Hampton School
HAMPTON School is one of the oldest girls’ boarding schools in Jamaica; it was founded in 1858. It has a student body of well-rounded girls who excel in both athletics and academics. Their motto is Suma Virtute Et Humanitate (With Utmost Courage and Courtesy).
Hampton — once called Fort Rose — was established with the funds bequeathed by Robert Munro in his will, dated January 21, 1797, to his nephew Caleb Dickenson, to set up a school for poor children in St Elizabeth.
After a series of headmistresses, in 1894 Miss Holden took control of the school and under her stewardship, the population and buildings steadily increased.
Holden resigned and was replaced with Maud Barrows, who added a music room and a building to house a hall, common room, library and dormitories. After her resignation, Agnes Campbell was appointed to the post and served 11 years, maintaining the standard of being one of the leading girls’ schools in the West Indies. Campbell was mainly remembered for her devoted efforts in the erection of the Chapel.
Hampton consists of many historic buildings. One of the many buildings includes Calder Hall that received its name from John Vassel Calder, chairman of the Trust for 30 years. It housed the common room, a dormitory and bedrooms for mistresses. Today it houses the hall, common room as well as the staff room.
Other buildings include the administrative office building, which was the original great house of the property; Wesley Gammon Building, named after one of the past principals; the Chapel, built to express the Chapel’s dedication to St Mary and All Souls; and finally the Val Halla, which is presently the school’s music room.
Today, under the leadership of Heather Murray, the school is committed to continue producing well-rounded young ladies.