houses with renewable energy features, while Prep pupils launched rockets, explored alarm systems, and coded motherboards to power motors. Inspiring sessions from Hampton Physics teacher Mr Fuldner and visiting engineer Mr King sparked curiosity and creativity throughout the day.
Year 5 wowed audiences with a dazzling celebration of Shakespeare’s greatest works.
From the dark intrigue of Macbeth to the playful magic of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the pupils delivered each scene with confidence, enthusiasm, and theatrical flair. The evening was a wonderful whirlwind tour through some of Shakespeare’s most iconic works.
Year 3 embarked on an exciting journey into British history at Butser Ancient Farm.
Pupils made cordage from natural fibres, carved prehistoric designs into chalk using flint tools, and learnt how to safely start a fire. It was an experience that sparked curiosity and brought ancient Britain to life.
Our pupils have thrown themselves into an exciting mix of co-curricular activities this term.
From karate and baking to sewing, chess, and STEM Club, each session offered the chance to discover new interests, build confidence, and develop skills beyond the classroom.
In the magnificent setting of the Royal Albert Hall, our School Choir joined over 900 young singers from across the country for the Barnardo’s Young Supporters Concert.
Performing alongside the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, they helped deliver a spectacular celebration of music.
The concert raised vital funds to support Barnardo’s work with vulnerable children and young people across the UK.
We threw some quick-fire questions at Mrs Jan Parkinson:
Have you always been an Administrative Assistant?
What are your favourite pastimes?
I enjoy spending time with family and friends, whether that’s going out, having a cosy catch-up, or playing board games together. I’m also a big fan of reading and walking - both are great ways to relax and recharge.
Not always! Before I had my daughters, I worked in central London as an Assistant Buyer for John Lewis. Later, I moved into the online team, where I worked part-time as a Copywriter. Once my girls came along, I wanted something that would fit around family life.
What inspired you to work in schools? And what made you choose Hampton Pre-Prep & Prep?
When my youngest daughter started school, I spotted a job advert for Hampton Pre-Prep & Prep in the local newspaper. It felt like the perfect opportunity to balance family life while still being part of a busy, exciting workplace. I was drawn to the warm, friendly atmosphere here.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
There’s so much to enjoy! I love being part of such a welcoming community and getting to know both the children and their families. Every day is different - whether it’s helping behind the scenes or joining in with special events. And of course, the holidays are a bonus too!
What words of wisdom would you pass on to your younger self?
Don’t overthink things - just enjoy the moment! That’s actually advice I’ve picked up from my daughter, and it’s something I try to remind myself of often.
What is an inspiring quote that you live by?
I have to say Audere est facere which is a Latin phrase meaning To dare is to do. You can even spot it written in huge letters at Tottenham Hotspur’s stadium and I’m a proud North Londoner! For me, it’s a reminder to be brave, try new things, and make the most of every opportunity.
This year’s Remembrance Day service brought the whole School together to reflect on the bravery and sacrifice of those who served their country.
Year 6 led this year’s service with great respect, reading the names of former pupils who gave their lives in conflict. At 11am, the School fell silent for a two-minute reflection before wreaths were laid at the Hampton War Memorial by our Head Boy and Deputy Head Boy.
What you need
Pinecone
Paint (any colour you like)
Paintbrush
Colourful pom-poms
PVA glue
Piece of card
Go for a walk with your family and collect some pinecones. Choose one that looks like a little tree!
Use your paintbrush to paint the whole pinecone - green works well, but any colour is fun! Before it dries, you can sprinkle on some glitter for a sparkly finish, then leave the pinecone to dry.
Put tiny dabs of PVA glue on the tips of the pinecone “branches.” Press on small pom-poms to make bright, colourful baubles. Add as many as you like to make it festive!
Choose a bigger pom-pom or star and glue it to the very top of your pinecone.
Glue the bottom of your pinecone onto a piece of card. This helps your tree stand up safely. Leave it to dry completely, then your pinecone Christmas tree is ready to enjoy!