SW London boys 11+ 2022 entry

[Sweetnhappy]

Hi, my DS is in year 5 and we're struggling with not being able to see schools in person. We're having a think about where to apply and at the moment KCL is a favourite geographically but we haven't seen it so don't have a feel for the vibe. We went to see Hampton and KGS before the first lockdown without DS and liked them both. The Emanuel tours booked so quickly when they were released a few weeks ago, I think they are releasing more slots soon. Just wondering if anyone can give us a feeling of the vibe of these schools. Does anyone know what is happening with the headteacher at Kings? They seem to have an acting head at the moment.

yes it has moved. We received an offer earlier this week. and are now struggling between hampton and latymer. we had to say no to city.

Worth noting that the Westminster Oxbridge stats are swayed by the fact that they literally cream off the highest achieving girls from the London and international schools who come in and stun the boys with their ability. My eldest went to Westminster and absolutely loved it, my second is currently at Hampton and my youngest, who has just got places at a Grammar and all the selectives he sat for, is opting for Hampton for entry in Sept. Having been to so many concerts, plays etc at the school, he can't wait to go.

Westminster encourages independent learning, possibly because the students are, on the whole, incredibly motivated and enter the school in Year 9 pretty much already at GCSE level. If a student is not self-motivated then they can fall through the cracks. My experience of Hampton is one where the school keeps track of each and every boy. Any slacking by my son (I blame my DNA!) and I will get an update from the school. If they feel he is falling behind in anything, they will put extra support in place. It is a really down to earth school where I feel the boys are validated and encouraged. There is a lovely atmosphere between the boys when you see them at any of the school events. My son is now a few months away from his GCSEs and I do feel that the school has helped him to work at the best of his capability, without him feeling pressurised or at all stressed.

@13milebeach, that is a fair point re girls in sixth form. Although I’m not sure they take all the top performers - KCS takes about 50, and many others stay where they are.

We briefly considered it for my eldest DD; but the difference in fees between her (very good) current school and Westminster was enough to put us off - it is nearly £30k more over just the two sixth form years!

Latymer or Hampton - how does one decide!!!!
We just can’t figure it out. Really worried about pastoral care at Latymer as haven’t heard many positive things

@Glassfull there’s a whole thread on that choice. We had to make that choice last month and decided on LU. When my son visited the school again, he just loved it. What is more convenient for you?

Latymer is easier. Could you tag me on the thread, I have been going crazy with all the research. Thank you so much. Can I pm you about reasoning for the choice?

There was no mention of any planned buildings works at LU on their tour, so that's a positive.

@Glassfull

Latymer is easier. Could you tag me on the thread, I have been going crazy with all the research. Thank you so much. Can I pm you about reasoning for the choice?

@Glassfull I have tagged you and hope it worked. Feel free to PM me.

Right, decision finally made. Deposit paid. We've settled on Hampton. Good luck to everyone else still deciding, not much time left!

we have paid deposit for latymer. right decision for us. thank you everyone for all the input.

@Glassfull

we have paid deposit for latymer. right decision for us. thank you everyone for all the input.

From what you've previously mentioned, I think that sounds like the right decision.

Congrats for deciding - we landed on Hampton. DS is excited and feels like the right call for us. Thanks all for you help and support through this