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Original poster

Hampton School - Can my son be happy there, although he isn't very sporty?

52 replies

Kingstonmum123 · 17/01/2015 19:10

Hello
My son has passed the Hampton School entrance exam and I'm being told by various mums that unless he is 'sporty' he isn't going to be happy there/not the right school. My son enjoys tennis, swimming and a bit of cricket, but is by no means in the 'A' school teams.

It's crazy to think that unless you are kicking/catching a ball by the age of 5, your sporting prowess is written off! Most mums I talk to, have a 'sporty' child, am I in the minority because football and rugby aren't my son's favourite sports? Surely, he may be a late bloomer and not found a sport he is good at yet and may excel at secondary school?

Having read the school prospectus (cover to cover), there are scores of other lunchtime clubs and sports that he hasn't tried. HELP! Should I ignore these comments and go with my gut reaction?

Also, if it is such a highly academic school, will it be a problem if he isn't sitting at the top of the class league table?

Sorry, one more concern, is the pastoral care really good as the make out? This is my biggest concern as he was bullied at a previous school.
Thank you and your advice would be greatly appreciated.

OP posts:
Waitingandhoping2015 · 28/01/2015 16:20

I'm just totally relaxed, chilled out and not worrying now... What will be will be as you say.

Yeah sure I am Grin

Gummibaer · 28/01/2015 16:57

I'll join you in trying to be relaxed Smile, think we all deserve a glass of Wine!

Waitingandhoping2015 · 30/01/2015 16:19

DS had a great time at the All Rounder assessments this morning. All very well organised etc. I think it's become his number one school now so we shall have to see if he gets an offer. According to the events screen in the reception area they still had some 11+ general interviews going on this morning.

pineapplechick · 01/02/2015 10:17

Pretty sure it's just the 13+ interviews at this stage. They started on Friday and continue through next week.

Original poster
Kingstonmum123 · 22/02/2015 14:14

Patience is a virtue! My son has been offered a place at Hampton, KGS and an academic scholarship from his current school (which goes to 18). What a huge relief! So before we decide, we are going to see all the schools' again this week and hope our son will make the right choice (we are partial to Hampton).

We aren't underestimating what a big change it will be for DS and us when he starts secondary school and I've enrolled onto a positive parenting course with Parent Practice to equip us with all the skills required to make sure DS has a happy transition. I think the pressure and coaching of 11+ may have battered his mindset and self esteem a little.

Hoping all of the ladies who commented on this thread had good news too. I have been thinking about you Gummybaer and Contessa28 and JetJungle - I hope your son is able to mentor my very happy and relieved little boy. Smile

OP posts:
emptycoffeepot · 22/02/2015 15:01

Congratulations - and interesting. We're in a very similar position, offers from Hampton and KGS and academic scholarship at third school. Our DS non-sporty, very shy, but bright and would enjoy stimulating teaching. Still wrestling with Hampton vs KGS issue - and planning to go speak to them. I'm wondering if Hampton "gets" boys more and how they learn. DS, while far from alpha type, is fairly stereotypically boy-like in how he learns and his interests - maths, electronics, tech, but also reading and history. However, he would need strong pastoral care to instil confidence. Not sure therefore whether suited to Hampton and KGS might be better - would be interested to hear from any other parents with DS at Hampton.

Contessa28 · 22/02/2015 17:56

Well done folks that's great! We also got an offer from the two schools we went for and absolutely delighted for our proud DS! We will be taking up hampton subject to final visit tomorrow ... Good luck all with decision making and well done to your hardworking DS!!

Gummibaer · 24/02/2015 22:15

Congratulations and well done to all! We're still deciding which offer to accept but are leaning towards Hampton. This thread has been reassuring in that it looks like there'll be quite a few other less sporty boys in the year. There are so many other clubs and activities that all boys are bound to find something that they enjoy. Good luck with your decision making and perhaps see some of you in September?!

Waitingandhoping2015 · 24/02/2015 22:38

Handed in the form and cheque to Hampton when we were there last week so all done and dusted and looking forward to the June 20th morning. Been looking at the uniform details already!
I've known several boys that have gone to Hampton over the last 5 years from academic geek to academy footballer and a few in between so I believe the school is great for all types. As you say the number and types of clubs etc on offer at lunchtimes caters for all tastes.

Original poster
Kingstonmum123 · 25/02/2015 11:46

Well done mums and your boys! We went to the Hampton meeting yesterday with our DS and he wants to go there. We are delighted with his choice and I feel very reassured that although our DS won't make the 'A' teams in sport, the school will foster and nuture other talents. Maybe the boys can start their own lunch time club 'non-sporty club!' We need to help him build up some 'armour' as he is a sensitive boy, but confident, but feel we've got time, through Parent Practice's guidance to get him all set and ready. Very excited for him and glad he chose the right school. He did say to my husband and I "Are you happy with my choice?" and our reply was "We are absolutely delighted!" Having said that, I do feel a HUGE pang of guilt informing the other two schools.

Hope to see you and your boys in person in September, how we are going to find each other will be amusing!

OP posts:
Sunnycliff · 26/02/2015 17:32

We posted our acceptance to Hampton this morning! So relieved that the decision process is over. All the best to those still deciding and see some of you in September! Have to say we enjoyed the visitors afternoon and were reassured that some of the year 7 boys looked quite scruffy. My DS should feel at home then.

Original poster
Kingstonmum123 · 26/02/2015 20:08

Here, here, my thoughts entirely. It made me chuckle at how scruffy one year 7 boy in particular was. Funnily enough, just as we were leaving to go to the meeting, I asked my hubby to polish DS's shoes, his reply was "What does it matter now, he's in!" So look out for another scruffy year 7 boy in September!

OP posts:
Bugglett · 28/02/2015 15:59

Just wanted to say that my DS is starting at Hampton in Sept & he's not sporty either. We only got the one firm offer so there was no option. Really liked Mr Knibbs & feel reassured by comments on here. Don't know yet if another boy from my son's sch is going but hope he makes friends. He's int in drama/music, comp games & the adventure society sounds promising. I hope he'll find a sport he likes - he likes swimming but just for fun. He's a bit sensitive but quite confident so hopefully he'll be ok. Will feel better when he starts there & he meets new friends. We'll be there on Sat 20 June. BTW this is my first time on here & have never used the lingo before - I was just looking for others who might be going to Hampton. We live in Surbiton/Berrylands.

Kuppenbender · 28/02/2015 16:39

+1 less-than-sporty 11 year-old starting in September.

I'm now a bit concerned about the future prospects of Hampton rugby/football/cricket teams. Just hope they've offered places to some athletes as well.

Beingfrank · 28/02/2015 17:48

Don't worry half of ds's cricket and rugby teams are going!

Waitingandhoping2015 · 28/02/2015 18:07

Couple of good cricketers on assessment days and some good footballers too, also 2 reasonable district cricketers that I know are joining as well. So should be ok! No idea about that egg-chasing rubbish!!

Contessa28 · 28/02/2015 18:12

We also have posted our cheque and acceptance form and said thanks but no to the other school... Roll on 20 June! DS really Looking forward to it. Thanks to everyone for making the whole process that bit more bearable - and hope it helps others in the same position next year!

Original poster
Kingstonmum123 · 28/02/2015 19:44

Kuppenbender, your comment made me chuckle! I am sure it will be a varied year group and from the feedback on this feed, AND referring to the original title, we should all feel reassured that our sons' can be happy at Hampton although they aren't very sporty! See you in June or September coffee morning for new mums.

Just a suggestion for Bugglett - my friend whose DS is currently in year 7 at Hampton said that booking the school bus/coach, even if it's just for a couple of terms, has helped him make friends - a bit of socialising at the bus stop and then on the bus to and fro. Great advice and we have booked DS on the bus for September and when the days get longer and he is settled/made friends, he can catch public transport with them.

OP posts:
Waitingandhoping2015 · 09/04/2015 10:47

I notice Hampton have put their fees up as usual, in line with most schools I guess so nothing unexpected:

The main items:

Term Fee: £5,585 --> £5,850 (+4.74%)

Coach tbd

Lunch: £268 --> £280 (+4.48%)

Waitingandhoping2015 · 12/06/2015 11:52

Great to see the Telegraph today and the school has put an announcement of all the scholarships on the Court and Social page Smile

Kuppenbender · 12/06/2015 18:40

It was a nice touch. Very pleased with Hampton's communication throughout the admissions process. Looking forward to next Saturday.

HamptonHogwarts · 08/05/2016 16:29

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expat1407 · 10/05/2016 08:21

Hi all,
I have a question about Hamptons. What are chances of getting a place in mid year at Hamptons? We will move from Switzerland to London . DS will be in Year 8 when we move. I have a lot of time as our move will be in 1 year, so am planning in advance.
He is in IB school here, bright, Maths and Science boy. Good in English, German as wel. Not very sporty.
We need a private school ( as Company is paying fees)

SAHDthatsall · 10/05/2016 08:48

It's not impossible at many schools. Son is at Hampton and there has been a couple of departures and new arrivals that he had noticed and the same happened previously at older sons school. But how it works I do not know.

Firstlawofholes · 10/05/2016 09:21

I may be wrong but I think Hampton would fill any gaps that occur if boys leave late in Year 8 with boys who have passed the 13+ (i.e. joining in September of Year 9)? You've missed the boat for that as pre-tests and interviews are in Year 6 (with a re-sit chance in January of Year 7). They may make exceptions for boys arriving from overseas, but it might be tricky to get an in-year place at that point? Also, would he have to sit Common Entrance?