Hampton vs Ibstock Place

I have sons at both so here are my thoughts:
IPS feels a bit more traditional and old fashioned (not necessarily in a bad way). It is stricter on uniform and phones (not allowed at all in school). Fewer trips - I think in year 7 Hampton son went on about 8 day trips whereas IPS don’t really do those.
Both schools are on the case academically. IPS probably has more homework- certainly in the first couple of years. They also quite often have work to do in the holidays whereas H don’t seem to.
Neither of my sons are into music or drama but are quite sporty. However, overall the IPS son has had some sporting opportunities his brother could only dream of - bigger fish in smaller pond. I could imagine the same could be true of music and drama.
I always thought IPS was more expensive but it isn’t. Bill is usually much lower because lunch is included, and there’s is no coach charge to add in.
At H boys are in the same form for everything in years 7 and 8. At IPS they are grouped differently for different things and therefore get to know everyone very quickly. They are in a house, a tutor group for registration (with kids from other years), a form for some subjects and sets for others.
Big difference is co-ed vs single sex. At H there really isn’t much crossover with LEH apart from coaches and the odd drama or music thing.
Food is better at IPS!

I’m sounding like a bit of a cheerleader for IPS which isn’t necessarily my intention but it is slightly the underdog here!

Good luck with your decision.

OP, there are lots of gentle ds at Hampton. During the selection process they steer clear of the over confident prep school ds. If you go to the open morning you will get a sense of the other ds.

We’ve been really happy with Hampton School for my ds. There is lots of sport and a fantastic music department. My ds came from a mixed state primary but much prefers being in an all boy environment. It is academic but in a down to earth way if you know what I mean. The head is great and very approachable. The coach network is fantastic and the boys share it with girls from LEH. There are so many clubs at lunchtime (they have a 2 hour break) it is hard to choose and he does something different every day. As most of clubs are at lunchtime there is very little after school activity although there is a later coach if required that leaves at 6pm. There are also matches on a Saturday for the top teams. Hope that helps. I have nothing bad to say about it!

My neighbour has a child at both. They would 100% say Hampton over ISP but then it's down to the type of child you have...

Well done to your DS.
Do you not have a gut feel about one or the other- they are so different!
For what it's worth, we also live very near to IPS but I would choose Hampton over it for sure despite the journey but I know it would suit my DS much better.
But know very happy children at both.

OP, firstly congrats to your ds on both offers, you must be over the moon. I can only comment on Hampton & without "outing" myself not say too much apart from it is an outstanding academic school with so much to offer all ds. From the selection process you must have sensed the attention given to your ds to ensure he is right for the school hence the offer. It is a sporty school but the music is also exceptional - if you spend a bit of time on the school website you can see the stories of the past term & in the What's on section you can read the first year blog. Also don't miss the "2019 university offers" news story with 31 conditional offers from Oxford & Cambridge this year to the Upper Sixth.