RGS Guildford vs. Hampton School?

[TheRealTigerMum]

Help - I need some advice. DS1 secured a scholarship to Hampton but on the same week RGS wrote to say that they were also offering him a scholarship. Hampton offering double the monetary value compared to RGS. DS1 prefers RGS for their sporting opportunities but my husband and I are worried we may struggle with fees in 3 year's time DS2 is 8 yrs old. RGS 30mins travel and Hampton 35 mins away. Be grateful for any opinions...especially from RGS or Hampton parents.

@ thumbwitch.

he would have been 11 in 78 and stayed through til about 85?
he assures me he was very shy though

btw. I'm sorry I was being such a twat on that other thread re sn. Just having a shitty day yesterday.
I shouldn't log on when feeling like that. I always make such an arse of myself.

Strange league table results for RGS - if you looked at the Times it would be different... for my son's year they were 3rd in A level results... RGS is always stronger academically... If your son has been offered a scholarship he must be exceptional - so you'll want him to go to a school which can routinely deal with his abilities..

... but the only score that counts is your own son's, so its really down to where you think he'd do best.

RGS for music is fantastic - my son was a pianist and they are so strong they have not only a head of music but a head of keyboards. They have concerts just for pianists, as well as the usual range of symphony, jazz etc. They also share a chamber choir with GHS.

Others have commented on sport. but you might also want to think aobut their Art dept which I think is second to none - my daughter did some of her a level are classes there and she thought they were better than her own school. RGS art displays are always fanatastic.

You dont have to be sporty to love RGS - my sone never challenged the scorers, that's for sure.

I also like their "Monday 8" activities - a compulsory extra currciular choice of CCF, DofE or scouts, which stay on the timetable right throguh to 6th form.

I'm not trying to sell RGS against Hampton - I only know the one school - but highlight these as some areas which are outstanding

To be honest I wouldn't worry about the tables anyway. Firstly, every publication does them differently - for example, in The Telegraph tables schools like St Paul's and Eton don't even appear, because they withdrew.

Secondly, the difference between any of the schools in terms of outcomes for individual children is going to be minute, if it exists at all.

Both Hampton and RGS are excellent schools with room for able boys to do as well as they want to academically, sportingly, musically, artistically. It comes down to personal preference and convenience.

We're miles away from RGS but Hampton was a school we really liked. In the end we chose one that was much closer to us than Hampton.

I really do agree with singersgirl. Both schools are excellent and I am sure that your son would flourish at either.

The deciding factors for us was also how close Hampton is to our house. My DS rides his bicycle to school.

Previously (for Primary School), he schooled out of the Borough that we lived in and I always felt that it made things a little difficult. Not only was his trip to school a fairly long drive every moning (which certainly was onerous on us) but I feel that he slightly missed out on some of the social aspect, because his friends lived fairly far away.

For Secondary School I knew that I really didn't want a repeat of this situation. Knowing how much socialising teenagers do, having a good bunch of mates with in a reasonable radius of our house was important for us (and my son).

There is so much to consider OP and I know how hard this decision can be. You really are very lucky to be choosing between two such excellent schools.

You and your son should be very proud.

Just wanted to add that Hampton School does CCF as well, jointly with the girls' school next door in fact. Every year, there is a Remembrance Day parade in Hampton and a small contingent from both schools is asked to come along and raise/lower the flag.

CCF, iirc, is not compulsory - or wasn't when I was there, anyway (girls weren't involved at all when I was there)

Pag - no worries about the other thread, honestly - I was getting overly shirty too :). Have PM'd you about the other info!

Just realised that the coach to Hampton will probably even up the gap as it is more expensive than taking the train into Guildford for RGS! It is going to the wire and discussions will take place tonight including a nice chat with DS1. Will let you know the outcome. Thanks for the fab and useful advice so far!

Forget the tables - RGS has disappeared because they do the harder IGSCE for maths and these do not count that system - so it assumes they have all failed maths!

A great example of why the tables must be taken with a huge load of salt.

I think Hampton does IGCSE in various subjects too.

Yep, they do IGCSE maths, and various other subjects.

Thank you mums for your advice. DS1 is going to RGS Guildford. HM Cox has not offered any advance on his original scholarship allowance. However it is a fine school and we feel he will benefit from the school ethos and the social network. The final decision was crystal clear. Thanks for helping us decide.

Good luck!

And well done for your son for having got in!

Hope your son has a great time at RGS!

Hi TheRealTigerMum, I have just read this thread. I know it old but I was wondering how your son got on and which year he is in now?