St Pauls or Hamptons

[Rey1979]

Does anyone have a view on the above 2 schools. My DS has got offers for 13 plus from above 2 schools.
Its a no brainer to Pick St pauls because ofthe league tables.
Any thoughts

Choose St Paul’s School if you prioritise exceptional academic performance, a challenging curriculum, and modern facilities. It's ideal for students seeking an academically rigorous environment. Ot is a very traditional school

Choose Hampton School if you prefer a balanced educational approach that encourages independent thinking in a supportive and energetic environment. It's suitable for students who value a comprehensive education with strong academic. I will emphasise: independent thinking.

Academically: St Paul's is slightly better at the GCSE results but Hampton at A- level.

The very important is the commute.

If I had a choice I would send my child to Hampton. If I was driven by status and what people will say, I would send my child to St Paul's

I would go for the easiest journey by public transport. If both the same I would probably go with Hampton ( know lots of families at both- all the ones at Hampton seem happy, St Paul’s more mixed).

Thank you, We are renting, so will move to a house close to the school
St pauls A levels are better than Hamptons. At GSCE, they are nearly the same
St Pauls was harder to get into , so seems like a prized possession

We are still debating

Any views welcome esp with parents with kids in the school.

A lot also depends if you find a nice place to rent in the location nearby and if you like the area, how far you have to work etc.

When it comes to results, it all depends on a specific child and good luck.

Also look at best fit for your child. Think about the boys in both that you have met or of the personalities if you know of any families.

I am a Hampton parent - two boys there, one is an academic geek, one is not quite as academic as his brother but far more of an all rounder. Neither are A team sport material but both are very happy, both love it. As a parent my overriding feeling is that it's very much a school that prioritises what is right for individuals, encourages excellence but also encourages the boys to be kind and to support each other.

I can't comment on St Pauls in all honesty because we didn't apply, I've never even looked round it, it would have been too much of a faff for our DC to get to and from where we live. That said, I think you're probably right @Rey1979 that St Pauls would be perceived as the more 'prestigious' school to get into and your comment about a 'prized possession' is probably correct.

However, I think Hampton has a very down-to-earth feel, and I suspect this is partly because it's not viewed as a 'prized possession' by many London parents (Westminster/Kings/St Pauls are very much the top 3, not necessarily in that order; Hampton is outside of that top 3).

But as @Hatty999 says please think about your child and best fit for them. It's so easy to get caught up in league tables but at the end of the day it's about where your child will feel most comfortable. If they are happy at school and supported at home they will achieve.

Enough already. It’s Hampton not Hamptons.

Hampton is a very good local school. St Pauls is a world stage school. Ie as posters above have said it has the prestige. Known happy boys at both as well as boys who have lost their way in sixth form with West London social pressures. Applies to all schools.

Also consider Hampton in an 11-18 school with a cohort that arrive at 13. St Paul’s is a 13-18 school. Both have their own preps so will have groups that know each other on arrival but starting at 13 may be easier at St Paul’s rather than needing to break into formed friendship groups at Hampton. Again know boys who have arrived at Hampton age 13 and it’s not been an issue.