Hampton College

Built to serve one of England's newest townships, Hampton College has grown from a secondary school of 180 students in 2005 to a thriving all-through community of nearly 1,700 pupils aged 4 to 19. The school sits at the heart of the Hampton development in south Peterborough, an area that transformed former brickfields into a modern residential township. At its centre stands a five-piece sculpture by David Nash OBE RA called The Noon Vessel, commissioned through a £50,000 competition and designed to cast shadows across the courtyard as the sun moves throughout the day. This attention to design reflects a school that takes seriously its role as the educational anchor for a growing community.

The 2023 Ofsted inspection rated the school Good overall, with the sixth form provision also judged Good. Results at A-level place Hampton College 4th among schools in Peterborough, sitting above the England average and within the top third of sixth forms in England. Primary phase results show 75% of pupils meeting expected standards in reading, writing and mathematics, comfortably above the England average of 62%.

Hampton College occupies a purpose-built campus designed around a central courtyard, with an outdoor amphitheatre providing a distinctive space for assemblies and performances. The architecture reflects the millennium-era optimism of the Hampton township development, with modern facilities that have been expanded significantly since the school first opened.

The school operates with separate leadership teams for its primary and secondary phases, though key members collaborate on an all-through basis. Ms Alex Ford serves as Head of School for the secondary phase, having taken the role in September 2023 after working in Peterborough schools since 2005. She brings particular expertise in curriculum development and raising standards, working as a PiXL associate with several local schools on Key Stage 4 improvement strategies. Mr Paul Jones leads the primary phase. Dr Helen Price serves as Executive Head Teacher across the Hampton Academies Trust.

The house system, with four houses named after stars (Polaris, Rigel, Sirius, and Vega), provides vertical groupings that span year groups and foster a sense of belonging. Each House Council meets at least every half term with their Head of House to discuss aspects of school life, with feedback channelled through to the School Council via House Leaders. Polaris has proven the dominant force in recent years, claiming both the behaviour and attendance trophies.

The school describes itself as a place where warmth and care are central to its approach. The Ofsted inspection noted that pupils feel safe and are well looked after, with strong relationships between staff and students contributing to a positive atmosphere.

In the 2024 Key Stage 2 assessments, 75% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined. This exceeds the England average of 62% by a considerable margin.

Breaking down the individual subjects, reading showed a scaled score average of 104 (England average: 100), with 75% reaching the expected standard. Mathematics was stronger still, with an average scaled score of 105 and 79% meeting expected standards. Grammar, punctuation and spelling recorded an average of 106, with 78% at expected level. Science showed 79% reaching expected standards.

At the higher standard, 13.3% of pupils achieved greater depth across reading, writing and mathematics combined, compared to the England average of 8%. This represents solid performance for the more able pupils.

Hampton College ranks 26th out of schools in Peterborough for primary outcomes (FindMySchool ranking based on official data), placing it in line with the middle range of schools in England (25th to 60th percentile). For families in the Hampton area, this represents reliable primary provision without requiring the uncertainty of competitive admissions elsewhere.

GCSE outcomes position Hampton College in the middle band of performance. The 2024 Attainment 8 score of 44.5 sits close to the England average. The school reports an internal Progress 8 measure of +0.22 for the most recent year, showing improvement from the previous year's figure of -0.35. This positive trajectory suggests the school's raising standards work is beginning to show results.

The school ranks 10th in Peterborough for GCSE outcomes (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in line with the middle 35% of schools in England. For the EBacc pathway, 7.7% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above across all EBacc subjects, with an average EBacc points score of 3.78.

The secondary results should be understood in context. Hampton College serves a genuinely comprehensive intake from the surrounding township. The absence of selection by ability or faith means the cohort reflects the full range of prior attainment, making comparisons with selective schools or those in more affluent catchments of limited value.

The sixth form is where Hampton College distinguishes itself most clearly. A-level results place the school 4th in Peterborough and 797th in England (FindMySchool ranking), positioning it above the England average and within the top 30% of sixth forms in England.

In 2024, 54.3% of A-level grades were A*-B, with 27.4% at A*-A. The England averages stand at 47.2% for A*-B and 23.6% for A*-A, meaning Hampton College outperforms on both measures. The school achieved an ALPS score of 4, indicating students make strong progress from their GCSE starting points.

Individual student successes illustrate what is possible. Anshul Sendil achieved A* grades in Computer Science, Further Maths, Maths, Physics, and the Extended Project Qualification, securing a place at Imperial College London to study Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence. Spencer Smith gained four A* grades in Biology, Further Maths, Maths, and Physics before progressing to the University of Southampton for Mechanical Engineering. Alfie Marsh earned three A* grades in computing and mathematics subjects to study at the University of Sheffield, while Chloe Carter matched this with four A* grades leading to Mechanical Engineering, also at Sheffield.

University destinations from the 2023-24 cohort of 114 leavers show 58% progressed to university. The DfE leavers data indicates 5% took up apprenticeships and 18% moved directly into employment. Named university destinations include the University of Nottingham, University of York, University of Hull, University of Salford, Aston University, Bangor University, University of Liverpool, University of Manchester, Nottingham Trent University, and Lincoln University.

One student secured a place at Cambridge in the measurement period, from three Oxbridge applications. For a non-selective state school in Peterborough, any Oxbridge success represents genuine achievement, reflecting the school's commitment to stretching its most able students.

The Aspire A* programme targets high-achieving students who averaged 7.5 or above at GCSE, providing specialised support including university preparation, interview coaching, and research placements. This dedicated provision for the academically ambitious helps explain the sixth form's strong outcomes.

The curriculum follows the National Curriculum framework with additions that reflect the school's all-through structure. At Key Stage 3, students receive 25 one-hour lessons each week covering core subjects (English, Maths, Science, Computing) and foundation subjects including technology, PE, modern foreign languages, drama, music, RE, history, geography, art, and personal development.

Students study either French or German from Year 7, with opportunities for additional language study from Year 9. At Key Stage 4, the timetable divides into roughly 60% statutory subjects and 40% optional choices, allowing students to select from arts, humanities, technology, and vocational courses according to their interests and aptitudes.

The sixth form offers three distinct pathways based on GCSE performance. Students achieving at least six grade 4s including English and Maths follow a purely academic A-level pathway. Those with six grade 4s but without grade 4 in English or Maths combine A-levels with vocational qualifications. Students with five grade 4s without English or Maths follow entirely vocational courses. This differentiated approach ensures appropriate challenge for all post-16 learners.

Some sixth form subjects are offered in collaboration with Hampton Gardens, the trust's sister school. This arrangement expands the range of courses available to students beyond what either school could offer independently.

To progress from Year 12 to Year 13, students must achieve at least a grade E in each of their subjects by the end of Year 12. Most students focus on three courses across the two years.

Hampton College operates two main entry points: Reception (60 places) and Year 7 (150 external places, plus 60 from the school's own primary phase, giving 210 Year 7 places in total).

For Reception entry, applications are coordinated through Peterborough City Council. The school is oversubscribed, with 98 applications for 24 available places in recent years, representing approximately four applications per place.

Year 7 admissions follow the same local authority coordinated process. The deadline for September 2026 entry is 31 October 2025. With 347 applications for 148 places, the secondary phase sees roughly 2.3 applications per place. Children completing Year 6 at Hampton College Primary automatically secure Year 7 places, which accounts for the difference between total Year 7 capacity and externally available places.

After looked-after children and those with Education, Health and Care Plans naming the school, places are allocated according to the school's oversubscription criteria. Parents should use the FindMySchool Map Search to check their distance from the school if location is a factor in the admissions criteria.

Appeals for Year 7 places for September 2025 entry close on 28 March 2025. The appeals process is administered by Peterborough City Council.

Year 7 transition events for September 2026 include a parents' information evening on Monday 29 June 2026 at 6pm in the Main School Hall, lasting approximately 1.5 hours. The move-up day takes place on Wednesday 1 July 2026, running from 8:30am to 3:10pm, when students meet teaching staff, attend taster lessons, and participate in activities designed to ease the transition.

Sixth form applications should be made directly to the school, with entry requirements varying by pathway as described above.

The school maintains dedicated pastoral structures across both phases. In the primary phase, Mrs Sara Hibbert serves as Safeguarding, Pastoral and Wellbeing Lead, acting as the first point of contact for matters affecting children's emotional wellbeing. Class teachers also provide initial support for families.

The school recognises that children sometimes need help with friendship difficulties, anxiety, bereavement, loss, or family separation. Support resources are available for both parents and children through curated online materials.

For students with special educational needs and disabilities, Mr Matt Tee serves as Assistant Head of School and SENDCo. Provision includes personalised timetables and targeted support, with named Teaching Assistants for students requiring additional help. Parents can access an information pack about local SEND services, with ten-minute phone appointments available for advice on various aspects of support.

Mental health provision connects with community services. The school promotes Here: Now, a free, open-access mental health and emotional wellbeing service for young people in Peterborough aged 13-25, based at Peterborough Central Library. Students can access workshops, activities, advice, one-to-one counselling, mindfulness sessions, and therapy without needing an appointment.

The house system contributes to pastoral care by creating smaller communities within the larger school. Each house focuses on charitable activities, with Polaris collecting donations for the local Soup Kitchen and Sirius partnering with Merrylegs charity.

Sport

The PE department operates under a sport for all philosophy, encouraging all students to participate regardless of ability. The programme aims to develop physical skills while promoting lifelong physical activity as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Competitive teams represent the school across multiple age ranges in football (boys and girls), rugby, netball, basketball, rounders, cricket (boys and girls), cross country, athletics, indoor rowing, tennis, table tennis, cycling, trampolining, and gymnastics. Teams compete at city and county levels, with progression routes to regional and national competitions. Recent successes include U16 girls becoming Indoor Cricket runners-up and Under 16 Basketball PDSSA Champions.

Inter-form and intra-school competitions run throughout the year, including cross country, athletics and Sports Day, tennis championships, dodgeball, kingball, basketball, rowing, netball, rounders, and indoor football. The school monitors students involved in external sports initiatives like the JAE programme, celebrating achievements in assemblies to help balance academic and sporting commitments.

Performing Arts

Musical and dramatic productions form a significant part of school life. Recent and upcoming productions include Mary Poppins, Shrek The Musical, Matilda Jr, and Oliver Jr. These whole-school productions involve students from across year groups in performance, technical, and backstage roles.

Instrumental music lessons are available, supporting students who wish to develop musical skills beyond the classroom curriculum. An annual Rewards Concert celebrates musical achievement across the school.

Enrichment

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme runs at Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels, providing students with opportunities for volunteering, physical activity, skills development, and expedition. Careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG) supports students in planning their post-school pathways.

Lunchtime recreational clubs offer activities focused on maintaining active lifestyles while having fun. Coaching workshops provide taster sessions to improve participation and connect students with school and community clubs.

The school day for secondary students runs approximately from 8:30am to 3:10pm. The primary phase follows similar hours.

Wraparound care is available through Club Viva, operated by Vivacity. Breakfast club runs from 7:30am until school starts, and after-school club operates from the end of school until 6pm. Activities include sports coaching, team games, crafting skills, and relaxation areas. Contact clubviva@vivacity.org or call 01733 864754 for bookings and information.

Hampton College is located at Eagle Way, Hampton Vale, Peterborough PE7 8BF. The campus is accessible by road from the A1/A1(M), with the Hampton Vale area well served by local bus routes. Parking is available for school events.

Primary to secondary transition advantages and pressures. Children completing Year 6 at Hampton College Primary automatically progress to Year 7, removing transition uncertainty. However, families should note that only 60 of the 210 Year 7 places go to internal students, meaning most of the cohort arrives from other primaries. The all-through model provides continuity for those in it, but the majority of Year 7 students are still joining a new school.

GCSE outcomes require context. The Progress 8 score of -0.35 in recent published data appears concerning at first glance. However, the school reports internal measures showing improvement to +0.22 in the most recent year. Families should consider whether this trajectory continues in future published data. The school serves a genuinely comprehensive intake, and direct comparison with selective or more affluent schools provides limited insight.

Early years provision requires improvement. The 2023 Ofsted inspection judged early years provision as Requires Improvement while other areas received Good ratings. Families considering Reception entry should enquire about improvements made since the inspection.

Sixth form collaboration with Hampton Gardens. Some A-level subjects are delivered in partnership with the trust's other secondary school. Students may need to travel between sites for certain lessons, which could affect the daily experience of studying less commonly offered subjects.

Hampton College offers genuine all-through education from Reception to A-level within a single community, anchoring the educational provision for Peterborough's Hampton township. The sixth form delivers results that place it among the best in the city and above England averages, with realistic pathways to competitive universities including Oxbridge.

The primary phase provides solid outcomes above England averages, while GCSE results sit in the middle range with signs of improvement. For families in Hampton Vale and surrounding areas, the school removes much of the uncertainty around secondary transition for those who secure primary places.

Best suited to families within the Hampton development seeking all-through stability, those wanting strong sixth form provision without independent school fees, and students who will benefit from the differentiated post-16 pathways. The main consideration is understanding that while the sixth form excels, GCSE outcomes are more typical. Families should weigh the convenience of all-through provision against outcomes at each phase when making their decision.