• Alumni News
• Alumni Events
• Your survey, your voice: the results
• The Archives need you
• OHs overseas
ALUMNI ENQUIRIES
To contact us, please get in touch via alumni@hamptonschool.org.uk and we will direct your enquiry to the most relevant person.
KEEPING IN TOUCH
If you change email or telephone number, or move house, please remember to let the Alumni team know your new contact details by emailing: alumni@hamptonschool.org.uk. We’ll always be mindful of how often we communicate with you but you can update your contact preferences at any time via contactus/communication-preferencesalumni.hamptonschool.org.uk/
STAYING CONNECTED
Our Hampton School Alumni LinkedIn group is the perfect way to stay in contact with Hamptonians, wherever you are in the world. To share news, network and find out more about alumni news and events, simply search Hampton School Alumni.
Follow @Hampton_Alumni for alumni news
Add Hampton School to your education on your LinkedIn profile
Alumni website
Visit the alumni microsite on the School website: alumni.hamptonschool.org.uk
From the Headmaster
It is a great personal pleasure to introduce the latest edition of our alumni magazine, The Hamptonian.
We hope that the following pages will keep you upto-date with School life and enhance our connections with OHs of all vintages. Hampton is fortunate to have such an engaged alumni community, whose expertise, backing and continued interest are crucial, especially given current external challenges faced by independent schools like ours.
We are particularly indebted to those who have returned to offer careers-related advice and share their experiences with current Hamptonians. Our pupils find these visits inspirational and my colleagues also enjoy learning about former pupils’ post-Hampton stories, particularly if they recall sharing lessons in the past!
Our dedicated Alumni team is here to support Hamptonians throughout their lives and to help them stay in touch with one another. Such connections offer many benefits, both personal and professional, so we encourage you to remain in regular contact with us. Many of you already enjoy close links with the School and we are delighted that over 500 Hamptonians have attended reunions, networking opportunities and other alumni events last year.
We enjoy highlighting the many and various achievements of Hamptonians throughout the world and warmly encourage you to contact the Alumni Office if you have news that you would like to share with our School community in a future edition of The Hamptonian.
Thank you for your generous-spirited support for our School. I hope to have the opportunity to meet as many of you in person as possible over the months and years ahead.
With kind regards and best wishes
Kevin Knibbs Headmaster
FROM THE ALUMNI AND FITZWYGRAM FOUNDATION OFFICE
The Alumni and Fitzwygram Foundation Office has been delighted to engage with OHs, Fitzwygram Foundation Ambassadors and Trustees, and are looking forward to an exciting 2025. Development Officer, Will Hammond, joined Development Director, Adriana Williams, in October, and the team was completed with the additions of Development
SURVEY
Administrator, Natalia Reade, and Archivist, Rachel Munday, in November. In October, the Alumni and Fitzwygram Foundation Office conducted its most extensive survey to date; polling all OHs and former staff on how they would like to engage with the School in the future.
These are the results,
FEEDBACK 2024
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
FROM THE FITZWYGRAM FOUNDATION
THE HISTORY OF FREE PLACES
Since the gift of Robert Hammond in 1557, Hampton School’s mission has been to provide excellent education for local pupils. In 1975, the School moved from a Grammar to an Independent School, and therefore to a fee-paying model; yet, through the School’s fee assistance programme, as well as the Assisted Places scheme and other local grants, talented boys were still able to gain their place at Hampton School free of charge. Since the dissolution of the Assisted Places scheme in 1997, the School itself has offered reduced-fee and Free Places to young people, and
Hampton School is proudly supporting 107 pupils on meanstested Free Places, 18 of whom are directly benefiting from the philanthropy of the Fitzwygram Foundation. For Hampton to remain inclusive, we must not only maintain but grow this number, and to achieve this we need your support.
will continue to do so. This has been strongly supported in recent times thanks to philanthropy through the Fitzwygram Foundation.
THE IMPACT OF VAT ON SCHOOL FEES
The autumn Budget confirmed that from 1 January 2025 the Government will levy 20% VAT on independent school fees paid by parents. To mitigate the impact on Hampton families, without compromising the exceptional quality, depth, and breadth of our academic and all-round provision, the Governors have reduced fees for the spring and summer term 2025, such that the net increase is of 9.98%.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR FREE PLACES NOW?
Whilst the School remains committed to each of the pupils currently at the School, these new financial challenges
mean that Free Places given in future will increasingly need to be funded through philanthropy rather than the School’s resources. Regrettably, this most likely will mean a short-term reduction in the number of Free Places we can offer to aspirational young boys this coming September.
HOW CAN WE MITIGATE THIS?
Next year, we will be holding our second-ever Giving Day on the 1 and 2 July 2025. The School and the Fitzwygram Foundation will redouble their efforts to grow the number of Free Places through philanthropy. We know that alumni, former staff, Hampton families, and friends of the School share our view that the School must remain inclusive, and to achieve this we need your support.
The Fitzwygram Foundation is dedicated to supporting the funding of means-tested Free Places at Hampton School for those who otherwise could not afford to attend.
I want to share some observations and remarks from a recent networking event the Foundation hosted in the City in November 2024.
There was a real buzz at the event with attendance “sold out” tripling the number of attendees from the equivalent event the year before – we have momentum! Through providing these fully funded Free Places the Foundation promotes diversity and social mobility at the School – both for those who obtain scholarships and indeed their fellow pupils. Networking is central to that – the great Hampton
community, born in the classroom, should not fall away after leaving the School.
Luca Cericola OH (2016) spoke of his experiences as a fully-funded Free Place pupil and how it changed his personal circumstances and outlook on life. I emphasised that generosity works both ways; it takes a big heart to ask for help, to accept help and, importantly, to then pay it forward.
The nature of Hampton School and Hamptonians is that we support each other and, as a strong community, we feel moved to help each other in return.
Luca is doing this; and I would love for Hamptonians, parents and the Hampton community to reach out to the School to do the same. Please ask for support of your ideas and initiatives, and please
offer your resources to benefit the initiatives of the Foundation and the School. This is more important now than ever with increasing government pressure through the imposition of VAT, which makes the goal of funding pupils ... and its community more difficult.
Raghav Ghai OH (2007), Chair of Trustees, Fitzwygram Foundation
If you would like to know more about the Fitzwygram Foundation, and how to support its work, please visit www.fitzwygram.org. Gifts of any size can and will make a difference to the number of Free Places we can pledge to pupils at 11+.
If you would like to discuss giving in more detail, please contact Adriana Williams, Development Director, on 020 8783 4406 or email a.williams@hamptonschool.org.uk
Letters & Emails
OH shout out!
Rob Compton OH (1968) is interested in connecting with other alumni from his time at the School. If this is of interest to you, please contact us and we will be able to put you in touch.
Wartime Reading
Bernard Gibbons OH (1947) contacted the School requesting a copy of Hampton Grammar School in Wartime: 19391945. Bernard was delighted to receive the book which, in his words, provided many hours of pleasure in reliving those times, including playing the accordion at his weekly village hall dance. If you are interested in receiving your own copy, please contact us.
Remember Hampton Fives?
OHs on TV
Geoff Kirk OH (1965) contacted the School to highlight the television programme The Yardbirds, shown on Sky Arts in November. Formed in 1963, the rock band originally included bassist Paul Samwell-Smith OH (1961) and drummer Jim McCarty OH (1961). They, together with Sir Brian May CBE OH (1965), are included in the programme recalling the band’s glory days. Geoff recalls the annual fund-raising Summer Fete during his time at Hampton, which included a pre Yardbirds performance in 1961 from the band members in their last year of School.
Matthew Davies OH (1980) is a trustee of the charity UK Wallball, which aims to enable all young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to become regularly active in sport no matter where they live. Wallball encompasses any activity that involves hitting a ball against a wall with your hand, so reminded Matthew of the Hampton Fives he played at School. UK Wallball is currently seeking a qualified accountant to independently audit their accounts pro bono. For more information, please contact us and we will be able to introduce you.
Do you live in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, or Bristol?
Bill Long OH (1956) and Professor Brian Vincent OH (1961) are interested in establishing a network of alumni in Bristol and the south west of England. For more information, please contact us and we will be able to introduce you.
OH of the Year
We are excited to announce the inaugural OH of the Year Awards, recognising OHs who have made significant contributions to their professions and communities. This award celebrates alumni who exemplify the values of Hampton School through their achievements, innovation and commitment to making a positive impact. Whether in their careers, volunteer efforts, or leadership roles, we are looking to recognise those who inspire and uplift others.
We would love to hear which of your Hampton classmates you would like to nominate! Please send your nominations to alumni@hamptonschool.org.uk, including the nominee’s name, School year, a brief biography and a description of why they deserve this recognition.
The OH of the Year Awards for 2024 will be presented in the 2025 winter edition of The Hamptonian.
He’s a Hamptonian
He’s a Hamptonian continues to celebrate the success of Hampton School alumni in a variety of industries and inspire current Hampton pupils. The latest additions are:
For more details visit alumni.hamptonschool.org.uk/about/voices/ To share your story email alumni@hamptonschool.org.uk
Luke Hemsley OH (2008) Entrepreneur, Founder – Wednesday’s Domaine
Dr Tom Leggett OH (2009) Sports Medicine Doctor and GP
Dom Jackson OH (2016) Performance Sports Coach
Tom Nunan OH (2016) Broadcast Journalist
Gabriel Lewis OH (2008) Classical Painter
Matt Oxborrow OH (2014) Space Hardware Test Engineer, RAL Space
Ecological roles and importance of sharks in the Anthropocene Ocean
Simon Dedman OH (2000)
Simon Dedman’s career as a scientist of Elasmobranchii (a subclass of cartilaginous fish, including modern sharks, rays, skates and sawfish) has taken him from Southampton and Aberdeen to the Bahamas and California. Currently, he is based at Florida International University where, alongside his incredible work, he can enjoy his love of football, scuba diving, golf, gardening and piñatas.
Simon’s recently published paper, available from Science, discusses the ecological roles and importance of sharks in the current geological age, viewed as the period during which human activity has been the dominant influence on climate and the environment. Whilst notorious for their predatory status and global presence, numerous shark species play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems and various human activities have significantly disrupted these populations and their associated effects. Restoring these shark populations is vital not only for the preservation of the species themselves but also for the maintenance of their ecological roles.
Losses of predators in various habitats have disrupted ecosystems, sparking interest in rebuilding their populations for ecological balance. Sharks, with over 500 species, are essential predators, playing critical roles in the structure and function of ecosystems. Sharks play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of food webs and promoting biodiversity by preying on the most abundant species, thereby providing opportunities for other species to increase in population. Healthy ecosystems rely on biodiversity and consequently, sharks are a vital component of robust biodiversity. However, the decline in shark populations raises concerns about the impact on ecosystems and the need to understand their ecological roles.
Restoring predators like sharks can also aid in climate solutions by boosting carbon sequestration (the process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide with the goal of reducing climate change). In oceanic sharks and rays, carbon constitutes approximately 10% to 15% of their bodily tissues. Upon their natural demise, these creatures descend to the ocean floor, carrying their carbon with them. This process effectively traps the carbon in the deep sea for thousands or even millions of years. However, when these animals are caught, extracted from their marine environment and consumed, the carbon—partly released as carbon dioxide is emitted back into the atmosphere.
Studies have shown that larger predatory sharks like tiger and white sharks have cascading effects on coastal ecosystems, influencing habitat quality and carbon sequestration.
Not all sharks have significant top-down effects on prey or communities, but overfishing has obscured their historical roles in certain habitats. Climate change and human activities are altering the importance and patterns of shark effects in ecosystems, with warming oceans expanding shark ranges and impacting predator-prey interactions. For example, the recovery of white sharks is affecting the recolonisation of sea otter ranges. Management strategies should focus on maintaining ecological function, especially for threatened shark species, to ensure healthy ecosystems in a changing ocean.
Research is needed to better understand the ecological importance of sharks, particularly in deep waters, and to manage for shark biodiversity to preserve ecosystem balance. Transitioning fisheries and conservation efforts will be challenging but crucial for the long-term health of ocean ecosystems.
Simon is our OH contact on the USA West Coast, get in touch by emailing alumni@hamptonschool.org.uk if you live or work in the area.
Ted Best OH (1949) Bowling Extraordinaire, celebrated
by Geoff Kirk OH (1965)
E.A. Best was born in 1931 and attended Hampton Grammar School between years 1942-47. Ted was an accomplished footballer, but it is his cricketing achievements for which he is celebrated most.
After leaving Hampton, in a career lasting forty years he played every weekend, both Saturday and Sunday, mainly in the OH Alumni 1st XI during the 1950s and 60s, and thereafter in the second XI; curtailed reluctantly only by National Service in the late 1940s and frequent periods of injury, one being for an entire season.
Ted was primarily a bowler; left arm; slow (no, that’s an exaggeration); very slow; spinner perhaps; but certainly, cunning in ball flight of both height and length. And it is the skill with which he performed this last attribute which undoubtedly accounted for his success. Not only would he use the width of the crease to vary the direction of delivery, but also bowl from any distance as far back as three yards behind the crease. This type of bowling gained the description amongst Ted’s teammates of ‘the snake and the bird’, whereby the batsman is the bird mesmerised by the antics of the predatory snake i.e. the ball bowled (or perhaps more accurately described as ‘lobbed’) by Ted.
Ted’s statistics were nothing short of phenomenal. He took more than 50 wickets in thirty individual seasons and in 1974 took 5 wickets on fifteen occasions. The most wickets taken in one season was 137 in 1958. With the bat Ted made the position of number 11 his own but took 815 more wickets than the 2141 runs he scored during his career. No doubt this could be attributed in no small measure to his bowling,
which resulted in there being no call on him to bat in many matches. These achievements led to Ted being awarded Cricketer of the Year on three occasions.
Ted married Cynthia in 1960 and their sons Andy OH (1984) and Steve OH (1986) followed their father in his love of cricket. Until recently, Ted hosted the annual match between the alumni and Hampton School first XI at the School. Ted has lived in 51 houses but can be found today living happily in Halesowen with Cynthia.
The First XI vs OH Alumni fixture is scheduled for late June 2025, further details to be confirmed.
RECOLLECTIONS OF A FORMER PUPIL
by Jim Humberstone OH (1955)
Jim Humberstone passed away peacefully in August of this year. In 2021, Jim published his recollections of his younger years which we would like to reshare.
My parents moved into their new semi-detached house in Whitton in the summer of1934. I was born in the Maternity Ward of West Middlesex Hospital some two and a half years later. My mother and father came from families which grew up in Richmond but decided to move to Whitton as the place in which to bring up their family. Their decision was a sensible one. The new estates developed by the developers, Ideal Homes Ltd. incorporated a good range of facilities, including high street shops, two primary schools, a clinic and a park with bowling club and tennis courts.
In addition to the availability of new homes and a railway connection for my father who worked at the time in Victoria, my parents’ choice may have been influenced by the possibility of gaining places for their two sons at the Grammar School, just a few miles away. This ambition would have been reinforced when my father heard his nephew, Tony Day, from Hampton Wick, had joined the school.
The family’s peaceful suburban idyll was shaken like many others, when one sunny Sunday morning at the beginning of September 1939, the grim voice of PM Neville Chamberlain announced over the radio that the country was at war with Germany. My father had already, two days before, reported as a reservist at his regimental depot in Kingston. The 10 May 1940 saw the opening of the German Army’s Blitzkrieg or Lightning War. By the end of June, a third of a million British and French soldiers had been landed in Britain, as part of Operation Dynamo, the evacuation from Dunkirk.
The 10 July is officially regarded a s the opening day of The Battle of Britain. By the middle of September daylight air raids by the Luftwaffe were a regular occurrence.
Whitton like many other urban and suburban areas of the country in wartime, experienced the full panoply of what came to be known as Civil Defence. Notwithstanding actor Pertwee’s send-up of the officious Air Raid Warden in the TV series “Dad’s Army”, these volunteers at their best, did inculcate a degree of order and routine among their charges. Especially so when a quick response was required to the wavering wail of the air raid siren.
Luckily my father was stationed in Wiltshire at this time. Which meant it was feasible for him to visit us at the weekend, on a “48”, the parlance for a Leave Pass expiring at 2359 hours, Sunday evening. On one occasion, during a particularly worrying air raid, my father was able to join us in the underground shelter across the road in the park. By this time night raids had become the norm but this particular
evening, after hearing the dull growl and vibration of nearby explosions, my family and the other occupants of the shelter, were hurriedly evacuated from it. This was due to the danger from two suspect unexploded bombs located in a nearby house. As I was told later, we hurried through the streets to overnight sanctuary which was provided for us at a Baptist Chapel in Whitton. The family’s escape through darkened streets with the air raid still taking place was a scary experience. This was especially so in the case of our mother who had already become somewhat of a nervous disposition.
The following September my brother joined the School, having been awarded a scholarship. Air raids had continued into 1941, albeit on a more spasmodic basis. Being only four at the time I am unable to recall his conversations but I’m sure he would have commented on the wartime provisions at the school. In addition to air raid shelters, pits were dug which spread across the School fields. These were complemented by regularly spaced poles, both devices intended to foil possible glider landings.
Later, after I had joined Hampton, Peter my brother would talk in recollection of some of the Masters. At one point he brought home a drawing from an Art Class. He attributed its quality to the help he had from the Art Master. Known by his nickname as “Tank” Titterton, this teacher’s superb marine paintings, especially of the Napoleonic period, graced the walls of the Dining Hall after I joined the School. He also mentioned his Science Master, known as “Doc” Wolfe, seconded from NPL, as I believe I remember him saying. One sad experience was to be taught by a teacher who was still suffering from shell shock developed in the trenches of the Western Front some years before.
I clearly remember my brother sporting the distinctive yellow button on his cap which denoted passing the swimming test. A certificate from the school, confirming the distance he swam in the River Thames, is in the family archive to this day. Before Peter left to undertake National Service, he had become a Probationer Prefect but also, and perhaps of even greater distinction, had been given charge of the school’s Lost Property Office! A prestigious post indeed.
I joined the School in September 1948 as my brother left home to begin his initial training in the RASC. Before he left, he provided me with some background information surrounding the culture of the School. I was very grateful for this when negotiating those first few days.
Events
City Networking Drinks
November 2024
On a cold night in November, Hampton School and the Fitzwygram Foundation hosted OHs and Hampton parents at the City Networking Drinks Reception. The event brought together those working in finance and law with undergraduates and recent leavers. It was an excellent opportunity for people at all stages of their careers to get together and share their knowledge, experience and ideas. Fitzwygram Foundation Ambassador Luca Cericola OH (2016) also spoke from personal experience about how the Foundation has the power to change the lives of pupils who wouldn’t otherwise be able to attend Hampton.
50 Years On!
Thank you to those from the Class of 1981 who joined us to celebrate 50 years since they first entered the School in September 1974. It was a particularly poignant affair as this was the final year of the Grammar School era for those celebrating this particular milestone. Guests enjoyed a tour of the School and tea with the Headmaster.
Ten Years On Reunion
September 2024
Hampton School welcomed back the Class of 2014 for a ten-year reunion and the opportunity to catch up with former peers and teaching staff. The event was a fantastic opportunity to explore the paths the 2014 leavers had taken since walking the corridors of Hampton and served a helpful networking purpose. Guests also reminisced about their time and memories of the School alongside current and former members of staff, including previous Headmaster Barry Martin, who’s headship until 2013 made him a welcome figure for the leavers to reunite with. The highlight of the evening was a drinks reception in the Hammond Theatre Foyer and superb supper in the Staff Dining Room.
Salve, alumni!
Six OHs returned to speak to Hamptonians about why they chose Classical subjects to study at A level. Freddy Carlton OH (2014), Henry Bennett OH (2017), Will Crossley OH (2014), Ed Buxton OH (2016), Gregor Aubrey OH (2018) and Daniel Cohen OH (2013) all explained the impact these lessons had on their learning whilst at Hampton, university and beyond. The alumni have all followed different paths and the degrees they have gone on to read range from Classics and Modern Languages to Computer Science, with careers including Law, Marketing and Finance. When asked by Hamptonians why they would recommend taking Classics subjects at A Level, the alumni explained that it helped them to develop exceptional critical thinking and analytical skills through the translation and interpretation of complex ancient sources.
FROM THE ARCHIVIST
In November, Rachel Munday MA joined Hampton as the School’s new Archivist, responsible for preserving, and making accessible, Hampton’s rich history and heritage.
Hampton School has a proud legacy, filled with remarkable achievements, cherished memories and the inspiring journeys of Hamptonians. As an evergrowing resource, the archive serves as both a source of our past, as well as a road map to the future of our School. Housing a wealth of records, which includes photographs, documents, audio-visual material and artefacts, the archive captures and celebrates the stories and spirit of Hampton School.
Rachel will be developing the archive further through hearing your stories. Your experiences and insights are invaluable and will contribute greatly to enriching our archives. Whether it’s a favourite memory from your time at Hampton, a milestone you achieved
shortly after graduation, or your reflections on how your education has shaped your life, Rachel welcomes you to share those moments with her. Your involvement will help Rachel to both create a comprehensive narrative of Hampton’s growth and development over the years, as well as inspire the next generation of Hamptonians.
Please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions, want to share your story, or would like to learn more about our archive collections.
Rachel can be reached by emailing archives@hamptonschool.org.uk or calling 020 8783 4406.
ROARS FROM THE ARCHIVE: SCHOOL RULES
Hampton School prides itself on instilling rules and Codes of Conduct that enables its students to behave in a manner that does themselves, as well as the School, credit. Whether on-or off-site, these rules have been designed to maintain the ethos of the School.
This collection of small booklets includes various editions of the Schools “Rules and Customs”, that dates back to 1932.
Detailing all aspects from acceptable behaviour, the correct uniform, as well as several prohibited actions, these little booklets trace the Schools continual commitment to supporting pupils to meet their full potential, throughout history.
However, alongside the customary rules the following prohibited actions, seem oddly specific in the 1932 edition… “Students must not:
• Snowball adults, prefects, or probationers, or boys wearing glasses.
• Stand on a lavatory seat.
• Bring on to the School premises, or use whilst under the School control, a potato pistol.”
HAMPTONIANS! YOUR ARCHIVE NEEDS YOU!
With 2025 marking 80 years since the end of the Second World War, Hampton’s Archivist is working to develop some new and exciting projects to showcase the brave service of our School’s community during times of conflict. These projects will enable both Hamptonians and the wider public to engage with the celebrations of remembrance, as well as highlight the many significant items held within our Archive. Do you have any stories of Hampton School during the conflict that you would like to share? Please email archives@hamptonschool.org.uk to share your stories today!
HAMPTON OVERSEAS
USA & MIDDLE EAST
OVERSEAS ALUMNI
65+ COUNTRIES
INFORMATION AND LOGISTICAL ASSISTANCE IN YOUR NEW COUNTRY
CONNECTION TO LOCAL NETWORKS, WHETHER PROFESSIONAL, EDUCATIONAL OR SOCIAL
JOIN YOUR NEW COMMUNITY – A WARM WELCOME TO YOUR NEW HOME
One of the most important aspects of a Hampton education is the educational and pastoral care each pupil receives from the community, whether from members of teaching and support staff, peers, team-mates, or mentors from other year groups. This doesn’t have to end when you leave Hampton: the School is keen to keep connected with you, and moving country needn’t mean you can’t be involved! This year, the Alumni and Fitzwygram Foundation Office has reached out to OHs in the USA and Middle East to set up networking groups in these areas. The LEH team will also be sharing upcoming dates with their alumnae, too! Where should we go next?
JANUARY 31
COMING
AND
Profile: David Martinelli
OH: 1987
Now working in: Financial investments and philanthropy
Interests whilst at School: Computer studies, rowing
Why I’m getting involved: to help OHs connect with each other both personally and professionally in NY and to help them join the vibrant British community already established here.
Profile: Omer Mahdi
OH: 2007
Now working in: M&A Transactional Risk / Solicitor
Interests whilst at School: Football
Why I’m getting involved: The Fitzwygram Foundation is a brilliant initiative and represents a fantastic opportunity to stay connected to Hampton, as well as to reconnect with and meet other OHs who are living and working across the Middle East.
Profile: Simon Dedman
OH: 2000
Now working in: Science & research
Interests whilst at School: Science, guitar, football
Why I’m getting involved: to connect with OH already living in or considering moving to the west coast, to share knowledge and socialise and to help future OH get established here.
RECORD
GCSE RESULTS
Well done to last year’s Fifth Years on achieving the strongest GCSE examination grades seen at the School. Well over half (57%) of examination marks were at grade 9, and 83% of grades were 9-8.
The Headmaster, Kevin Knibbs, offered warm congratulations:
“Our current Lower Sixth deserve the highest praise for achieving such exceptional GCSE results which are testament to their hard work and dedication. It’s wonderful to see them build on their successes as they make the most of Hampton life in the Sixth Form.”
A LEVEL RESULTS
The Class of 2024 celebrated superb A Level results with 41% of grades at A* and more than three quarters of grades at A*-A.
These exceptional results have paved the way for departing Hamptonians to pursue a broad range of prestigious degree courses with an impressive 45 Leavers taking up places at Global Top-10 academic institutions.
MUN
Young debaters impressed at the Reigate Grammar School Model United Nations (MUN) conference.
A team of 15 Hampton delegates took part in the conference, representing Jordan, Mozambique and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. Picking up three delegate awards at the close of the event, Hamptonians demonstrated excellent oratory skills.
NO LIMITS LESSONS
No Limits Lessons Day encouraged pupils to engage with their subjects in new and exciting ways.
Teachers devised a range of innovative and fun lessons including: navigating passport control in Modern Languages; reenacting a mock Tudor Parliament in History; creating Play-Doh landforms in Geography; and playing Greek Scrabble in Classics.
ARKWRIGHT SCHOLAR
Lower Sixth Hamptonian Leo Luczkiw has been awarded a much sought-after Arkwright Engineering Scholarship. The scholarship includes a financial award to spend on STEM-related activities and recipients are assigned an industry mentor, who provides advice and guidance about future study and career development. Leo hopes to study aerospace engineering at university, with a focus on sustainability.
EDINBURGH FRINGE 2024
“Boy can they sing!”
Theatre
Weekly
Hampton School’s exceptional male-voice choir, Voices of Lions, made a triumphant return to the Edinburgh Fringe, performing to record audiences at the world’s largest performing arts festival.
The 45-stong choir took to the stage at Old St Paul’s Church for their eleventh appearance at the Fringe.
The choir’s diverse repertoire ranged from Stephen Sondheim’s Send in the Clowns to an energetic performance of I Get Around by The Beach Boys.
CHRISTMAS CONCERTS
Musicians and choristers celebrated the festive season in style with three spectacular Christmas Concerts. Over 320 pupils from across the year groups delighted audiences in the Hammond Theatre.
Highlights included the First Year choir’s lively rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas, and an impressive solo performance by Upper Sixth violinist Harry Spence, superbly accompanied by the 60-strong Symphony Orchestra.
Well done to Naavya Sharma OH (2024) who signed a professional contract with Middlesex Cricket Club in October. Since joining the Middlesex emerging players squad, he has gone on to make his debuts for the Club in both the Second Eleven Championship in 2023 and the Second Eleven T20 competition this year. He capped a magnificent season this year by being called up to the England Under 19s Test squad and featured in both Test matches against Sri Lanka Under 19s, finishing the series as the leading wicket-taker, picking up nine wickets in the two Tests, including a five-wicket haul in the second Test, returning figures of 5 for 44.
On signing professional terms with Middlesex, Naavya himself commented:
“ I am delighted and honoured to be given this opportunity and am really excited to get started and make a positive impact.
“ I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to my cricketing journey thus far”.
Congratulations go to Rex Booth OH (2024) who represented Great Britain at the 29th Acrobatic Gymnastics World Championships, which took place in Guimares, Portugal, in September. It was the team’s first competition in the senior age group and their eighth place finish overall provided valuable insights for future endeavours. In 2025 Rex hopes to compete at World Cup competitions as part of the Senior British team and will also aim for selection to represent Great Britain at major competitions including the European Championships and The World Games.
Our congratulations to Josh King OH (2023) who made his professional debut for Fulham Football Club’s First Team in August versus Birmingham City, and his Premier League debut vs Brighton and Hove Albion in December.
PHYSICS TRIP
Sixth Form Physicists had the opportunity to visit the European Council for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Switzerland, home to the famous Large Hadron Collider.
The trip offered a rare opportunity to see some of the most advanced instruments at the forefront of scientific research. Hamptonians also explored the city of Geneva, visiting the Old Town and the History of Science Museum.
WASHINGTON
Sixth Form Politics and History pupils enjoyed a fascinating trip to Washington DC, the heart of historical and political America.
The visit included a behind-the-scenes look at iconic government sites, including the Supreme Court and US Capitol. The group watched an exciting NHL match between the Washington Capitals and the Philadelphia Flyers and enjoyed dinner at Barack Obama’s favourite diner Ben’s Chilli Bowl
WATERSPORTS TRIP
Second Year Hamptonians headed to Europe’s largest natural harbour in Dorset for an adrenalin-fuelled weekend on the water.
The young adventurers enjoyed activities including sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding and kayaking. The water temperature was a little chilly but soon forgotten with the help of a few layers of clothing and a wetsuit!
MALAWI ADVENTURE
Senior Hamptonians travelled to Malawi for a three-week expedition. First stop was the Hampton School Safe Haven, a primary school for children in Senga Bay, where the group set to work painting the library and creating a mural from plastic bottles.
Snorkelling and scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Malawi, and a safari in Liwonde National Park were also on the itinerary, creating memories which will last a lifetime.
BARCELONA
A trip to Barcelona offered Fifth Year and Lower Sixth Hispanists invaluable language practice and the opportunity to explore the art, history and culture of this vibrant city.
Hamptonians attended a local language school to improve their Spanish and enjoyed exploring the local area. From the weird and wonderful architecture of Antoni Gaudí to a fascinating tour of Camp Nou, there were plenty of opportunities for the linguists to immerse themselves in the Catalan capital.
RICHMOND CROSS COUNTRY
Our runners performed well at the 2024 Richmond Schools’ Cross Country Championships.
A team of 20 Hamptonians from First to Fourth Year competed on a challenging course in Bushy Park. Among our First Year athletes, an outstanding individual performance from Noah secured him the title of Richmond Schools’ Year 7 Cross Country Champion. Four Hamptonians now go forward to represent Richmond in the Middlesex Championships.
PARKRUN DOUBLE
Talented athlete Marcus Solomon kicked off his running season in style.
The Fifth Year Hamptonian chalked up two Bushy Parkrun wins, setting a 5K personal best.
With perfect weather conditions on his side for his last run in November, Marcus led from the start and ran the last kilometre at a sprint finishing in 15.41 minutes, an exceptional achievement for a 15-year-old.
FOOTBALL
Footballers across the year groups have enjoyed a strong season with seven teams still in their English Schools’ Football Association (ESFA) competitions including the U15As, U16As and First XI who are through to their respective ESFA Round 6 matches. Hampton’s First XI are also through to the last eight in their ISFA tournament, as are our U15A and U13A teams. It will be an exciting spring term!
CHAMPION ROWER WORLD
RUGBY ROUNDUP
Our senior players put on a strong performance at this year’s St Joseph’s Festival. Playing against the top teams in the country, Hamptonians topped their group at the end of day one. Other teams are also playing well, with the U16s reaching Round 4 of the National Cup Competition.
The U13s and U14s finished in the top three of their Middlesex Rugby Festival competitions and our U12s went all the way, topping their group to be crowned 2024 Middlesex Champions.
Congratulations to Hampton’s Captain of Boats Harry Oliver who has achieved the ultimate accolade in junior rowing. Having claimed two Gold medals for GB at the Munich Regatta, Upper Sixth Former Harry completed a hat-trick winning Gold at the World Rowing Championships as part of the Junior Men’s Eight.
OLD HAMPTONIANS’ ASSOCIATION
CRICKET
2024 will go down as another hugely positive year for the OH Cricket Club with the club’s teams playing at the highest level of cricket in its modern era.
Off the field, the Club continues to work closely with Mind, raising both funds for and awareness of mental health problems, particularly in young men. Both First and Second Elevens competed in Division 1 of their respective Surrey Championship league structures. Despite showing tremendous spirit and talent throughout, with brilliant batting from Toby Godfray OH (2016) and breathtaking bowling from Tim Wallace OH (2019), the Firsts, led by Rob Bentley OH (2015), suffered an unfortunate relegation. The Seconds put together impressive winning streaks to see them gain a terrific top half finish. Highlights of the campaign included three sparkling centuries from Max Vyvyan OH (2017) and Ollie George OH (2017), as well as 20 wicket seasons apiece for Richard Brown OH (2005), Max Bailey OH (2021) and Elliott Morley OH (2013). Under co-captain Paul Carson OH (1999), the Third Eleven challenged for the Division 2 West title. The league was decided by a thrilling victory against closest rivals Malden Wanderers.
Young Player of the Year Harry Ray OH (2021) was the team’s top wicket taker. The Fourth Eleven were dominant from start to finish in Division 5 West. Clubman of the Year, Mikey Godsmark OH (2017), led the side to an unbeaten season across seventeen matches. Co-captain Leo Hartley OH (2024) led the ‘Lion Cubs’ U21 to a highly commendable third place finish in Tier 1 of the Surrey Trust. Entering for the first time in the Cricketer Cup, exclusively for School alumni of invited clubs, OH cruised past Stowe, and Felsted, before an excellent clash with Wellington College, who included several first-class players. Despite Matt Avant-Smith OH (2021) and Tim Wallace’s bowling, Tanmay Thanawalla OH (2021) majestic 83, and injured Arjun Bhat’s OH (2022) one legged efforts, the team fell just short in their run chase. The club also featured well in County twenty over competition. A record number of games were also played by Fifth Eleven, and Sixth Eleven captained by Nick Powell OH (2017). The club’s annual tour, this year to Brighton, was a roaring success and saw its highest attendance for over a decade. For club information please contact: ohacricket@gmail.com
James Osborne (OH 2017), Club Captain - OHCC
RUGBY
2024 has been another strong year for OHRFC with silverware and promotion in senior and U22 competitions.
After securing the Counties 4 title with a final day bonus point win, the senior side has made a strong start to life in Counties 3. A first away win at Streatham in decades underlined another promotion charge, and the team sit second heading into 2025. A trophy and promotion also came in the U22s competition, as Alex McMillan OH (2021) guided a squad of recent leavers to victory in the Smith-Shenton Cup.
GOLF
The team, now captained by Iestyn Humphrey OH (2021), will embark on life in the top tier John Douglas Cup against Wimbledon and Sutton & Epsom RFC. Planning for the future, OHRFC plans to commence the 2025/26 season with a Second Fifteen competing in the Surrey Merit Tables and continues to welcome all Hampton Alumni. For club information please email: oldhamptoniansrfc@gmail.com
Nick Powell OH (2017) Chairman - OHRFC
The OHGC meet approximately monthly during the warmer months for either a society day of OH players or a match against each of three school teams: Tiffinians, Kingstonians and Cranleighans.
In April, many members attended the golf day staged as a memorial to long-time supporter and player Brian Collison OH (1970). The 2024 season opened with a narrow victory in the Ford Cup against Tiffinians, with Ian Osborne OH (1980) and Martin Read OH (1972) as the star performers. In June, the regular society players challenged a team of younger OHs, led by Harry Mayes OH (2015), at Burhill Golf Club. Handicaps are a wonderful thing and the shots received by the regulars resulted in a narrow win. Victory also came in July against Hampton School for the Les Stokes Cup, with Gary Watts OH (1976), Paul Burnham OH (1983) and Ian Osborne playing well. The club also fielded a team in the Surrey Schools Golf Society event, won by Cranleighans at Bramley Golf Club. Sadly, matches in August against Cranleighans and Kingstonians in the Triangular Trophy and Across the River Cup ended in defeat. Notable performances were recorded by Terry Atkinson OH (1963) and Gary Watts. The standard of golf within the Society varies and is largely irrelevant, as the handicap system ensures a level playing field for all. This inclusivity means that anyone with a connection or loyalty to the School is very welcome to join. For club information please email: oldhamptoniansassociation@gmail.com
FOOTBALL
OHAFC has made a strong start to the year, with both sides securing promotion last year. The First Eleven sit comfortably within the premier division.
They are through to the quarter final of the London Old Boys Cup, which represents a strong performance given the strength of opposition. The Second Eleven are currently placed sixth in their division but will be looking to push for a double promotion in the second half of the season, given their very strong start of the year. In addition to the league fixtures, the Old Boys will be taking on the School team on 22 March, for the Walter Bailey / Alex Green Cup.
For club information please email: oldhamptoniansassociation@gmail.com
George Gregory OH (2017)
OHA BASKETBALL
If you would like to find out more about playing basketball with fellow OHs, Ethan Delaney Smith OH (2019) and Prem Sodhi OH (2019) would love to hear from you!
For more information please email: oldhamptoniansassociation@gmail.com
ALUMNI REMEMBERED
Leonard Rouse
Leonard Rouse, former member of staff, who taught Chemistry at Hampton School passed away in July. His former colleague, Ros Cash, remembers Len with affection:
‘He was a lovely man and a deliverer of the best jokes! And a stalwart of the Common Room crossword puzzlers which involved finishing the Times crossword by the end of first break!’
Colin Harding
Colin Harding OH (1960) passed away in the autumn of this year. He is survived by his wife, Beverley, and son, Matthew, who also attended Hampton as part of the Class of 2008.
William Fewings
William Fewings OH (1946) passed away in September aged 96.
Donald Wiley
Donald Wiley OH (1959) passed away in the winter of this year. Donald was a consultant dental surgeon and company director in London.
Jake Sadler
Jake Sadler, former member of the Common Room who taught Design and Technology at Hampton from 1989-2012, passed away in the autumn of this year. Jake took a keen interest in outdoor pursuits and the Adventure Society at Hampton, including scuba diving in the Red Sea, for which he trained to become a qualified instructor.
Peter Ash
Peter Ash OH (1959) passed away in November. He is survived by his wife, Margaret, with whom he enjoyed more than 70 years of marriage.
Jim Humberstone
Jim Humberstone OH (1955) passed away in August. His memories of his youth are shared on page 10.
Jim worked as a Surveyor, Town Planner, Lecturer and Conservation Officer. Wherever he lived he set up poetry groups and loved sharing his knowledge and writing. He edited the RICS Building Conservation
Robin Hall
Robin Hall OH (1955) passed away in the autumn of this year, at his family home in Whangarei, New Zealand. His daughter, Nicola, recounts that he was immensely proud of having attended Hampton Grammar and always spoke fondly of his time there. Robin is survived by his wife, four children, 16 grandchildren, 14 greatgrandchildren and 3 greatgreat-grandchildren. He has left a great family legacy.
Max Leighton
Max Leighton OH (2011) passed away in November. After leaving Hampton, Max studied Geography at Manchester University, before completing his master’s degree in ‘Climate Change: Environment, Science and Policy’ at Kings College London. Max went on co-found In Our Nature to produce documentaries on climate change and to offer a sustainable option within the audio-visual industry.
Journal for over 20 years, published two books, and was elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries.
Whilst in Sheffield he met Mary, whom he was happily married to for 20 years, and is survived by sons Ben and Tim, daughters-in-law Emma and Kate, and grandchildren Samuel and Edie.
Upcoming Events
22 JANUARY 2025
Hampton School virtual tour. Can’t make it back to School? No problem! See what has changed by joining us for a virtual tour.
31 JANUARY 2025
Omer Mahdi OH (2007) welcomes you to join him for a breakfast reunion in the UAE. Open to all OHs across the Middle East, taking place on Friday 31 January at Cassette in Dubai.
28 FEBRUARY 2025
Hampton School Oxford Dinner, Balliol College. Oxford undergraduates, postgraduates, graduates and those living in the area are invited to a dinner at Balliol College.
22
MARCH 2025
Alex Green and Walter Bailey Memorial Football Matches. Kick-off at 10.30am, with breakfast served at 9.30am.
JUNE 2025
Archives afternoons (both virtual and in-person) coming soon!
22 MARCH 2025
Martin Cross Boat Naming Ceremony at Schoolfrom 5.00pm.
27 JUNE 2025
50 Years On Lunch – OHs from 1981 or before are welcome to join us to watch cricket, have a spot of lunch and a tour of the School.
17 APRIL 2025
West Coast (USA) reunion
Simon Dedman OH (2000) welcomes you to join him for a reunion in San Francisco.
1 AND 2 JULY 2025
Fitzwygram Foundation
Giving Day 2025. Help us raise £250,000 for means-tested Free Places!
5 JULY 2025
Henley Reunion at Henley Royal Regatta.
30 AUGUST 2025
Mapletoft Festival of Rugby. Kick-off at 11.30am.
To register for our upcoming events, visit here: alumni.hamptonschool.org.uk/events/