Hampton Pre-Prep

[MKKLC]

We found out last week that we are on the waiting list for Hampton Pre-Prep, starting in year 1. What are the realistic chances of us getting our DC into the school for September or is it just a lottery, based on parents that may (or may not) give notice in the Summer term re withdrawing their child?

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

It is a lottery but it probably also means you have cleared the academic hurdle and just waiting for a place to come up. Better than being turned down.

Hi, hope you don’t mind me reaching, what made you consider Hampton pre prep over the other independent schools in the area? We haven’t been able to have a tour of the school yet, so trying to get as much insight as possible before deciding for DS
Thanks

Thanks coronateachingagain - I thought that might be the case.

Littleredhen86, we looked at independent schools around the area and liked the look of Hampton Prep. It's a shame you can't go and have a look - we went in the summer and really liked the facilities and outdoor space. Their academic record is excellent and they seem to cater for all sorts of sporting levels (my DC is quite academic but not so hot on sports). Depending on exactly where you live or where you want to live, we also looked at schools in Esher. Milbourne Lodge has quite a good reputation (always rated a good review in Tatler). We also considered The Mall and Newland House but decided they weren't for us. I'd strongly recommend visiting the schools when lockdown is over. You can obviously speak to the schools over the phone as well - the headmaster's assistant at Hampton Prep is lovely, really friendly and helpful. As is Milbourne Lodge - both schools gave us a good feeling about placing our DC there.
Hope that helps?

Thanks so much for your helpful comment. The other schools would be a bit far for us I think, we are about a 6 min drive to Hampton Pre Prep. Very close to both the Mall and Newland House too
Can I ask why you personally chose it over the Mall and Newland House?

Hi Littleredhen86, it was really to do with the facilities. Both of the other schools we really liked and the teachers there were friendly and nice, but we thought overall that Hampton had the best facilities, both in and outside. Their teachers were also very friendly and had a great buzz about them. It really comes down to personal choice and preference. There are some other threads on MN about HP with feedback about homework etc which is useful to read.
It's such a shame you can't go and see the schools right now - if you can wait, it's worth seeing all of the ones you're interested in.... but I appreciate that might not be possible!! Hope the search goes well. I'd also encourage you to call HP and speak to the headmasters assistant, Mrs Jolley - she's lovely and really helpful. Good luck! x

MKKLC - did you manage to get a place off the waiting list? We are on a similar position.