worth observing that KCS is the top boys’ school in the league tables. For several years now, according to The Times (& their web site, all data are there!)
kings is followed by St Paul’s and Westminster. But Hampton is in the top ten. To get in to these schools (any!), you need to have scored very well on the entrance tests, the interviews, your school reference.
As a previous poster said, Kings won’t offer you a spot unless they think your child will thrive. So if they do offer then take it!
However, if Hampton is closer then go with that. I think we often get “feels” for schools when we visit, but ultimately we don’t really know the school until our child is there. I’ve heard of incredibly happy and unhappy kids at both schools!
Hang around the schools at closing — what are the boys like? Probably quite similar! Both have excellent sports, music, drama, clubs, but kings cuts it in terms of academic outcomes.
Of course some people reject kings (or st Paul’s and Westminster) for Hampton, but it works the other way too: loads of boys at kings took Hampton too, and rejected it!
in terms of stretching, and worrying your kid won’t be stretched enough, you are kidding me? Both schools are going to STRETCH your child. In good ways! Have no fear of that.
Loads and loads of schools won’t stretch, but these schools go very, very fast. But you don’t need to worry about whether your kid will keep up. As above, he won’t get a place if the school has doubts. The schools know what they are doing!