Hampton School was founded on March 7 1557 from the will of Robert Hammond. The early school assembled on the site of St Mary's Church, Hampton and later moved to a purpose built campus in 1880 on the Upper Sunbury Road, before its move to the present site on the Hanworth Road in 1938. The School became an independent, fee paying school in 1975 in the light of changes to the administration of secondary education in the London Borough of Richmond and remains independent to the present day.

Hampton School encourages high aspirations, independent thinking and mutual respect in an energetic, well disciplined community.

Hampton School is academically selective, with the majority of boys going on to well respected universities. An enormous range of extra-curricular activities are on offer, and in 2004-5 there were 80 trips to 25 countries. Drama and music are both very strong, while the school is nationally renown for sport. Hampton is probably best known as one of the leading rowing schools in the country and many of the school's oarsmen have gone on to represent Great Britain. In recent years Hamptonians have consistently competed for Oxford and Cambridge universities in the Boat Race; in 2003 two brothers (James and David Livingstone), both former pupils, competed in separate crews.

Hampton prides itself on its all-around successes, combining its sporting successes with a very strong academic record, coming 18th in the country on A Level scores in 2004.

But perhaps Hampton's key feature is its outstanding pastoral care, which received the highest possible praise in the recent, very successful inspection. Responsibility, service and character are highly valued in Hampton School.

Hampton School educates boys aged 11-18, generally admitting pupils:
For First Form (Year 7) Entry via a written examination, interview and Head Teacher’s report;
For Third Form (Year 9) Entry via Common Entrance or Scholarship;
For the Sixth Form, dependent on GCSE results.
At other ages and during the course of the academic year, the Headmaster will consider requests based on academic ability and all round merit.

Pupils at Denmead School now have the unique chance to sit for Hampton School at the age of 7 for an assured place when they are 11.