SW London boys 11+ 2022 entry

We have to decide between Hampton and Trinity for DS and as we haven't been able to visit both the schools, we are going by the online reviews/comments. DS is super sporty, friendly and good at academics but not very self driven. Is Hampton good at supporting kids across different academics level ? Also is cricket stronger at Hampton than Trinity ? Would also like to know which area should we stay if we choose either. We are looking at mid priced/mid sized houses to stay near to the school to avoid long commute.

@avidgardener I totally understand - they seem so little to be navigating public transport but they get the hang of it very quickly! KGS uses a parent portal so you can see on the map where all the other parents live (you can filter by class or yeargroup). Once you get a link to that in early summer, parents can start messaging to see what routes the kids would be taking in and you can arrange dry runs with other families near you in the holidays. There are hoards of them coming in on various bus/train and walking routes. Re sport - yes Hockey is a big thing and they are all encouraged to play it in the first term, just to give it a go. In fact, all the sport in general, they really want the kids involved. Just at any level that suits them. A super sports averse DC might need to be aware! My football loving eldest joined KGS having never played hockey before and has now pretty much ditched football in favour of hockey - he loves it. Cricket has just been moved into their Performance Sports (along with Hockey and Rowing), which is a sign they are looking to take it up a level. A winter net program runs from October half term through to April and then Cricket becomes the principal sport for summer (athletics and tennis for those that don't want to do it). Hoping that is helpful. Feel free to DM if you have any other specific qns. Well done to your DS on all his offers. You have a shortlist of super schools in the mixer :)

@CrazyDaisy7668 we are in the same boat as a few others considering KGS. My biggest worry at the moment tbh is the commute on public transport as DS is at the moment quite sheltered/immature so the school bus option of Hampton is apealling at least for the next few years. Are the families at KGS quite spread out geographically? We are considering a house move so wondering if there is an area/public transport route that the bulk of the kids use enabling "travel buddies"?

Another question mark I have is on sport, DS is not a fan of Rugby or Football, never played hockey but happy to give it a go - he mainly loves cricket and cross country running, but not sure how popular cricket is at KGS?

Good luck to all with offer holders visits, hope its helpful in your decision making and a huge thank you to the current parents for sharing your experiences, its so hugely appreciated :)

Hi @thisonesfortheroad
I think I posted to you on another thread but I can help on the KGS/Ditton field logistics so though I would pop back on! The kids are bussed to Ditton Field for any after school sports training (there are things most days if you want it) and when they finish they can either make their own way home on public transport, get picked up by a parent or hop back on the bus back to school and make their usual journey home. The only time you would need to ferry down to Ditton field is if they are playing a home match on a Saturday morning (the buses for the Saturday away matches leave from the main school site, or you have the option of taking them directly to the opposition school if that is easier logistically for you. It's all very flexible). For home matches, the parents are then encouraged to stick around at Ditton, grab a coffee and watch the teams play. Hope that helps!

Exactly the same here!

Trying discern fit with DS current interests and opportunities he might like to explore. Made harder by both having quality drama and sports pace. KGS seems to offer wider range of languages. Both schools are academically very successful.

Weighing up whether mixing with LEH compensates enough for not having mixed classrooms.

KGS has a strong reputation for pastoral care, and their exam/ interview process showed this. However, Hampton’s comms have made us already feel part of their community.

KGS so much easier to get to (and therefore cheaper too). Also has natural social hub in Kingston. Not sure where teenage Hamptonians “hang out”?

KGS means travelling to Ditton Fields and unclear on practicalities of that.

Waiting to visit both!

[quote Gettingcloser21]@Parentingfor2 which schools are you deciding between ? Any decisions yet?[/quote]
We've declined two so far including KGS as imho Latymer has slightly stronger results, nicer school set-up (although the head of LU did worry/confuse us with his talk about the potential of doing alternatives to GCSEs). The students were quite quiet throughout, probably our fault for being in their classrooms. Noticed they were having an IT issue during the tour... which they weren't able to resolve over the course of the tour.

Still need to visit Emanuel next, which I know isn't as strong academically but seems to be improving fast and appears to have very good pastoral care. KCS is the most convenient and has great academics, but has relatively weaker pastoral care by being so academically focused (we also felt that one member of staff who is still there, came across slightly arrogant), unsure of the impact the new head will make. DS and ourselves also aren't so keen on rugby.

City has good academics and imho the most diverse culture, the head even mentioned that he wasn't looking to intake or churn out the same type of student and wanted a diverse range of successful individuals. The main issue is that the premises felt compact (maybe due to there being less natural light as the school visits were in the evenings) and the commute would be about 50 mins for DS (even our year 8 guides said their commutes were about an hour). We loved the science lab demos, you can tell they knew what young boys liked... (exploding hydrogen balloons, flaming bubbles, hyperloopesque coils.)

My son was fortunate to get offers at City, Habs, Highgate and UCS. He had his heart set on St. Paul's especially because of the cricket but he got reserve list. Habs is excellent for cricket but quite far and City is more accessible by public transport but not so great at cricket. We really can't decide. Any thoughts from parents most welcome and thank you in advance. Also the Times ranking for the schools are confusing. City ranks high for GCSE where as Habs is much higher for A levels.

@Parentingfor2 which schools are you deciding between ? Any decisions yet?

@miffywonder if you have the opportunity, city london school for boys is is the most diverse (despite it being a boys school). That's based on all the school visits I been to.

@Avidgardner we have practically the same dilemma.

KGS = reputation for its nurturing environment - proven by its approach to entrance process; mixed classes; good theatre/ drama provision and no rugby is big plus for DS. Travelling for us is easy from home ( = cash saving too). Academics really good. STEM important to DS and seems well equipped but, we didn’t get to visit. Don’t yet understand the practical impact of travelling to/ from sport at Ditton Fields.

Hampton = Academically really really good. Headmaster and comms we’ve received show the school to be inclusive/ community minded and caring. Football option means DS can avoid rugby. Like KGS has an amazing theatre. Writers room is a draw for DS. But further to travel/ more awkward via public transport if not using coach service and fewer language options? Not sure if team sports open to all abilities. Not sure if links with LEH mean best of both worlds?

@gettingcloser21 I loved their new pool and how they are helping younger children to learn to swim, and also his talk about their rowing triumph.

We visited Latymer again today for a Headmaster’s
tour and loved it. DS was very taken by the Head
and progressive teaching. I think we have made our mind up and sadly (because we also love Hampton but can only choose one), will be letting Hampton go by the end of the week.

We're also stuck between KGS and Hampton. And possibly Whitgift 🫣

@Thisonesfortheroad we are totally confused and hoping the offer holders mornings help. Have not actually had the chance to visit KGS yet because of Covid. DS seems more keen on Hampton, but I think KGS will be a better fit for him as its co-ed and everything I have heard about pastoral care has been very positive. On the other hand Hampton seems academically stronger.

How are you finding the decision between the two?

@Avidgardner I think we’re in a very similar position to you and will be going to both pen mornings too!

Which way are you currently leaning between KGS and Hampton?

Oh cringe - I didn’t proofread, sorry!

Hi @Miffywonder, our impression of KCS in terms of ease of integration was very positive. My DS seemed very at home with the two boys who showed us around - by about midway it seemed to us almost like he had always known them. Really lovely, friendly and caring boys and I get the impression that sums up all the behaviour of all the boys and not just the ones who looked after us. The teachers seemed similarly down to earth and the admissions staff very friendly and helpful. Being very honest though, Dr Silverlock left a very sour impression however. Somewhat flippant/ arrogant when answering parents questions, which put us off asking any. However, I seem to remember reading he’s no longer at the school, so maybe we were his last cohort of prospective parents and he’d had enough of doing the job by then 🤷🏻‍♀️ Either way, it was very encouraging that his attitude hadn’t rubbed off on the other teachers we spoke to.

KGS has a strong reputation for its pastoral care and the creative arts. However, I find it’s academic achievements impressive too. I’m sure you’re aware that it takes both boys and girls, so may be an option for your DD too? Unfortunately we didn’t get to visit, so I can’t say much more.

Im not familiar with Alleyns, other than it’s reputation. If you feel it’s right for your DS then I’m sure it is.

Thank you @Parentingfor2. @Mumto4loveliesxx actually Alleyns will be my first choice if my daughter has secured a place. She applied for 9+ but is on the waitlist as there are only 4 vacancies. So now our plan is to decide on school for my son and see what is available for my daughter in 2H2022. Thank you all for your input!

My son and daughter are both at Alleyns, they settled quickly as it is so friendly and we’re delighted with it. It is very diverse. The teaching is amazing and Dulwich is a lovely location.
Good luck with your choice

@Miffywonder as a proxy of the diversity at each school, look at the members of the governing body.

Our son received offers for KCS, KGS and Alleyns with scholarship for 11+ entry. We are relocating from Singapore, so looking for a school that has diversity, and an environment where new kids can fit in quickly. Our inclination is to go for KCS given its reputation. Wondering if any mum can share feedback on KCS? Thanks!

For some schools, they didn't have open days, so naturally, they would offer the opportunity for boys to visit before accepting offers. If schools have had open days before the exams, they may take a different approach, assuming boys & parents have got a feel for the culture and fit of the school to them.

Enjoy the Open Days!

[quote Pyrfwondering]@Parentingfor2, the offer holders afternoon is generally for parents + boys to meet the Bursar + senior staff (Head of Music, Head of First Form, Head of Lower School, etc) rather than going jnto classrooms with ongoing lessons... at least that's how it was at RGS... different schools may do different things. The only school that took parents into live lessons was Gordon's and it was awkward... didn't get any sense of how good the learning was[/quote]
Luckily for us and from what I can tell, 4 of the schools offered tours to us. The one that didn't, we will be rejecting anyway. I think schools should offer tours after giving offers, after all, they should want to make sure the kids will be happy at their school.

@Parentingfor2, the offer holders afternoon is generally for parents + boys to meet the Bursar + senior staff (Head of Music, Head of First Form, Head of Lower School, etc) rather than going jnto classrooms with ongoing lessons... at least that's how it was at RGS... different schools may do different things. The only school that took parents into live lessons was Gordon's and it was awkward... didn't get any sense of how good the learning was