Halliford School Offer

Happyone15 · 2025-02-24T18:09:26+00:00

We are in a very fortunate position to have offers from a few schools for our son, what our people’s experiences of Reeds, Halliford, Claremont, and Hampton? My heart is saying Halliford, we have been so impressed. I may have answered my own question but it is such a difficult choice, what are people’s experiences? Thank you!

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Minuethippo · 24/02/2025 18:19

i would pick Hampton over Halliford

sallydoodlecat · 24/02/2025 19:58

My son is in year 9 at Halliford. I love the school. It's small, nurturing and warm-hearted. They've spotted things for my son and are really developing him. Lovely teachers. The head is wonderful and has created a fabulous culture there.

SwimMumma · 24/02/2025 20:21

I’d definitely recommend Halliford - my son is there and loves it. They genuinely get to know each boy individually and know how to get the best out of them. My son’s grown in confidence and is doing really well academically. They encourage the boys to try new things and he’s really happy. It’s such a hard decision but we’re really happy we chose Halliford.

sallydoodlecat · 24/02/2025 20:28

I completely agree. Halliford used to be seen as a back up option. Wrongly so. It pushes the boys but at their pace. Happy to answer any questions. Feel free to DM or on here.

Original poster

Happyone15 · 25/02/2025 07:47

Minuethippo · 24/02/2025 18:19

i would pick Hampton over Halliford

Thank you, may I ask why? Do you have experience of both?

OP posts:

Original poster

Happyone15 · 25/02/2025 07:48

SwimMumma · 24/02/2025 20:21

I’d definitely recommend Halliford - my son is there and loves it. They genuinely get to know each boy individually and know how to get the best out of them. My son’s grown in confidence and is doing really well academically. They encourage the boys to try new things and he’s really happy. It’s such a hard decision but we’re really happy we chose Halliford.

That’s the impression I get. I love the size and everyone is so warm and friendly.

OP posts:

redrobin75 · 25/02/2025 10:06

@Happyone15 , are you going to the open day for offers? I would have thought at Hampton they will focus on their academic excellence, sporting achievements, outstanding music etc. They will be aware that many parents will also have a Tiffin offer next week. You need to look at where you ds will be challenged, academically they are leagues apart. Hampton 93% 9-7 gcse and Halliford 56%.

Re sixth form, you might be interested to know that Claremont and Halliford are 2 of the biggest private school feeders to Esher College whilst Hampton has virtually no one leave at end of GCSEs.
If your ds is this academic he will also certainly need to move for A levels.

SwimMumma · 25/02/2025 21:47

redrobin75 · 25/02/2025 10:06

@Happyone15 , are you going to the open day for offers? I would have thought at Hampton they will focus on their academic excellence, sporting achievements, outstanding music etc. They will be aware that many parents will also have a Tiffin offer next week. You need to look at where you ds will be challenged, academically they are leagues apart. Hampton 93% 9-7 gcse and Halliford 56%.

Re sixth form, you might be interested to know that Claremont and Halliford are 2 of the biggest private school feeders to Esher College whilst Hampton has virtually no one leave at end of GCSEs.
If your ds is this academic he will also certainly need to move for A levels.

Although this may be the case I think if the likes of Hampton are taking the top X% of kids then they are going to get the top results … Halliford has more of a mixture of pupils so its good to look at the average gains per pupil - Halliford does have students who get all 9s but the most important thing is how much students improve there. For me their personal approach gets the best out of each pupil and they get stretched to get the grades they are capable of. It depends what you are looking for in a school but from what I’ve seen Halliford will get the best out of every boy.

Sleeportidy · 26/02/2025 09:08

I can only tell you my experience.
My boy did start halliford and he was so unhappy there. Reasons not enough out door space, just boys (came from co ed) and he was just really unhappy. Lessons seemed very easy to him. We moved him schools and he is just a different child. Halliford has a lot of Sen children (that’s not a problem but it’s noticeable)

The trips eg skiing etc are excellent. PE department is good. It’s an early finish school and there is only one bus home.

However the family open day the headmaster was just yelling at boys (seen it twice on different days). He a good chatter 🤣. Halliford always disorganised like not enough chairs at open day etc. Pick up is just annoying by the side of the school with a billion aggressive drivers etc

Lots rave about it - my son hated it.

I still have all the year 7 uniform if you want second hand.

I would pick Hampton hands down out of your list (depends what sport your son likes though)

Original poster

Happyone15 · 26/02/2025 11:27

redrobin75 · 25/02/2025 10:06

@Happyone15 , are you going to the open day for offers? I would have thought at Hampton they will focus on their academic excellence, sporting achievements, outstanding music etc. They will be aware that many parents will also have a Tiffin offer next week. You need to look at where you ds will be challenged, academically they are leagues apart. Hampton 93% 9-7 gcse and Halliford 56%.

Re sixth form, you might be interested to know that Claremont and Halliford are 2 of the biggest private school feeders to Esher College whilst Hampton has virtually no one leave at end of GCSEs.
If your ds is this academic he will also certainly need to move for A levels.

Thank you for your reply, really appreciate it.
That’s interesting about the feeders, where did you find that info?

OP posts:

redrobin75 · 26/02/2025 11:50

@Happyone15 , re EC, from my dc friends who go to EC and historically Claremont had a small sixth form and most dc left and went to EC, it's changed a bit now. Ask Halliford how many stay for A levels and compare the uni destinations of the schools you have offers from.

What maybe helpful for you is that your ds is bright, the Hampton entrance exam is rigorous and he got a straight offer not WL, he should be in a class where the teacher's planning will push and challenge him and everyone wants to do well and getting top grades in GCSEs and A level. It can be inspiring to be taught in a class with exceptional teachers and other ds some of whom are gifted. I'm not saying the other schools don't have this but to give up a Hampton place for CFC or Halliford is quite a big ask for you as a parent. I'm sure the open days will help clarify what is right plus what your ds wants - he must have a good idea from the different entrance exams re how academic the schools are.

redrobin75 · 26/02/2025 11:55

Just to add that Reeds has a very good sixth form and comparing Reeds to Hampton is more complex, sometimes the sports on offer and transport to location is the decider.

Jammy3 · 04/03/2025 19:07

Sleeportidy my son will be joining year7 at Halliford in September. Sorry your son wasn’t happy there, great to hear he is now thriving.

Is your uniform still available to purchase second hand?

If any other Halliford parents are reading this - may I ask if there is a second hand uniform shops run by the PTA or similar?
many thanks

redrobin75 · 04/03/2025 19:25

@Happyone15 , did you decide in the end?

Whatashiteshow · 04/03/2025 23:46

I have two very different, very happy boys at Halliford. We chose it over other schools on your list and have nothing but great things to report.
Good luck with your decision - it’s about the right school for the child and gut instinct can go a long way. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

sallydoodlecat · 05/03/2025 07:12

Jammy3 · 04/03/2025 19:07

Sleeportidy my son will be joining year7 at Halliford in September. Sorry your son wasn’t happy there, great to hear he is now thriving.

Is your uniform still available to purchase second hand?

If any other Halliford parents are reading this - may I ask if there is a second hand uniform shops run by the PTA or similar?
many thanks

You can get uniform second hand. I don't think they do a sale from memory but parents do sell uniform on an app called Classlist.

Sleeportidy · 06/03/2025 14:57

Jammy3 · 04/03/2025 19:07

Sleeportidy my son will be joining year7 at Halliford in September. Sorry your son wasn’t happy there, great to hear he is now thriving.

Is your uniform still available to purchase second hand?

If any other Halliford parents are reading this - may I ask if there is a second hand uniform shops run by the PTA or similar?
many thanks

Hi yes I’ve still got it - send me a PM if you’re interested thank you (I can’t send one not sure why) There were no pop up sales within school for second hand uniform

DuaNinja · 07/03/2025 19:08

Contact the PTA regarding second hand uniform, we managed to purchase a lot of good quality second hand items

tinmrn · 20/03/2025 10:56

Hampton boys are a bit more 'confident' shall we say by the end of their schooling.. Halliford suits a gentler character & produces gentlemen. That's just my experience...

incognito119 · 25/03/2025 19:14

Halliford PTA have a second hand stall at the year 7 induction in early September, but they also keep a well stocked shop which you can access via emailing them

NigelOwen · 02/05/2025 13:28

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