Hampton Boys or Latymer Upper

[BumbleSquish]

We feel extremely grateful to be in a position to choose between two very good schools - Hampton and Latymer Upper for 2024 entry.

Ds is very much into football, enjoys history and politics. Musicwise plays drums. Not very much into drama - would do backstage/tech/lighting if involved in this.

Have considered the obvious differences - boys only vs co-ed. Can see the pros and cons of both and ds is not phased either way.

Have considered the GCSE situation - we're not against the changes proposed by Latymer, in fact view them quite favourably. Just worried that Y7 entry this year will be the guinea pigs for the new programme... inevitable teething issues?

Sports wise they seem to be similar... obviously Hampton has sports on site.
Distance and ease of travel is also relatively similar.

So we're really torn!!! What else should we be considering, looking into? Anyone with dc already at either of these schools? Anyone faced with similar choice recently and what did you decide and why?

Had the same choice a few years ago. DS is very happy at LU but I'm sure he would have been happy at Hampton although we all really like the Co-Ed aspect.
The most important thing in our decision in the end was journey/ logistics etc. He would have had to go on the school bus to Hampton and although I convinced myself it would have been fine, in retrospect it would have been a nightmare rushing for the bus every morning! Plus all events at school, evening rehearsals, early morning rowing etc.
He and I can get to LU easily by public transport and cycling and I'm very grateful for that.
Hampton will be stronger at some sports as have a much bigger pool of boys to choose from but LU does OK!
PM if you want any specifics.

What school did you choose in the end?

We decided on Hampton in the end :)
Were you making the same decision?

Yes- we had a few to choose from which was extremely tough, all such great schools. We went for Hampton.

Yes! Such a tough decision!!! But relieved now and very excited for September!

BumbleSquish and lolo99- would you mind sharing how things are a few years after your decisions? Do your boys enjoy their time at Hampton? Do they get to do sports/ activities they like? How are they finding travel on coaches if they use them? We are facing a similar choice between LU and Hampton, travel time about the same for both.

Hampton is an amazing school, my son is enjoying very much - a real sense of belonging, plenty of opportunities. Never lost as just a number, strong pastoral care. Boys only has really worked for him too as it's very relaxed and all boys get along well. I have never looked back and thought we made the wrong choice. Travel on coaches is not a problem... it's relatively quiet - he sometimes catches up on homework on it. Good luck with your decision and hope it works out for your son whichever school you choose.

Hi we went for Hampton and my son loves it. The work is challenging but not so impossibly hard that he is struggling, the sport is fantastic and music too and the lunches delicious. With LU we would have had to travel a lot which is not ideal, especially in winter. Hampton keep all their clubs in the school day (longer lunches to accommodate) and there are so many clubs, it's amazing. I have never once thought it the wrong decision. A variety of personality types and backgrounds and very intelligent, committed and supportive staff. Great and expansive grounds- it's busy but a buzzy busy. I wondered if we were fools turning LU down after knowing from the queues and chat how much people wanted it. Hampton is the same but you just don't see the intimidating queues- it's hard to get in but for a reason.