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 central to 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. Current A-level data places Hampton College 4th among Peterborough sixth forms and 1,085th in England overall, with 50% of entries at A*-B. Primary phase results now show 50% of pupils meeting expected standards in reading, writing and mathematics.

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 2024-25 / 2025 Key Stage 2 dataset, 50% of Year 6 pupils met the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics combined.

Breaking down the individual subjects, reading showed a scaled score average of 103, with 70% reaching the expected standard. Mathematics recorded an average scaled score of 102, with 70% meeting expected standards. Grammar, punctuation and spelling recorded an average of 104, with 70% at expected level. Science also showed 70% reaching expected standards.

At the higher standard, 0% of pupils achieved greater depth across reading, writing and mathematics combined in the current dataset. This points to a weaker top-end profile.

Hampton College ranks 71st locally in Peterborough for primary outcomes and 13,422nd overall in England (FindMySchool ranking based on official data). For families in the Hampton area, this points to a primary phase that currently sits in the lower national band rather than the middle range.

GCSE outcomes position Hampton College below the national middle band in current FindMySchool data. In the 2024-25 / 2025 dataset, the Attainment 8 score is 44.5 and the published Progress 8 score is -0.35. Families should treat improvement claims cautiously until they appear in comparable published data.

The school ranks 13th in Peterborough for GCSE overall outcomes and 3,218th in England overall (FindMySchool ranking). For the EBacc pathway, 5.7% of pupils achieved grade 5 or above across all EBacc subjects, 10.4% achieved grade 4 or above, and the average EBacc points score is 3.7.

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 1,085th in England overall, with an academic rank of 964th (FindMySchool ranking).

In 2025, 50% of A-level grades were A*-B, with 30% at A*-A. That keeps the sixth form as Hampton College's strongest phase in current FindMySchool ranking terms.

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. Families should use the council's current timetable and the school's published criteria rather than relying on historic applications-per-place figures.

Year 7 admissions follow the same local authority coordinated process. Families should check Peterborough City Council's current secondary-transfer timetable and Hampton College's published admissions information, including how pupils already in the primary phase move into Year 7.

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 are administered by Peterborough City Council. Families should check the council's current appeals timetable for the relevant entry year.

Year 7 transition arrangements should be checked directly with Hampton College for the relevant entry year. Families can expect the school to publish current information about parent briefings, move-up activities and practical arrangements closer to transfer.

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 current published Progress 8 score is -0.35, and the school ranks 3,218th in England overall for GCSE outcomes. Families should consider whether future published data shows improvement. 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 is the strongest academic phase in current data, ranking 4th locally in Peterborough and 1,085th in England overall.

The primary phase and GCSE results are more modest in the current dataset, with primary outcomes ranking 13,422nd overall in England and GCSE outcomes ranking 3,218th overall. For families in Hampton Vale and surrounding areas, the school can still remove some uncertainty around secondary transition for those who secure primary places.

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