Hampton School and Kingston Grammar School are two well-known independent schools in south-west London. Both schools have strong academic reputations and attract pupils from across Surrey and Greater London. Despite their similarities, they differ in several important ways, including their admissions structure, school environment and educational approach.

Official school websites
https://www.hamptonschool.org.uk/
https://www.kgs.org.uk/

Admissions and entry

Both Hampton School and Kingston Grammar School are independent schools, meaning families pay tuition fees and pupils must pass entrance assessments.

Hampton School is a boys-only independent day school for pupils aged 11 to 18. Entry is usually at 11+, although there are also opportunities to join at later stages such as sixth form. The school selects pupils through competitive entrance exams and interviews.

Kingston Grammar School is a co-educational independent day school that also admits pupils aged 11 to 18. Entry is normally through an 11+ assessment followed by interviews and references from the pupil’s current school.

Academic results

Both schools achieve excellent academic results.

Hampton School regularly produces very strong A-level outcomes. In one recent set of results, around 92% of pupils achieved A* or A at A-level, placing it among the stronger academic independent schools in the UK.

Kingston Grammar School also performs extremely well academically. Around 95% of A-level grades are A*–B, and GCSE results are typically dominated by grades 9–7.

Students from both schools regularly progress to Russell Group universities, with some gaining places at Oxford and Cambridge.

School environment

One of the most noticeable differences between the two schools is the learning environment.

Hampton School is a single-sex boys’ school, which many families feel allows boys to focus academically without some of the social pressures of mixed classrooms. The school has a strong reputation for academic rigour combined with a very wide co-curricular programme, particularly in sport, music and drama.

Kingston Grammar School is co-educational, meaning boys and girls study together throughout the school. Many families like this environment because it more closely reflects university and working life.

Facilities and extracurricular life

Both schools offer extensive facilities and a wide range of extracurricular activities.

Hampton School is known for its large campus and strong sporting culture, as well as numerous clubs and societies covering music, drama, debating and academic enrichment.

Kingston Grammar School also offers strong facilities, including sports grounds on the Thames opposite Hampton Court Palace, along with facilities for music, drama and a wide co-curricular programme.

Fees

As independent schools, both charge significant tuition fees.

Hampton School’s tuition fees are about £9,972 per term, which places it among the more expensive London day schools.

Kingston Grammar School charges around £8,290 per term, although additional costs such as trips and activities may apply.

Both schools offer scholarships and bursaries to help families with the cost of fees.

Location

The schools are located only a few miles apart in south-west London.

Hampton School sits in Hampton near the River Thames, close to Hampton Court Palace. Kingston Grammar School is located in central Kingston upon Thames, making it very accessible by train and bus from surrounding areas.

Overall

Hampton School and Kingston Grammar School are both highly respected independent schools with strong academic records and impressive university destinations.

Hampton School may appeal particularly to families seeking a traditional boys’ independent school with a strong academic and sporting culture.

Kingston Grammar School may appeal to families who prefer a co-educational independent school with excellent academic results and a broad range of extracurricular opportunities.

For many families in south-west London, the decision often comes down to whether they prefer a single-sex or co-educational environment, as both schools offer a high-quality education and strong preparation for university.