Hampton is one of the country’s leading, most successful and best-resourced independent schools and has been helping boys to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations for over 460 years.
Established over 460 years ago, Hampton is one of the country’s foremost, highest-achieving and best-resourced independent schools. Our community is vibrant, dynamic and happy, making it a wonderful place to teach and learn. Members of the Common Room are talented and hugely supportive of one another and their pupils; they share their love of learning with young people who are bright, intellectually inquisitive and aspirational. Hampton is a lively, friendly and inclusive School community where we aspire to enable our boys to not only to make sense of the world, but also to want to go out and improve it. Above all, Hamptonians are encouraged and indeed expected to aspire to personal best while supporting those around them with kindness and respect.
Situated on a green-field site in a leafy suburb of South West London, we are fortunate to have 28 acres of playing fields within our spacious grounds. Pupils and staff alike benefit from first-class facilities across all areas of School life. These include a state-of-the-art 3G sportsground, a large and well-appointed Sports Hall, and the remarkable Hammond Theatre for the Performing Arts, along with an excellent library and specialist facilities for Art, Music, Science, Technology, Computer Science and Languages (Modern and Classical). Our older pupils enjoy impressive Sixth Form private study and Careers provision in The Barry Martin Centre. The Millennium Boat House, shared with our neighbouring girls’ school, Lady Eleanor Holles, has a prime location on the nearby River Thames, and provides the focal point for our popular and successful Boat Club.
Hamptonians’ examination results and university entrance record consistently rank in the top echelon nationally and indeed internationally. Nearly all Hampton leavers go on to undergraduate courses at Russell Group or equivalent universities; around 25 pupils are offered places at Oxford and Cambridge annually, and a significant number move on to global top-10 universities. We also support pupils who wish to study at universities in North America, some of whom secure academic and/or sporting scholarships. Hampton’s notably diverse, socially inclusive nature is an especially cherished part of our DNA and we as far from being a stereotypical public school as any setting in the independent sector. Currently, 7% of our boys (around 100 in total) attend on means-tested, free places, many of which are funded by a separate but closely linked educational charity, The Fitzwygram Foundation. ‘One of the most genuinely inclusive, diverse independent schools in the London area’. Good Schools Guide
A copy of the full ISI report can found on the School website and a summary booklet of the inspection team’s key findings is linked here .
Please click here to view the Job Description.
Hampton School is seeking to appoint a highly qualified, inspirational and enthusiastic Teacher of Classics from September 2026. Our successful and busy Classics Department aims to engage young minds and foster a love of Classics to better understand the world we live in now.
Hampton is an academically selective school; the requirements of the role include stretching the most able pupils up to Oxbridge level. The post would suit a well-qualified Teacher with experience of teaching in a highly academic setting.
The study of Classics, at whatever level, encompassing as it does history, language, literature, philosophy and archaeology (to name just a few of its hydra-like disciplines) helps to sharpen the rational faculties and broaden an individual’s social, moral and cultural horizons.
The aim of the role is to provide high quality teaching of Latin, Greek and Ancient History up to and including A2 level and Oxbridge. In addition, to promote an interest in, and knowledge and understanding of, the civilisations of which, these two seminal European languages are the expression.
Teaching at Hampton, extends far beyond the classroom and academic success. Our exciting co-curricular programme is at the heart of School life and offers pupils countless opportunities to explore their passions, try something new and develop skills that last a lifetime.
The post would suit a well-qualified Teacher of Classics with experience of teaching in a highly academic setting or an aspiring graduate or Early Career Teacher (ECT). The ability to teach Roman History is also desirable.
The Department
All boys at Hampton study Latin in the first two years, with a good number continuing to GCSE and A Level with great success. Greek becomes an option in the Third Year while Ancient History is offered in the Fourth Year. Both of these can then be studied to GCSE and A Level. Extension lessons are available for all pupils considering studying a Classical subject at university and we are fortunate that our teachers offer an insight into many different disciplines of the subject such as history, literature, philosophy and drama.
Latin
Latin is taught to all boys in the First and Second Year using the Cambridge Latin Course and de Romanis respectively. Thereafter it becomes an option which most choose to continue. At this stage they are joined by healthy numbers of Common Entrance pupils. About half the boys who start Latin in the First Year continue on to GCSE and sit the OCR exams. Results are very good. AS and A2 Level Latin numbers fluctuate: we tend to get 10 boys taking AS Latin and 5 for A2 (again OCR). Many of our pupils have gone on to read Classics or related subjects at university.
Greek with Latin
Greek with Latin was introduced four years ago as a single option for able and committed students. The teaching of both subjects is accelerated, using John Taylor’s books. A Level Greek is offered subject to pupil numbers (or interest) and timetabling restrictions.
Ancient History
Ancient History is offered at GCSE, AS and A2 level (OCR). We have had several students go on to do degrees connected to Ancient History. This is still an exciting new area, which we are looking to develop further.
Resources
All members of the department have a school laptop,
and the option of a school iPad. There are plenty of computer rooms and bookable boxes of iPads, as well as an extensive departmental library. The School Library is likewise well stocked with classical texts and secondary literature and subscribes to Omnibus and Massolit.
Classics Society
The Classics Society organises regular theatre trips and lecture days, as well as outings to museums and archaeological sites. Previously the department put on Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar in connection with the Drama department and alongside our neighbouring girls' school LEH. There have also been several trips abroad, the most recent of which was a visit to Sicily two Easters ago. Although the society has been addressed regularly by some prominent academics speaking in particular to Sixth Formers, care is taken to cater for boys of all ages. The weekly lunch-time mythology club mostly attracts younger boys.
The Department currently has four full time Teachers and one part time Teachers and is lively and forward thinking and keen to embrace new ideas and technology.
Main Responsibilities
* To teach the Classics curriculum to an excellent standard and to promote and contribute to the overall provision within the Classics Department e.g. trips, clubs and competitions, as well as to the School’s co-curricular programmes
* To continually update knowledge regarding ‘best practice’ in the teaching of Classics through personal reading, research, and training
* To promote and maintain the high standards of pupil achievement and contribute to the development of outstanding teaching practice across the department
* To complete all student assessment requirements, including the regular marking of homework and coursework, as required
* To assess, record and track the progress of the students according to the expectations of the Deputy Head (Academic) and the School’s policies
* To use performance data for pupil target setting and progress monitoring
* To complete all student assessment requirements, including the regular marking of homework
* To deliver teaching of a high standard and to work to promote and maintain standards of achievement across the Department
* To contribute to the pastoral care of pupils as a Form Tutor and the teaching of the PSHE curriculum
* To maintain standards of discipline in line with Hampton School policies
* To attend parent and pupil meetings, as required
* To attend whole school and departmental INSET and contribute to the evaluation and progress of the Classics curriculum.
* The successful candidate will be expected to teach up to 30 (40 minute) lessons per week, which may include a games afternoon’ and a form tutor period
Person Specification
The successful candidate is likely to be able to demonstrate the following skills, qualifications and experience
Essential Criteria:
* Commitment to the paramount importance of the safeguarding and wellbeing of pupils
* A good honours graduate from a reputable university ideally in Classics
* An enthusiasm for Classics and the ability to convey this to pupils
* The ability to demonstrate characteristics of outstanding teaching practice
* An awareness of the demands of teaching bright students and a commitment to fostering high academic achievement in an academically selective school setting
* The ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team and a willingness to contribute to departmental resources
* Strong IT skills (Microsoft Office) including the use of appropriate online platforms for remote learning and an ability to embrace the use of technology in the classroom (All teaching staff are supplied with a laptop computer)
* Calmness and efficiency, with the ability to work under pressure at times
* Commitment to continuing professional development through attendance at INSET
* Commitment to the all-round ethos of the School, including its co-curricular activities and pastoral approach
* Excellent oral and written communication skills
* A professional, collaborative approach that inspires confidence in pupils, parents and colleagues
* A keen eye for detail and a high level of administrative ability
* Willingness to contribute to the rich programme of co-curricular departmental activities, visits and trips
* Assiduous and willing to avoid the ‘9 to 4 approach’
* An understanding of appropriate Health and Safety requirements.
Desirable Criteria
* A higher degree or experience of educational/subject-specific research
* A teaching qualification and/or some previous teaching experience
* The ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with all members of the School community and outside agencies
* Experience of external examining
* Experience of preparing pupils for Oxbridge entrance
* Knowledge of the requirements of the Independent School Inspectorate in terms of teaching, learning and assessment
* An ability to offer skills in some part of the co-curricular programme of the School
* Enjoy rising to the challenge inherent in a school environment
Other:
* To act as Fire Marshal and First Aider as required. Training will be provided
* Any other reasonable tasks required by the Headmaster and/or Bursar in association with the above role.
Please note that there may be some changes and additions to the above, which will be discussed before implementation and changes may occur as the post develops. This document is designed to provide applicants with a “flavour” of the position and responsibilities.
Training
Where necessary, to attend INSET training or undergo other on the job training under the general direction of the Head of Department or training outside the school to increase competence, proficiency and safety awareness
Salary and Benefits
Hampton has its own generous salary scale and benefits package. Accommodation may also be available.
NQTs/ECT’s are provided with an appropriate programme of induction leading to QTS, valid across both sectors.
The Hampton School Trust Governors currently offer the following non-contractual benefits to staff, subject to any terms and conditions and the School’s eligibility requirements: death-in-service benefit insurance policy; private health care scheme (BUPA), a healthcare cash plan; enrolment in appropriate Pension Scheme, personal accident insurance, School fee remission, cycle to work scheme, lunch, sports facilities and counselling.
Hampton School is pleased to be a London Living Wage employer.
Please note that the above list is not exhaustive and non-contractual benefits are provided at the discretion of the Governors.
Candidates must have the right to work in the UK as Sponsorship is not available.
Equal Opportunities
It is the policy of Hampton School to provide equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals and to prohibit discrimination in employment on any basis protected by applicable law, including but not limited to race, colour, religious creed, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, age, medical condition or disability. Hampton School promotes equal employment opportunities in all aspects of employment through positive employment policies and practices.
If any special requirements are required to attend an interview, please inform the School.
Offers of employment will be made on merit and suitability of qualifications and experience, in pursuit of our policy of equal opportunities.
Safeguarding
The post holder's responsibility for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and young persons for whom s/he is responsible, or with whom s/he comes into contact will be to adhere to and ensure compliance with the School's Safeguarding Policy and Procedures at all times. If in the course of carrying out the duties of the post the post holder becomes aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in the School s/he must report any concerns to the School's Safeguarding Designated Persons or to The Headmaster.
The School reserves the right to offer the post at any stage in the appointment process. Further details of the School are available on the website.
Please note all appointments are subject to the Hampton School Trust Recruitment, Selection and Disclosure Policy and Procedure.
The School is legally required to carry out a number of pre-appointment checks which are detailed in the School's Recruitment, Selection and Disclosure Policy and Procedure. The information you are being asked to provide in this form is required so that the School can comply with those legal obligations should your application be successful. Please note that in order to be considered for a position at the School, you must complete this application form. A curriculum vitae will not be accepted in place of a completed application form.
Hampton School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, contractors and volunteers to share this commitment.