Hampton v Harrodian

[MGMidget]

My DS has offers from Hampton and Harrodian. They are quite different schools in some ways and I can see pros and cons with either of them. I would love to get some insight from anyone who knows both schools or anyone with DC at either school to help us choose. I have been looking at the other threads on these schools of course but finding it difficult to choose between them!

DS is not particularly sporty but happy to participate. He is good at drama, but doesnt enjoy the discipline of practicing a musical instrument so not very musical. He is currently in a co-ed but happy to go to either co-ed or all boys so that’s not a big factor but might be more significant by sixth form.

He has an enquiring mind and loves learning about the subjects that interest him such as science so he is a bit of a boffin on science subjects. Also enjoys D&T, likes coding his own games, reads to a very high standard but writing has been a weakness. Also good at Maths, can learn languages well when he applies himself.

He has mild SEN though but overcomes this with a few low key interventions. I don’t want to be too specific as it may be too identifying.

He is not at the very top academically but with a bit of application he performs towards the upper end in his school from what I can gather (certainly comfortably in the top half of what is a reasonably fast-paced prep school).

Any views on how he would get on in either of these schools? I hope to help him choose somewhere he will achieve his best and be happy. A bit of pushing would probably be a good thing as long as he isn’t overwhelmed with work or feeling inferior/struggling to keep up.

Thanks for any insights!

Well done to your son MGMidget! Don’t know Harrodian so can only give Hampton view... ds v happy at Hampton, pushed to achieve potential but never so hard it’s overwhelming. He has lots of friends who are sporty, musical, artistic & even some who do maths challenges for fun! It seems to cater for all. He’s quite quiet & def not outgoing but I have come to realise that he seems to be developing a “quiet confidence” about him which I put down to the school. No prob if not partic sport but likes a kick about as they have football team to an F so everyone gets a go. Really strong on science lessons & science clubs. We’re happy with hampton, if you hadn’t guessed. Hope that helps .

As you say, two quite different schools!
Does ds have a preference?
Does travel come into it? Are you close to one of the Hampton bus routes? How would he get to Harrodian?

Very different, as others have said. Both hard to get into for different reasons.

Hampton have a very good set up with SEN children, which they pride themselves on (I don't know about Harrodian).

Your description of how your DS enjoys science, DT, coding and maths makes think Hampton could be the school for him. The school's maths exam at 11+ is one of the hardest and Hampton boys do extremely well in maths competitions etc. Also, Hampton is probably more socially and ethnically diverse (as much as any private school can be, socially!), if that's important? It is a much larger school, however, but they are very well set up in getting the best out of all boys, and this means he will find plenty of like-minded boys.

The journey will be critical, but he sounds like a very good fit Hampton based on your description. However, I don't know much about Harrodian so hopefully another parent will be able to shed more light.

Journey not a deciding factor. DS would take a train to Harrodian. We would move house for Hampton but we have other reasons to move that way so its fine.

I’m not a parent at either but know others who are - everything I know or have heard tells me Hampton... more academic and less of a cool scene. Good luck choosing.

I would 100% agree with the poster above. They are SO different you must have liked the vibe at one more than the other?

Hampton is very slick, can’t fault it for facilities and organisation. I like Harrodian too though. More relaxed dress code so I guess it means the teenagers can look cool! I think my DS could fit into either as he has some strengths and interests that suit one or the other schools. Eg quite into digital creativity (photography, coding apps/games etc), enjoys drama. Harrodian has a beautiful environment, inside and out which is quite uplifting. Not sure though whether it matters after a few weeks if you stop noticing.