Kcs v hampton

[monkey42]

Hi
We attended the kcs open day today and need to choose between it and hampton. Past threads on the subject have bemoaned kcs sports especially the football, can any current parents comment.
Just to clarify DS loves playing football but will never make any high teams, so I am only interested in participation and opportunity for those with enthusiasm. he hates rugby so will be unhappy about having to play it for a term!
Thank you

Can't add much except that know very happy boys at both.

But, out of interest, why do you have to decide now? Can't you apply to both and make a decision if you get offers from both?

Both great schools! DS1 and DS2 at KCS - one on them may have shown you round today 😉 DH was at Hampton - so we have split loyalties. I would go for the most local school if you have the choice, it will make your life so much easier. This morning I could get DS1 to school in 10 mins for open day, Hampton would have been 45 mins. Which do you live closer to?

If slap bang in the middle I'd go for KCS. Great public transport links. Hampton always feels tricky to get to by public transport.

Thank you! We are fairly in the middle of the two but more boys near us go to Hampton. How do you find the sport at kcs?
DS1 is at Hampton, so we know about their extensive sport offering though being in national level this and that is irrelevant when you are in the d team,
Kcs was lovely, but feels more academic. Ds2 enjoys football and tennis, i just want to know he will be happy on the sport front. We most liked the art at kcs today

KCS more academic, Hampton more sporty

Your DS wouldn't have to play rugby at KCS. The boys can opt out of rugby in the Autumn term and do a range of other sports (squash, badminton etc). The football can be a bit frustrating if you're keen but not skilled. DS1 fell into that category and ended up swapping to hockey - which he really enjoyed.

KCS is more academic but they're both academic schools so I wouldn't focus on that too much. If you look at the league tables for 2018 Hampton isn't far behind KCS.

Why do you need to choose between the two now? Surely you apply to both and see if you actually get offers from both before making up your mind!

We already have offers (year 8) so need to relinquish one so someone else on a wait list gets their place....have only recently had the 2nd offer.
Thanks for any input.

If your older boy is already at Hampton, then unless the brothers don't really get on, surely you send the younger sibling to Hampton too? The logistics of sending kids in opposite directions, not only every morning, but also for sports on a Saturday morning alone make this a consideration, so unless there is a strong preference from your boy for KCS, Hampton seems like the sensible choice. I must however, declare bias in that considering I am OH myself, and a Hampton Parent!

Thanks, I don’t feel strongly about them going to the same school as by 13 and 15 at the start they will already be independent , on a mix of the school bus and public transport. They get on very well but I don’t imagine they will see much of each other at all even at the same school!!

We also went to the KCS open morning last week. Our first school visit, as we are just starting the senior school fun and games ;-)
Very impressed with the school, tour arrangements, staff and boys!...well done sandybayley ;-)
I'm sure we will really like Hamptons as well....just the small matter of passing the exams/interview!