Hampton High

One of the joys of starting a new season is discovering just how much talent has been waiting to surface.

At our first cricket session of the summer, both Mr Azzouz and Mr Moulds both commented on the impressive standard and ability on display from our boys.

There was some excellent batting, bowling, and fielding throughout, alongside plenty of enthusiasm for the game. What was particularly encouraging was seeing pupils embrace the opportunity with such positivity and commitment.

Thank you to all the pupils who attended. We are incredibly proud of the skill, attitude, and sportsmanship they showed, and we look forward to seeing them continue to develop over the coming weeks.

What does leadership look like?

Recently, we had the privilege of hearing pupils share their vision for our school as part of the selection process for our new student leadership team.

We are delighted to introduce Jasper and Ghazal as our Head Students, alongside Nell and Nia as our Deputy Head Students.

Reflecting on the process, our Student Leadership Lead, Ms Southgate and our Head of Year 10, Mrs Martin shared:
"The quality of every candidate that applied for a position was exceptional. We were impressed with the time and thought that they all put into their applications. All the students demonstrated excellent maturity, commitment and aspiration."

One message from our newly appointed leadership team particularly stood out:
"We aim to listen to and support everyone within our community."

Their words reflect a genuine commitment to representing their peers, championing wellbeing and ensuring that every voice is heard.

Ms Southgate and Mrs Martin also shared that they are looking forward to working with the new student leadership team. Their roles will include supporting open evenings and school events, liaising with pupils and staff, taking on a pastoral role with younger year groups and helping to strengthen connections across our wider community.

As they begin this new chapter, we congratulate Jasper, Ghazal, Nell and Nia on this well-deserved achievement. Leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room—it is about listening carefully and helping others feel heard.

Our Prefect and Student Council Leaders will be announced shortly.

What do pupils remember most when they leave school?

This week, we welcomed back Kai, a former pupil who joined our Art Department for a few days of work experience. Now studying A Levels in Graphics, Maths and Biology at Esher College, he is exploring a future in animation and graphic design.

As Kai reflected on his journey so far, what stood out was not simply what he learned, but the people who helped him believe in what was possible.

He spoke warmly about the encouragement he received from Mr Sharpe, Ms Connor, Ms Baxter, Mr Gerald and Mr Grieve, and the impact of staff who took a genuine interest in his aspirations and ambitions.

"Staff who really show interest in pupils' aspirations and ideas rather than just curriculum content and grades can really impact us."

Kai also reflected on how experiences such as the LVA programme and time in Mr Ackie's form helped him develop focus, confidence and independence—skills he continues to draw upon at college today.

During his time with us, Kai worked alongside Mrs Canias in the Art Department, who shared that it was a pleasure to have him in the team. She praised his excellent work ethic, his engagement with lessons, and his curiosity about the preparation that happens behind the scenes, adding that she is confident he will do very well in the world of graphic design.

"Working with the art team has made me realise how much goes into education behind the scenes."

Perhaps that is one of the gifts of returning. Time offers perspective.

Kai’s reflections remind us that while qualifications matter, it is often the encouragement, relationships and opportunities to grow that leave the deepest impression.

We are grateful he returned to share his story and look forward to seeing where his creativity, curiosity and determination take him next.

Resilience is less about bouncing back and more about edging forward — carrying what you've learned, adapting to challenges, and continuing to grow.

Our Year 10 boys football team embodied that spirit perfectly in the borough tournament, finishing 2nd overall after losing just one game all afternoon.

What stood out most was the way they supported one another throughout, showing determination, teamwork, and a willingness to keep moving forward from one match to the next.

A fantastic achievement and a group who represented the school brilliantly.

The right support at the right time can make all the difference.

We're excited to be recruiting for two Pastoral Support roles at Hampton High. A rewarding opportunity to work with young people and make a real impact every day.
https://www.tes.com/jobs/vacancy/pastoral-support-richmond-upon-thames-2326491

Sometimes the smallest additions can make the biggest difference.

When Molly first visited Hampton High on GCSE Results Day, the plan was simply for her to spend most of her time in an office space. It quickly became clear that she offered something much more.

Over time, she has quietly become part of the rhythm of school life, bringing moments of comfort, connection, and calm to students and staff alike.

As Ms Flanagan, our Home Link Worker, puts it:
"Molly brings the perfect blend of joy and calm to Hampton High. She somehow always knows exactly when someone needs her by their side."

Perhaps that is why Molly has become such a valued part of our community — there have already been plenty of smiles when she’s been spotted after the half term break.

Strong communities are often built through small acts repeated consistently over time.

As we prepare to welcome students back after half term, it feels like a fitting moment to recognise the many people who help shape school life in ways that often go unseen, but make a lasting difference.

Photographed here are Mr Blackwell and Mr Pinchard, both of whom have joined Hampton High recently as part of our Premises team. Mr Pinchard is also a former student who has returned to work within the community that helped shape him.

Through their presence, care, and commitment to the wider school community, they help create an environment where young people can thrive.

Reflecting on his first year working in education, Mr Blackwell shared:

"Working in education is more than a job; it’s a way of being, and every interaction has the power to quietly shape a life."

That feels true of many of the people who make our community what it is — not through grand gestures, but through the quiet consistency of showing up each day and caring about the people around them.

Sport has a unique way of bringing communities together.

Last week, our Year 8 boys finished 4th in the borough tournament after a brilliant run to the semi-finals, narrowly missing out on a place in the final following a closely fought 2–1 game.

Throughout the afternoon, the team showed fantastic determination, teamwork, and sportsmanship — qualities we are incredibly proud to see both on and off the pitch.

A huge thank you to Ms Southgate for continuing to organise opportunities like these and for recognising the importance of bringing young people and local schools together through sport, shared experience, and community.

Thank you as well to Mr Moulds for leading and supporting the boys so brilliantly throughout the afternoon.

There is something powerful about young people competing on the pitch, then walking away feeling part of something bigger than themselves.

What does two decades of quiet dedication add up to?

Last week, Mr Crossan had the honour of attending the 70th Anniversary The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Garden Party at Buckingham Palace — a special moment to reflect on the impact of an award that continues to shape so many young lives.

Hearing Prince Edward, alongside speakers including Alex Jones, Larry Lamb, Jake Humphrey and Hugh Bonneville, speak about the resilience and commitment behind completing a DofE Award prompted a humbling thought:

“If my maths is right, over 800 students have taken part in the award since I’ve been at Hampton…”

Over 800 young people given the opportunity to discover confidence, independence and lifelong friendships — and perhaps passions they never knew they had.

For more than two decades, Mr Crossan has been at the heart of Hampton High, always leading with care, patience and genuine humanity. From PE teacher, to Head of PE, to Head of Year, he has quietly championed the belief that when young people feel supported and connected, curiosity and growth naturally follow.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award remains an exceptional opportunity for students to challenge themselves, build resilience and discover what drives them. At Hampton High, we are proud that our programme is run in-house by our fully trained DofE Coordinator, Mr C, and heavily subsidised so every student has the chance to take part.

Perhaps the real legacy of programmes like DofE is not measured in awards at all — but in the confidence, friendships and sense of possibility that stay with young people long after the expeditions end.