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Secondary education

Hampton vs Reeds

17 replies

11pluswait · 18/02/2020 14:26

We are very fortunate to find ourselves in the position of choosing between these two very good schools. I'm going slightly bonkers trying to make a final, final decision so am calling on MNetters to give me a hand please Smile

Experience from current parents of either school would be very welcome.

The journey is not a factor as we live more or less in between the two. We are leaning towards Reeds as we see smaller, more nurturing and fantastic sports opportunities for sporty but sensitive DS.

I think we have made our decision as a family (Reeds) and I guess I'm looking for positive experiences from current Reeds parents that we're making the right choice!! Hampton is very hard to turn down but it comes down to fit at the end of the day doesn't it. TIA

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byfleetpuddles · 18/02/2020 15:38

We are turning down what is seen as a more academic school for Reeds too.

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11pluswait · 18/02/2020 16:10

Thank you @byfleetpuddles. That really helps! 😊

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meeeeeeeeee · 18/02/2020 16:22

We turned down Hampton for Reeds some years ago and never regretted it. Don’t think twice, lovely nurturing kind environment which gets the best out of my son and gave him time to grow up outside a pressure cooker.

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11pluswait · 18/02/2020 16:46

Thank you @meeeeeeeee! That helps hugely. Just what I needed to hear.

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Phwooooar · 18/02/2020 16:51

Reed’s here too. No regrets!

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11pluswait · 19/02/2020 07:11

Many thanks @Phwooooar. Feeling more contended now!

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jor456 · 19/02/2020 11:18

We also are choosing Reeds over Hampton. Never saw the appeal with Hampton but instantly felt it with Reeds and I really liked the boys that showed us around both times. I love the ethos and that there is a sports team for all boys. So important for that age group.

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Boysandgirls · 19/02/2020 15:36

We picked Hampton & quiet ds has thrived & is v happy. Doing well at sports even though hadn’t considered him particularly sporty!
Both good schools but you wouldn’t be disappointed with Hampton either - pastoral side is superb, & if you want sport, the sport facilities & results brilliant.
Guess it’s just your gut feel. A win either way 😁

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11pluswait · 20/02/2020 20:57

Thank you @jor456! It’s the ethos that we really loved too. And the ‘feeling’ that it’s the right one. You can’t really argue with that.
@Boysandgirls... I appreciate the counter view. And Hampton will be hard to turn down. But as you say... no wrong decisions at this stage.

Thanks all Smile

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trinity0097 · 21/02/2020 13:13

Reed’s is one of the most popular schools at the moment. I’d pick it over Hampton just for the look of the place! Hampton just looks like a glorified 60s/70s built state school

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Testbunny · 21/02/2020 13:27

Hampton is undoubtedly more academic with 91% A*-A GCSE compared to 73% for Reeds. That is not to say a child won't do as well at Reeds as they would at Hampton

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Boysandgirls · 21/02/2020 14:13

trinity0097 You need to go in and see Hampton - certainly not old inside, modern and lots of new facilities, inc Hammond theatre & the new Sixth Form Study Centre. The main hall is the more traditional Wood panelled style, but we rather like that 😁

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trinity0097 · 22/02/2020 06:52

I have been to visit, had a tour whilst my school team were doing a Maths Challenge.
I wasn’t that impressed, for a number of reasons.

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Testbunny · 22/02/2020 20:16

Interesting. We really liked the school when we visited (twice). Just proves horses for courses!

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Boysandgirls · 23/02/2020 01:11

my sons very happy there & have only been impressed with the teaching, facilities & pastoral care.

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Justrunningaround · 23/02/2020 08:20

My DS is at Hampton and absolutely loves it there - he is bright and sporty, I’d agree it is probably a more energetic school than KCS and others but he loves that they have the run of the grounds to play rugby / football / manhunt before school and at breaks. It is definitely fast paced academically - he went from top set at his state primary to very much middle of the pack, but is so much more interested in his learning. The teachers are very approachable and seem to build good relationships with the boys, and it feels like a happy, kind environment.
Equally I know other boys there who are less energetic / musical / have other interests and they are also very happy. My impression is that although it is big, it’s not overwhelming, and every boy can find their niche.
Hope that’s helpful - just our experience but I did feel like Hampton was not getting a fair representation !

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11pluswait · 23/02/2020 16:31

For what’s it’s worth I always held Hampton in high regard. It was our first choice for a long time for the positive attributes mentioned above and more. But we are going with our guts (and numerous hours of debate!) for Reeds. Thx to all for responding.

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