Ham Common is a village area in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. It falls inside the KT2, TW10 & TW11 postcode districts. Formally part of Surrey, Ham falls within the Richmond area although, also borders with Kingston-upon-Thames. You have the river Thames to the north, with Kew Gardens, the world-renowned botanical garden and a major centre for botanical and mycological research to the east and Richmond park to the South offering a host of different activities from walking, to paddle boarding and cycling to deer spotting in the park.
A major attraction for Ham is that it manages to escape being under the flightpath to Heathrow, so a quieter life can be expected in Ham.
Residents of Ham are among the happiest in the UK, apparently. Known for its village-like atmosphere and Thames-side location, fine period architecture, outstanding schools, and varied range of pubs and eateries, Ham is a top destination for those who want to live and work in a charming community environment.
The area of Ham winds its way down past the River Thames, and the river is a real focal point for local activity, another area of interest in Ham is the National Trust’s Ham House which is popular with families in search of an ideal day out.
Ham is served by several London bus routes. Richmond is close by with District Line, Overground and also served by National Rail, with trains into Clapham Junction and London Waterloo, making Ham an easy option for those who need to commute regularly into central London.
Another benefit of the Ham Common area is that it close to Richmond, a historic town with lots of activities. There is Richmond Park, Richmond Palace and a whole host of cultural venues, including Richmond Theatre and the Orange Tree theatre. The high street has many international stores that you expect to see in the west end of London as well as a number of excellent restaurants. Richmond sits on the River Thames with lovely riverside pubs and boats, both big and small to navigate the river.
The best performing schools in London
Ham Common has the advantage of sitting on the border of two of the most successful boroughs for education in London. Recent Department of Education research showed that the Royal Borough of Kingston topped the rankings for school children taking GCSE exams, whilst the London Borough of Richmond schools came third, out of 32 boroughs across London. We have listed below a few of the very best independent and grammar schools, and there are many more to choose from locally.
Kingston Grammar School
Hugely popular, co-educational school in the centre of Kingston, with easy transport links from Ham.
Surbiton High School for girls
One of the best performing schools in London
Hampton Court House
A beautiful school, in stunning grounds, next to Hampton Court Palace, with a unique approach to education.
Tiffin Girls School
Outstandingly successful grammar school
Tiffin Boys school
One of the best preforming grammar schools in the UK
Marymount girls’ school
Popular school that includes boarding and day pupils
