Query on Hampton boys

[mar23]

Hi All, my son is currently in year 5, preparing for his 11+. He's not a very sporty boy, but good at academics, drama and creative writing. He sat for the 10+ more as a practice this year and has been offered a place at Hampton boys. We are not sure if it's the school for a non sporty boy. He goes to a state primary school where he's happy. I understand there will be kids on scholarships in independent schools, but would most pupils be from very wealthy backgrounds? Will that create an intimidating environment? Will the pastoral care they provide be addressing this too. He's a bit smallish for his age, hence I'm concerned about the bullying in secondary school.

Any inputs on whether Hampton would be a good place for a non sporty boy would be much appreciated. How is their pastoral care? Would a Grammar or an independent school be the right one for a non sporty boy? Apologies if I had crammed too many questions into one post. As an immigrant parent, the curriculum is all new to me and I've just started exploring the academic structure here. Thank you for your replies.

Firstly congratulation to your ds, it's a great achievement to gain the place. During your numerous visits to the school for all the steps involved in gaining the place I'm sure you have seen it's a diverse intake. The intake at year 7 is 50% state school and as a parent I can say it's an extremely down to earth school with all types so sporty, musical, STEM, classics etc. You only have to spend a bit of time on the website to see this.
Yes of course you can also apply to Tiffin and your ds can also try for a Hampton scholarship next year. I think the 10 plus get invited back for various events too. I would also visit more private schools to compare. I would pay the deposit and sit back knowing your ds has a great offer but also investigate other options. No all the ds who accept the 10 plus places actually attend (but you don't get the deposit back).

Thank you sailingsunshine for your swift and helpful inputs. We are going to pay and secure his place for now. However, a bit confused as to how it compares with QE boys. Based on your experience, if given a choice between QE and Hampton, which one would you opt for, and why?

I live locally and didn't consider any grammar schools including Tiffin although the schools are on a similar academic level. I don't think Hampton and QE are comparable and you would struggle to find anyone who would consider both schools due to geography. You should read the thread about Hampton/ KCS / Habs and Wilson's on the Surrey section of the website elevenplusexams.co.uk as it covers these differences.
Best of luck, Hampton is a great school and your ds has done so well.

Thank you for taking the time to provide us with such valuable inputs.

@mar23 Very down to earth school and all sizes!
Non sporty isnt a problem generally. Is he ok to do a couple of terms of football ? (at a low standard!)...and then cricket or tennis or a climbing wall in the summer?