Hampton School vs Westminster

[Cheessy]

Help and advice is needed desperately! DS has been offered a place at both schools at 12+. Westminster school is great but financially twice as heavy as Hampton (Hampton also offers a 25% scholarship). Westminster is such a great name but Hampton seems to be very efficient and its results are very impressive. DS is not a sporty but rather "quirky" type fascinated by the computers, technology, etc.

Westminster is a unique and utterly remarkable place, and I hope you choose it for your son. It will change his life.

I agree with all those above. I have a boy at Westminster and the curriculum does not follow the exam syllabus for each subject and is really about education in the true sense. Being taught with really exceptional individuals raises the level of the class debates and means that you learn from peers as well as the inspirational teachers. Our experience is that as the school is full of very bright boys, they are excellent at ensuring that students are rounded and avoid really able boys being simply academic. Everybody has to do a practical subject at GCSE, Sport afternoons are twice a week for all and all extra curricular areas are done to an exceptional level. It is a really special place and a real privilege to be a student there.

In terms of fees it's worth noting that all sports (including boats) and meals are included - breakfast, lunch, tea and supper if you want! That reduces a bit the difference between the school fees but undoubtedly Westminster is more expensive..

I can't comment first hand about Hampton but I have many friend's sons who have gone there and have been very happy. Discipline is very structured there compared to Westminster where it is liberal and there is an expectation that discipline comes from within. For sensitive compliant souls this seems unnecessary. The Westminster boys take pride in finding intelligent loop holes to any rules. The happiest Hampton boys I know have been the sporty ones and they are very successful at rugby. As said above, the Westminster boys who also applied to Hampton and City, all gained scholarships there.

Daft question, but do you mean 13+?

that's right, 13+

I agree that it's a no-brainer. Unless you feel it's too big a stretch financially - Westminster.

Hi Cheessy

Am thinking about schools for my DS so interested to hear if you have made up your mind? What is your year of entry? We are 18.

Thanks

Hi Orangeplum, we've chosen W. after all :). He is to start in September.

Thanks. Sounds like a good decision. Good luck to your DS.

Thank you!

@Needmoresleep

Westminster is really very special, sitting between boarding and day, and with a strong acadmic and creative atmosphere. The fees were a struggle, but I am so pleased our children were able to go there. Particuarly DD whose sixth form experience has been magical. Her secondary was perfectly fine, but Westminster was extraordinary.

Hi we are making decisions between QE boys a d WUS? Can you give some of your experience? Thanks

@pensivepolly

Westminster is a unique and utterly remarkable place, and I hope you choose it for your son. It will change his life.

Why do you say so? What is life changing the experience? We are contemplating this school about our son but little unsure considering fees.