Can anyone please help me decide between these schools?

[olgafromthevolga]

DS has offers from Hampton and Kingston Grammar - he has a strong preference for KGS, but I am leaning towards Hampton. I know there are some obvious differences (like co-ed vs.single sex), but its a decision I am really struggling with, so I'd be happy to hear about anyone else's experiences and thoughts.

Sounds like you have a slight preference versus your son's strong preference. Why would you not go with his preference? They are both good schools after all.

Mainly that I think his preference is based on whose snacks he preferred during the entrance tests!

lol.
I don't even know what city OP is in. Brum?

Ragged - she's in Kingston Upon Thames, Surrey. Hampton is just down the road from Hampton Court Palace and Kingston Grammar is in Kingston upon Thames.

Sorry - yes, should have been clear. We are actually in SW London, but mimble has answered the question for me!

Olga - haven't been round KGS but we went round Hampton and thought it was wonderful. Can see why you are having problems making up your minds, though I have always said that in the end (and if we should even have a choice when and if it comes to it, ho, ho) it would have to be my ds's choice as he's the one who has to be there day in, day out, 9 months of the year, however much I might want it to be elsewhere.

Mind you, we thought the Hampton snacks at the open day were amazing so can only assume KGS must pull out all the snack stops!

My nephew is at KGS my SIL was very keen on Hampton but eventually chose the former. Her very experienced head felt the standard of pastoral care was higher at KGS. He's just about to do his A levels and has done really well there they don't regret their choice.

My Ds had same choice last year, with Tiffin thrown in for good measure.
Ds fairly quiet, & we thought the all boys together attitude of Hampton might be a bit intimidating for him.
He liked Kgs, much smaller, more chance of getting in teams, academically on a level with Hampton. The new head is excellent.
If you want to pm with anything please feel free.

They are both great schools and as there is a choice and as you like them both I think your ds should have the final say. I know lots of families who are very happy with both, however, I don't know any families who have been unhappy with Hampton.

DS, who is at another local school and plays sports against a variety of local schools always says the boys at Hampton (and St John's Leatherhead) are far and away the nicest. We are 6th form now and I accept that schools shift over time and our observations might be out of date.

Might just factor in which is the closest/easiest for you as a family too and where other children (if any) might end up. Think ahead a few years to where ds's friends might live and ease of independent journeys to/from yours.

Sounds like you need to do the plus, minus sort of list using sensible criteria suggested in other posts here, like traveling, how each school felt etc. Where your DS wants to go is v important but obviously the reasons have to be sensible as exam snacks aren't on offer every day LOL! Perhaps he should do a list and you do one and then compare. FWIW my DS is in yr 8 at Hampton and we all find it fab - academically but also for sports and music, well specifically choral music all of which DS is mad about. And the all boys thing really seems to work for him, they are surprisingly supportive of one another. Good luck making your minds up :)

Just wanted to update - went back to both schools for a final look and he amazed me by doing a complete volte-face and declaring that Hampton was the school for him - think they must have upped the quality of their biscuits! So he is starting in September and is very excited! Now I have to think about his year 5 brother!

Hampton is the better school!

I hope he'll be very happy.

Send him where he wants to go . My daughter chose her school because .... they were the friendliest mummy , they have a swimming pool and they had the best canteen ! .... out of the mouth of babes