Kingston Grammar School (KGS) and Hampton School school life and comparison - fit for an all-rounder kid

[Ian85]

Hi everyone,

I'm seeking insights from parents with children in both Kingston Grammar School (KGS) and Hampton School. My son is lucky enough to have offers from both. While I understand the key difference of co-education, I'm curious about the day-to-day life at each school. Is KGS known for a more relaxed atmosphere, or would my son (an academic, sports-loving, arts arts, drama and music-enthusiast) potentially thrive more in a bigger (+1300 boys I heard open day), all-boys environment like Hampton?

While Hampton seems to have a slight edge in A-level results, the specific science and engineering degree options appear equivalent for both schools when you look at the leavers destinations stats. Ultimately, I'm interested in finding the best fit for my son's well-rounded interests and personality.

Here's what I've considered:

Academics: Both schools boast impressive results, with similar offerings in his preferred science and engineering fields.
Sports: Clearly Hampton has the edge
Arts & Music: Does either school offer more diverse or intensive programs in these areas?
Drama & DT: Are there ample opportunities to participate in these at both schools? Is it more important to practise drama classes in a co-ed environment?
School ethos: Would KGS's co-educational environment or Hampton's all-boys environment be more stimulating and supportive for him?

Any insights from parents who have experience with both schools would be greatly appreciated!

Netball is on site and some cricket coaching for upper years. PE is also on site.

in the darker months Games lessons are at the sports ground but after school training is all over the place - mostly local hockey clubs (for astros) or schools (for cricket nets). Always a coach back to school.

I think they applied for planning permission for floodlights so this may change - it’s hampered by being so close to Hampton Court Palace.

for us, the lack of sports facilities on site was not a deal breaker at all but it is something to be aware of.

and you’re welcome. When we were trying to make a decision this time last year there were some very, very helpful posters, so just paying in backwards, so to speak.

There is a games afternoon (hockey!) once a week, PE once a week, in school hours. Other sport and squad training is mostly after school with a bit of lunchtime or before school, and some fixtures are in school time. This is for year 7. No idea about other years, haven’t got there yet. So yes, 4pm if you want to do extra sport

but where do they train at 4pm if there are floodlights?

as I’ve said above (post at 13:10) on site for netball, and all over the place for everything else (am assuming you mean “no floodlights”)

I have now run out of things to say about KGS sport 😂

@Ian85 , for football at Hampton the training is during lunchtime but because of this they expect you to play for a local club and have 1 night of training outside school each week plus a Sunday match. I think rugby has training after school, you will have to ask and the same for cricket that also has a winter nets programme on Saturdays too. If your ds is sporty then school sport will be a big part of his week at any of these schools. The different sports on offer and location of the sports grounds really helps parent make decisions when journey isn't a factor. (We haven't got on to rowing)!

For Hampton you chose football or rugby at the beginning. My son is in rugby team training is one lunch time a week and Saturday mornings for training/matches as well as the regular games season in school. No training after school as most boys get coaches home. I think this is same for football. Maybe a team has an extra session, my son is b team.

Hi 3muskateermum, all! Thanks for all your insight in this thread.
For Hamptons is there sport every Saturday in term time? Hour many the hours do they play?
I’ve heard that the school coach does not run on Saturdays so the thought of a sat drive out each week is quite daunting. We are not a very sporty family but my son plays A team rugby so may well be picked for the team as there is a smaller pool of players.
Also Anyone have any insight on the Mon- Frid coach service from Putney?
Thanks very much !!

@Happigolucki , if you look at the fixture list on the website you can see how often there are Saturday home matches which you would have to drop off for. Sometimes the away matches might be nearer to you and for other away matches you may need to drop and collect from Hampton so your ds can take the bus to the match. The rowing is in Sunbury with no public transport.
Once your ds is older he can take the train to Hampton station and walk or get a public bus. (You have to go to the school to collect from school trips if they are late back etc).

Hi @Happigolucki I echo @tennissquare its most Saturdays term time, and especially if he is A team. If you’re not sporty or you have another commitment out of school like drama/martial arts or a family occasion you can get out of it but there is pressure not to let the team down. It’s usually an early start (8/9) so traffic light but pick up often 11/12 so a bit grim! All I can say is I’m always glad he’s had a run around on a Saturday morning so I don’t have to be so militant about the gaming time! He gets a match tea and some camaraderie and for a not so sporty boy it’s been a nice addition to his life.
If he chooses football unless he is very very good it’s likely he won’t have many matches.

thanks for the info, so are we saying unless you are at the A team your fixtures would be less?

And if you are not at the A team and you do not have fixtures, would you still do training during Satyrday?

I don’t want to make you any promises but in my experience if you do rugby you are always in a match as numbers are less. If you do football it’s usually only a, b and sometimes c teams that have regular Saturday matches. It’s something to check/ask at the offer holder day.

We are also choosing between these two schools! We are waiting to see both again on the taster days. With KGS taster day not until next week, is there any risk of not booking a coach spot now if we ultimately go with Hampton? Are the coaches oversubscribed?

Plenty of spaces on our coach, I think waiting til the 4th is fine but also worth checking, if you call the office they will let you know. They admin staff at Hampton are very friendly and helpful in my experience

@springsunshine10 , I've been at parent events when this is asked, they would lay on another coach if 1 was full. If you think of how many dc use the coach service from both the prep schools as well as senior schools it's a lot of dc. The company is run as not for profit by the 2 schools, this means it is expensive though and you are at the mercy of the price increases if no other option.

No training on a Saturday if no match.
My son plays E team football and only 1/2 matches a term on a Saturday. (basically only against large boys school ie Eton/Harrow who can put out 5 teams!)

I only wanted to add that I would probably put your name on the list for a coach now and then take it off if you don't want it. I've got two (at Hampton and LEH) and there are full coaches (theirs being one - every seat taken), and at least one other I know of and you are put on a waiting list for a place. Another bus was not offered (which I can understand).

Thanks all very helpful. Another question - Someone mentioned in one of the posts Hampton posts that drama & music were only for those who are really good - any views?
I know there are some seriously talented young musicians at the school who merit special teaching but I think the “everyone should have a go” & “it’s never too late to learn” approach is really important. Thanks !!

Hi @Happigolucki my son yr 8 has been in 4 drama productions so far and he just took up a new instrument when he started (just had grade 2 piano before) and is in a concert at the end of term. I’d say 100% if you want to be involved you will be, definitely not just for the elite. The standard is very high but if you’re enthusiastic they will make space for you.
though thinking of it some of his friends didn’t get into the big drama production, but because of this the drama department did another smaller production so everyone had a chance to perform on stage.
can’t comment on KGS provision yet although this is where we are sending our daughter in September!

our DS got offers from both schools. they are all good schools and each has different strength. I like both schools start with new coholt unlike others with junior school. in the end we chose KGS because of distance and co-ed. 11 year old boy sitting in school bus for 2 hours everyday feels too much.

I'd choose KGS if it's closer. Don't under estimate how important location is for them as they go through the school. A long commute to school stuck in traffic is not fun. KGS is a Really great school and being co-ed the kids mix well and are well rounded. I've had kids at single sex and co-ed and I'm now firmly pro co-ed. love having my house full of both girls and boys. As they get older the location is excellent as they socialize in Kingston. So many opportunities in drama, music and sports. Academically both schools are very strong.