Kings or Hampton

[outoftouchwitheverything]

Hi. Really struggling with this. We live closer to Kings, but really love Hampton, although we realise Kings is a fantastic school too and do like it. I'm worried about the balance of state and private at Kings, particularly at 13, when the prep school kids come through, with Hampton seeming more balanced (but I could be wrong). Hampton felt more down to earth, loved the head., but it would be a pain, particularly for parents events, weekend sports etc when Kings is closer. DS loves sport, but won't be in the A teams, so either would be good for him. Kings edges it with not having to choose between rugby and football. Are we crazy to choose a coach ride of an hour each way for DS when a great school is more or less on our door step and it would make our lives easier??

Seriously go closer. They are both brilliant schools. It makes a massive difference in the evenings with sports and homework. An hour each way is crazy yes when you have Kings. Wow! Well done to your DS btw

Congratulations!! Both fantastic schools and your son should be very proud.

Go with your gut feeling

KCS definitely.

Thank you Bool Yes, he has done very well. I think you may be right, but it'll be hard decision

LadayGaga01
Gut says Hampton, we felt more of a connection there, maybe because of the process. Felt the warm, fuzzy feeling people talk about, but Kings is a great school, and it's easier practically.

AbstractNoun why do you say KIngs? Closer?

Hi - I have a DS at KCS and another who has just been offered a place which he will take (despite being offered Hampton too). My DS1 is loving KCS. The academic are excellent and KCS are on top of it all - I have never had any cause for concern and my DS is on track to do incredibly well in his GCSEs. There are lots of opportunities for Sport, Music, Drama and Art and despite the size of the school my DS has managed to make it onto teams that have weekly fixtures (despite not being an "A" team player at his previous school). He has also been involved in a school production (despite having never acted before!)....there are plenty of clubs and it really is a very buzzy school with lots going on. Personally I can think of nothing worse than having a teenager home from school by 4:30, especially if friends are spread across london - thats a lot of free time to occupy! I love the fact that DS has sports practice after school, or play practice or one of the many things that KCS does outside of the school day. I also love the fact that he will be introduced to girls in 6th form. Plus I wouldn't worry about the state/prep school mix. The kids all come from all over and everyone mixes well.

I would go for Kings because of the journey. It really matters.

Also Kings has a better reputation, for those who care about such things.

Hi. Interested to know your decision? We are in a similar position. We love Hamptons but live in Wimbledon. King’s is a great school but our son just doesn’t want to go there. We’re not too concerned about the coach journey, more about where his friends will live if he attends Hamptons - anyone living in Wimbledon with sons at Hamptons who can comment? Thx

@Anotherworryingmum , I've sent you a PM, (you can read it via a computer not the app).

*Anotherworryingmum. We have decided to go with Kings simply because of the distance for both us and DS. He could do it on the coach. Think about the sport too (Kings in Raynes Park), whether you have other children, so your logistics. Loved Hampton, but had to put the family's needs first - Kings is a also a great school!

Something also to think about is as Kings has relatively new larger 11+ so will more local boys choose kings to Hampton going forward? I know two families locally who send boys to Hampton, but that was a few years back. Of course they need to be offered both schools to be able to choose!

my son is at Kings and I know boys who are at Hampton. My son adores Kings and the boys I know who go to Hampton, love it there too. They are much and much the same although I do know that one of my friend's son, found the first year at Hampton really strict.

I'm glad you've chosen Kings - it really is a happy school and the boys always seem happy there.

Kings also has the option of IB at sixth form. Wish I had taken this into account at 11 !

Thank you, alwaysinjured. Tbh, we would have been happy with her, but reassuring to know your DS is happy at Kings.

amidaiwas. Yes, the IB at Kings is interesting, but a lot can change in 5 years so didn't really play a factor now.

Anotherworryingmum what did you and your DS decide??

We decided on Hamptons in the end. Both great schools but we went with my son’s gut on where he thought he’d be happier.

Anotherworryingmum. Fair enough - Hampton is a great school. Best of luck for your DS.

Good luck to your DS too. Three of my son’s school friends are going to Kings and they are lovely boys!!

Hello,

DS has offers from KCS and Hampton. From the comments above, I understand that both schools are good and commute should be one of the main considerations?

DS is academic but also likes to participate it co curricular activities to such as music, games and quizzing. I understand that KCS is better in the league tables ranking as it is more selective and is suited for very academically focused boys.

Very confused and would appreciate your advice. Thank you.

@MomsTheWorld definitely agree: go with closer.

KCS is incredibly fast paced. So I understand your wobble. BUT your son would not have been offered a spot unless they thought he’d be right. The teachers really know what they are doing.

Of course, there is something to be said about a more relaxed pace. But that wouldn’t be Hampton either. You know your son: is he hungry for academics, interested, bored at primary etc? Did he quite enjoy the 11+ process. Or did you have to pester him, with tears etc? I hadn’t appreciated the massive step-up at secondary. But for children who are self driven, who actively enjoy academics, I’d say these very fast paced schools are great.

But yes, go for nearer. Excellent co curricular at both options. Let us know what you decide!

@MomsTheWorld , yes go with distance. If he is very academic Kings has the option of IB but other than that there isn't much difference esp if you aren't taking the location of sports fields into account.

@Jumpalicious thanks so much for your comments.

DS has coped very well with the 11+ process; he is curious and enjoys learning.

As you have said K seemed very fast paced and H seemed a bit relaxed, hence the doubt whether H will stretch him academically (both schools had great co - curricular activities), however based on however response, I think H appears relaxed (we loved the warm vibe in the school) but is still fast paced.

Distance wise H is a 15 minute bus ride whereas K is about an hour on public transport, so H seems more feasible.

Thanks again.

@hockeygrass thanks for your response. Yes, agree about the IB option at KCS, however that isn’t a big criteria for us (for now 😀)

What are you referring to when you say ‘the location of the sports field’ please?

@MomsTheWorld , just about Hampton being on site and KCS a short distance away from the school but it's minor. Go with Hampton if it's 15 mins away from home, it's fantastic as I'm sure you saw on Thurs and the ds are happy and busy.