Educational Choices

Tag: teachers

  • Comparing Sport at Hampton School and Kingston Grammar School

    Hampton School and Kingston Grammar School are both well known for strong sporting programmes and competitive fixtures against other leading independent schools. However, there are some differences in sporting culture, facilities and the range of teams offered.

    Official school websites
    https://www.hamptonschool.org.uk/
    https://www.kgs.org.uk/

    Sporting culture

    Hampton School has a long tradition of competitive sport and places a strong emphasis on participation and high performance. Major team sports include football, rugby, rowing, cricket, tennis and athletics.

    Kingston Grammar School also has a strong sporting culture, but as a co-educational school its main sports are slightly different. These typically include football, hockey, tennis, rowing and cricket, along with netball for girls.

    Facilities

    Hampton School benefits from extensive sports facilities including large playing fields, an all-weather sports ground, a sports hall, gymnasium and a dedicated boathouse on the River Thames.

    Kingston Grammar School also has impressive facilities, particularly at its Ditton Field sports ground in Thames Ditton. This site includes astroturf hockey pitches, football pitches, cricket squares, tennis courts and netball courts, along with a boathouse on the Thames for rowing.

    Rowing

    Rowing is a major sport at both schools.

    Hampton School has a highly successful boat club whose crews regularly compete in national regattas and events such as Henley Royal Regatta.

    Kingston Grammar School also has a strong rowing tradition. Its boat club competes in major rowing events including the National Schools Regatta and Henley Royal Regatta.

    Team participation

    Hampton School, as a large boys’ school, fields many teams across different year groups and sports. This allows a large proportion of pupils to represent the school in competitive fixtures.

    Kingston Grammar School also encourages high levels of participation. Many pupils represent the school in sport each year and take part in inter-school competitions and house events.

    Sporting focus

    The main sporting focus of the two schools differs slightly.

    Hampton School traditionally emphasises rugby, rowing and cricket alongside football and athletics.

    Kingston Grammar School is particularly strong in rowing and hockey, although football, tennis and cricket are also widely played.

    Overall comparison

    In simple terms:

    • Hampton School tends to have a strong tradition in rugby and rowing, with very large participation across many teams.
    • Kingston Grammar School has a broad sports programme with particular strengths in rowing and hockey.
    • Both schools have excellent facilities and regularly compete against leading independent schools.

    Overall, Hampton School is often viewed as one of the strongest sporting boys’ schools in the region, while Kingston Grammar School offers a similarly competitive sporting programme within a co-educational environment.

  • Comparing Exam Results at Hampton School and Kingston Grammar School

    Hampton School and Kingston Grammar School are two highly regarded independent schools in south-west London. Both schools achieve excellent academic results at GCSE and A-level and regularly send students to leading universities. However, there are some differences in the proportion of top grades and the overall academic profile of each school.

    Official school websites
    https://www.hamptonschool.org.uk/
    https://www.kgs.org.uk/

    A-level results

    Hampton School is widely known as one of the most academically successful boys’ schools in the region.

    At Hampton School, a very high proportion of A-level grades are typically awarded at A* or A. A large majority of grades also fall within the A*–B range, reflecting the strong academic intake and high expectations of the school.

    Kingston Grammar School also achieves excellent A-level results. A significant proportion of grades are usually A*–A, and the majority fall within the A*–B range.

    Both schools therefore achieve very strong results, although Hampton School often has a slightly higher proportion of the very top grades.

    GCSE results

    GCSE outcomes are also strong at both schools.

    At Hampton School, a very large proportion of GCSE grades are typically in the 9–7 range, with many pupils achieving the highest grades.

    Kingston Grammar School also produces excellent GCSE results, with most grades at the top levels and a high percentage of students achieving grades 9–7.

    Both schools perform far above national averages for GCSE results.

    University destinations

    Students from both schools progress to leading universities.

    Many pupils from Hampton School go on to Russell Group universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, and competitive courses such as medicine, engineering and physics.

    Kingston Grammar School also sends a high proportion of students to Russell Group universities and other highly regarded institutions.

    Academic profile

    The difference in results partly reflects the nature of the schools.

    Hampton School is a highly selective boys’ independent day school with a strong academic reputation and a long tradition of high attainment.

    Kingston Grammar School is also academically selective but is co-educational and emphasises a balanced education combining academic success with sport, music and extracurricular activities.

    Overall comparison

    In simple terms:

    • Hampton School often achieves slightly higher proportions of A* and A grades at A-level.
    • GCSE results at both schools are extremely strong, with many pupils achieving grades 9–7.
    • Both schools send students to leading universities each year.

    Overall, Hampton School is often seen as slightly more academically selective, while Kingston Grammar School combines excellent academic results with a broad co-curricular programme and a co-educational environment.

  • Comparing Exam Results at Hampton School and St John’s School Leatherhead

    Hampton School and St John’s School Leatherhead are both strong independent schools in the Surrey and south-west London area. However, their academic results show some differences in overall attainment, particularly at A-level and GCSE.

    Official school websites
    https://www.hamptonschool.org.uk/
    https://www.stjohnsleatherhead.co.uk/

    A-level results

    Hampton School is generally considered one of the more academically selective boys’ schools in the region, and this is reflected in its A-level results.

    At Hampton School, a very high proportion of A-level grades are typically awarded at A* or A, placing the school among the strongest performing independent schools academically.

    At St John’s School Leatherhead, results are also strong but slightly less concentrated at the very top grades. A significant proportion of A-level grades are usually in the A*–B range.

    Both schools therefore achieve very high pass rates, but Hampton School typically has a larger proportion of the very highest grades.

    GCSE results

    GCSE results show a similar pattern.

    St John’s School Leatherhead reports a high percentage of GCSE grades at 9–7, which is strong compared with national averages.

    Hampton School also achieves very high GCSE results, with a large majority of grades in the 9–7 range, reflecting the academic selectivity of its intake.

    University destinations

    Both schools send many students to leading universities.

    Students from Hampton School frequently go on to Russell Group universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, as well as competitive courses such as medicine, engineering and physics.

    St John’s School Leatherhead also sends pupils to a wide range of universities including Russell Group institutions, although its ethos is often described as producing well-rounded students rather than focusing purely on academic competition.

    Academic profile

    The difference in results partly reflects the type of school.

    Hampton School is a highly selective academic boys’ day school, with entrance exams that attract very strong academic candidates.

    St John’s School Leatherhead is co-educational and slightly broader in its intake, with a strong emphasis on balancing academics with sport, arts and extracurricular activities.

    Overall comparison

    In simple terms:

    • Hampton School tends to achieve higher proportions of A* and A grades, reflecting its very academic intake.
    • St John’s School Leatherhead still achieves strong results, particularly at GCSE and A-level, but with slightly fewer top grades overall.
    • Both schools send students to leading universities and provide strong academic preparation.

    Overall, Hampton School is often seen as more academically selective, while St John’s Leatherhead combines good results with a broader educational approach and a strong focus on pastoral care and extracurricular life.

  • Comparing Reigate Grammar School and Caterham School

    Reigate Grammar School and Caterham School are two highly regarded independent schools in Surrey. Both are co-educational and educate pupils aged 11–18, offering strong academic results alongside a wide range of extracurricular opportunities. Despite these similarities, the schools differ in their structure, academic profile and overall school atmosphere.

    Official school websites
    https://www.reigategrammar.org/
    https://www.caterhamschool.co.uk/

    Admissions and entry

    Both schools are selective independent schools and require pupils to pass entrance assessments before being offered a place.

    Reigate Grammar School admits pupils mainly at 11+ and sixth form. The admissions process normally includes entrance examinations, interviews and references from the pupil’s current school.

    Caterham School also admits pupils primarily at 11+ and sometimes at 13+ or sixth form. Pupils typically sit entrance assessments and attend interviews or assessment days as part of the admissions process.

    Both schools are competitive to enter and attract pupils from across Surrey and south London.

    Academic results

    Both schools achieve very strong academic outcomes, although Reigate Grammar School is often considered slightly more academically selective.

    Reigate Grammar School regularly achieves very high exam results, with the majority of A-level grades typically between A* and B. It often appears among the top performing independent schools in the South East.

    Caterham School also performs strongly academically, with a large proportion of A-level grades at A*–B and strong GCSE results.

    Students from both schools regularly progress to Russell Group universities, and a number gain places at Oxford and Cambridge each year.

    School environment

    The atmosphere of the two schools can feel slightly different.

    Reigate Grammar School is located in the centre of Reigate and has the feel of a busy academic day school. It is known for high expectations, strong academic performance and a lively school community.

    Caterham School has a more traditional campus setting just outside the town of Caterham. The school emphasises innovation in teaching, technology and entrepreneurship alongside academic achievement.

    Facilities and extracurricular life

    Both schools provide extensive opportunities beyond the classroom.

    Reigate Grammar School offers sport, music, drama, debating and many other clubs and societies. The school has a strong reputation for encouraging pupils to balance academic work with extracurricular interests.

    Caterham School is set on a large campus and offers facilities for sport, performing arts and academic enrichment. The school has invested heavily in technology and digital learning, reflecting its focus on innovation.

    Fees

    Both schools charge independent school tuition fees.

    Reigate Grammar School fees are typically just over £9,000 per term depending on the year group.

    Caterham School fees are broadly similar to other Surrey independent schools and fall within a comparable range.

    Location

    The two schools are located relatively close to each other in Surrey.

    Reigate Grammar School is located in the town of Reigate in east Surrey.

    Caterham School is located about ten miles away in Caterham in the Tandridge district of Surrey.

    Both schools draw pupils from across Surrey, south London and neighbouring counties.

    Overall

    Reigate Grammar School and Caterham School are both respected independent schools with strong academic reputations and excellent extracurricular programmes.

    Reigate Grammar School is often chosen by families seeking a highly academic day school with very strong exam results and a long tradition.

    Caterham School appeals to families looking for a modern co-educational school with strong academic outcomes and a forward-looking approach to education.

    For many families the choice between the two comes down to the preferred school environment, location and whether they favour the more traditional academic feel of Reigate Grammar or the campus-style and innovative approach associated with Caterham School.

  • Comparing Bolton School Boys’ Division and Bolton School Girls’ Division

    Bolton School Boys’ Division and Bolton School Girls’ Division are two parts of the same historic independent school foundation in Greater Manchester. They share the same campus, traditions and overall governance, but they operate as separate single-sex schools for pupils aged 11–18.

    Official school website
    https://www.boltonschool.org/

    Admissions and entry

    Both divisions are selective independent schools and require pupils to pass entrance assessments before being offered a place.

    The Boys’ Division admits boys from around age 7 through to sixth form. Entry normally involves assessments in subjects such as English, mathematics and reasoning, followed by interviews.

    The Girls’ Division admits girls across the same age range and follows a similar admissions process, including entrance examinations taken during Year 6 for pupils hoping to join the senior school.

    Because the two divisions are part of the same school foundation, their admissions standards and expectations are broadly similar.

    Academic results

    Both divisions achieve strong academic results and have a reputation for academic success in the North West.

    The Boys’ Division regularly achieves high A-level results with a large proportion of grades at A*–A and A*–B.

    The Girls’ Division also performs strongly academically and consistently achieves high GCSE and A-level results.

    Students from both divisions progress to universities across the UK, including Russell Group institutions and occasionally Oxford and Cambridge.

    School environment

    Although the divisions share the same overall school foundation, their environments differ slightly because they are single-sex schools.

    The Boys’ Division focuses on an all-boys educational environment, with teaching designed to support how boys learn and develop confidence both academically and socially.

    The Girls’ Division emphasises collaborative learning and aims to build confidence and independence in girls, encouraging them to challenge themselves academically and personally.

    Despite these differences, both divisions share similar values and traditions as part of the same school.

    Facilities and extracurricular life

    Both divisions benefit from the extensive facilities available across the Bolton School campus.

    The school sits on a large site with sports fields, performance spaces and modern teaching facilities. Pupils from both divisions can take part in a wide range of extracurricular activities including music, drama, debating, sport and outdoor pursuits.

    The school also runs an outdoor education centre in the Lake District and offers programmes such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

    Sport is particularly strong in the Boys’ Division, with teams competing successfully in regional and national competitions.

    Size and structure

    Bolton School is one of the largest independent day schools in the UK with more than 2,500 pupils across its divisions.

    The Boys’ Division and Girls’ Division each have their own buildings, teaching staff and leadership teams, although they share some facilities and the same wider school foundation.

    In the sixth form, pupils from both divisions come together more frequently through shared facilities and activities.

    Location

    Both divisions are located on the same campus on Chorley New Road in Bolton in Greater Manchester.

    The shared campus means pupils benefit from extensive facilities while still maintaining the advantages of single-sex education.

    Overall

    Bolton School Boys’ Division and Bolton School Girls’ Division are closely linked schools with the same heritage, facilities and academic expectations.

    The Boys’ Division offers a traditional boys’ school environment focused on academic achievement, sport and leadership opportunities.

    The Girls’ Division offers a similar academic standard within a girls-only environment that emphasises confidence, collaboration and independence.

    For most families the choice between the two divisions is determined simply by the pupil’s gender, but both provide a very similar level of education, facilities and university preparation within the Bolton School foundation.

  • Comparing Notre Dame School Cobham and Surbiton High School

    Notre Dame School in Cobham and Surbiton High School are two well-known independent schools in Surrey and south-west London. Both schools educate girls through their senior years and offer strong academic programmes along with extracurricular opportunities. However, they differ in their academic focus, school atmosphere, facilities and overall approach to education.

    Official school websites
    https://www.notredame.co.uk/
    https://www.surbitonhigh.com/

    Admissions and entry

    Both schools are independent fee-paying schools and select pupils through entrance assessments and interviews.

    Notre Dame School is a girls’ independent day school located in Cobham, Surrey. Pupils typically join at several stages including Year 7 and sixth form. The school emphasises a supportive admissions process that looks at the whole pupil rather than focusing only on academic testing.

    Surbiton High School is also an independent girls’ school at senior level and forms part of a larger school that includes preparatory and junior sections. Entry normally takes place through assessments and interviews, and the school is known to be academically selective.

    Academic results

    Both schools achieve strong results, though Surbiton High School is generally seen as the more academically intensive environment.

    At Surbiton High School, a high proportion of A-level grades are A*–A and many students go on to Russell Group universities.

    Notre Dame School also achieves good academic results and places a strong emphasis on progress and personal development, with pupils typically making strong progress across GCSE subjects.

    While both schools prepare pupils for university, Surbiton High is often regarded as one of the more academically competitive girls’ schools in the area.

    School environment

    The atmosphere at the two schools can feel quite different.

    Notre Dame School has a reputation for a nurturing and supportive environment. The school places emphasis on values such as respect, community and personal growth. It is often described as more balanced and less academically pressured than some nearby independent schools.

    Surbiton High School tends to have a stronger academic focus combined with high expectations for pupils. The school encourages ambition while also offering strong pastoral support.

    Facilities and extracurricular life

    Both schools provide a wide range of activities beyond the classroom.

    Notre Dame School is set in parkland in Cobham and has outdoor spaces, sports facilities and green surroundings which contribute to a calm learning environment.

    Surbiton High School operates across several sites in Kingston and Surbiton and offers facilities for sport, music, drama and academic enrichment. Pupils have access to clubs, societies and leadership opportunities throughout their time at the school.

    Fees

    Both schools charge independent school tuition fees.

    Surbiton High School fees are typically in the region of the mid-£20,000s per year depending on the year group.

    Notre Dame School fees are generally slightly lower than some larger London independent schools, although they still fall within the typical independent school fee range.

    Location

    The schools are located only a few miles apart in Surrey.

    Notre Dame School is located in Cobham, a village in Surrey known for its green surroundings and residential community.

    Surbiton High School is located in Surbiton and Kingston upon Thames, giving it a more urban setting with easy access to London transport links.

    Overall

    Notre Dame School Cobham and Surbiton High School are both respected independent schools with strong academic programmes and supportive learning environments.

    Notre Dame School often appeals to families looking for a smaller girls’ school with a nurturing atmosphere and a strong sense of community.

    Surbiton High School is often chosen by families seeking a more academically competitive girls’ school with very strong exam results and a wide range of opportunities.

    For many families in Surrey and south-west London, the choice often comes down to whether they prefer the smaller, community-focused environment of Notre Dame or the more academically driven setting of Surbiton High School.

  • Comparing Hampton School and St John’s School Leatherhead

    Hampton School and St John’s School Leatherhead are two well-known independent schools in the Surrey and south-west London area. Both offer strong academic results, extensive extracurricular programmes and preparation for leading universities. However, they differ in their structure, school culture and overall educational approach.

    Official school websites
    https://www.hamptonschool.org.uk/
    https://www.stjohnsleatherhead.co.uk/

    Admissions and entry

    Both schools are selective independent schools, meaning pupils must pass entrance assessments and interviews before being offered a place.

    Hampton School is a boys-only independent day school for pupils aged 11–18 located in Hampton, south-west London. Entry usually takes place at 11+, with around 160 places available each year and several applicants competing for each place.

    St John’s School Leatherhead is a co-educational independent school for pupils aged 11–18. It offers both day and boarding places and admits pupils mainly at 11+ and 13+. Entry normally involves assessments, an experience day and an interview.

    Academic results

    Both schools achieve strong academic outcomes, although Hampton School is often ranked among the highest performing independent boys’ schools in the UK.

    At Hampton School, recent A-level results show a very high proportion of grades at A* and A, reflecting its highly academic intake and rigorous teaching environment.

    St John’s School Leatherhead also performs strongly academically. A large proportion of GCSE grades are typically in the 9–7 range and most A-level grades are A*–B.

    Students from both schools regularly go on to Russell Group universities, with some securing places at Oxford or Cambridge.

    School environment

    The two schools differ in their structure and atmosphere.

    Hampton School is a traditional boys’ academic school with a long history dating back to the sixteenth century. The school emphasises intellectual curiosity, academic challenge and a very wide co-curricular programme including music, drama and sport.

    St John’s School Leatherhead offers a co-educational environment and has a Church of England foundation. The school aims to combine academic success with strong pastoral care and a sense of community.

    Families often choose between the two depending on whether they prefer a single-sex or co-educational school environment.

    Facilities and extracurricular life

    Both schools offer extensive opportunities outside the classroom.

    Hampton School has a large campus with sports fields, theatres, music facilities and a wide range of clubs and societies.

    St John’s School Leatherhead is set in a campus of around 50 acres and provides facilities for sport, performing arts and boarding as well as a wide range of extracurricular activities.

    Sport plays an important role at both schools, and pupils often compete at county or national level.

    Fees

    Both schools charge independent school tuition fees.

    Hampton School fees are around £9,972 per term.

    St John’s School Leatherhead fees vary depending on whether pupils are day students or boarders, with day-school fees generally in a similar range to other Surrey independent schools.

    Location

    The schools are located within a short distance of each other in south-west London and Surrey.

    Hampton School is located in Hampton in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.

    St John’s School is located in Leatherhead in Surrey, around ten miles south of Hampton.

    Overall

    Hampton School and St John’s School Leatherhead are both highly respected independent schools with strong academic results and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities.

    Hampton School is often chosen by families seeking a highly academic boys’ school with exceptional exam results and a long tradition.

    St John’s School Leatherhead appeals to families looking for a co-educational independent school with a strong community ethos and a balance between academic work, sport and pastoral care.

    For many families the choice comes down to whether they prefer a single-sex academic environment or a co-educational school with a broader campus experience.

  • Comparing Lady Eleanor Holles School and Surbiton High School

    Lady Eleanor Holles School (often called LEH) and Surbiton High School are two highly regarded independent girls’ schools in south-west London. Both schools offer strong academic results and a wide range of opportunities beyond the classroom, but they differ in history, admissions style, academic reputation and school atmosphere.

    Official school websites
    https://www.lehs.org.uk/
    https://www.surbitonhigh.com/

    Admissions and entry

    Both schools are independent and charge tuition fees, with pupils usually joining at age 11 through entrance assessments and interviews.

    Lady Eleanor Holles School is known for being particularly selective. It offers entry at several stages including Year 3, Year 7 and sixth form, and focuses strongly on academic potential. The school is well known for preparing girls for highly competitive universities and careers. (Lady Eleanor Holles –)

    Surbiton High School also selects pupils through entrance tests and interviews. It offers a continuous pathway from early years through to sixth form, with separate prep schools and a girls’ senior school. The school emphasises both academic achievement and pupil wellbeing in its admissions approach. (Surbiton High School)

    Academic results

    Both schools achieve strong academic outcomes, though LEH is often ranked among the very top independent girls’ schools in the UK.

    Lady Eleanor Holles School regularly appears high in national league tables. Around 77% of A-level grades are A* or A and roughly 94% of GCSE grades are at the top levels (7–9). (Top School Guide)

    Surbiton High School also performs well academically. In recent A-level results, around 62% of grades were A* or A and over 85% were A* to B. Many pupils progress to Russell Group universities and other competitive destinations. (Surbiton High School)

    School environment

    The atmosphere of the two schools can feel quite different.

    Lady Eleanor Holles School is known for a highly academic culture and strong intellectual environment. Pupils are encouraged to aim for ambitious university destinations and the school has a reputation for academic rigour and confidence-building.

    Surbiton High School tends to emphasise a balanced education combining academic success with pastoral care and personal development. The school often highlights the importance of happiness, confidence and individuality alongside academic achievement.

    Facilities and extracurricular life

    Both schools offer a wide range of extracurricular opportunities.

    Lady Eleanor Holles School has extensive facilities including sports grounds by the River Thames and strong partnerships with nearby Hampton School for shared activities such as drama productions and events. (Lady Eleanor Holles –)

    Surbiton High School offers a broad programme of clubs, music, drama and sport across its various campuses in Kingston upon Thames. The school also runs many enrichment opportunities, trips and leadership programmes.

    Fees

    Both schools charge independent school fees, though they vary slightly depending on the year group.

    Surbiton High School sixth-form fees are roughly £26,890 per year, with additional costs for some activities or trips. (Best Schools)

    Lady Eleanor Holles School fees are also in the typical London independent day-school range, reflecting its facilities and academic reputation.

    Location

    The two schools are only a few miles apart in south-west London.

    Lady Eleanor Holles School is located in Hampton near the River Thames and close to Hampton Court Palace.

    Surbiton High School is located in central Surbiton and Kingston upon Thames, making it easy to reach from many parts of Surrey and south-west London.

    Overall

    Lady Eleanor Holles School and Surbiton High School are both excellent independent girls’ schools but they appeal to slightly different families.

    Lady Eleanor Holles School is often seen as one of the most academically selective girls’ schools in the region, with exceptional exam results and strong university outcomes.

    Surbiton High School offers a strong academic education combined with a strong emphasis on pupil wellbeing, confidence and a broad school experience.

    For many families the choice comes down to whether they prefer the highly academic environment associated with LEH or the balanced academic and pastoral approach offered by Surbiton High School.

  • Comparing Lady Eleanor Holles School and The Tiffin Girls’ School

    Lady Eleanor Holles School (often known as LEH) and Tiffin Girls’ School are two of the most academically successful girls’ schools in south-west London. Both regularly achieve excellent GCSE and A-level results and send pupils to top universities. However, they differ significantly in terms of admissions, funding, school culture and opportunities.

    Official school websites
    https://www.lehs.org.uk/
    https://www.tiffingirls.org/

    Admissions and entry

    One of the biggest differences between the two schools is how pupils gain entry.

    Lady Eleanor Holles School is an independent girls’ day school. Pupils normally enter at age 11 through an entrance examination, interviews and references from their current school. Because it is independent, families must pay school fees.

    Tiffin Girls’ School is a selective state grammar school. Entry to Year 7 is based on performance in a highly competitive 11+ examination. As a state school it does not charge tuition fees, but places are extremely competitive because of its strong academic reputation.

    Academic results

    Both schools achieve excellent academic outcomes.

    Tiffin Girls’ School is widely regarded as one of the top performing state schools in the UK. Around 94% of GCSE grades are typically in the 9–7 range and over 90% of A-levels are graded A* to B in some recent results. (Exam Papers Plus)

    Lady Eleanor Holles School also performs extremely well academically. In London league tables, it regularly ranks among the top independent schools for A-level results, with a very high proportion of top grades. (London Pre-Prep)

    Both schools send pupils to Russell Group universities each year, with some students going on to Oxford and Cambridge.

    School environment

    The atmosphere and style of education can feel quite different.

    Lady Eleanor Holles School focuses strongly on a broad independent school education. Alongside academic work, the school emphasises sport, music, drama, debating and leadership opportunities. Independent school funding allows extensive trips, enrichment programmes and extracurricular activities.

    Tiffin Girls’ School has the character of a traditional grammar school. The environment is highly academic and pupils are generally very focused on their studies. There are clubs and societies, but the school is particularly known for its academic intensity.

    Facilities and opportunities

    Facilities often reflect the difference between independent and state funding.

    Lady Eleanor Holles School benefits from independent school resources and offers extensive facilities including sports grounds, modern teaching buildings and performance spaces.

    Tiffin Girls’ School provides good facilities for teaching and extracurricular activities, but as a state school it operates within public funding limits.

    Cost

    Cost is one of the clearest differences.

    Lady Eleanor Holles School charges substantial tuition fees each term, which support its facilities and broad programme of activities.

    Tiffin Girls’ School is free to attend because it is part of the state education system.

    Location

    The two schools are located only a few miles apart in south-west London.

    Lady Eleanor Holles School is located in Hampton near the River Thames and close to Hampton Court Palace.

    Tiffin Girls’ School is located in Kingston upon Thames, making it easily accessible from many parts of Surrey and south-west London.

    Overall

    Lady Eleanor Holles School and Tiffin Girls’ School are both outstanding schools with excellent academic records.

    Lady Eleanor Holles School offers the advantages of an independent education with extensive facilities and a wide co-curricular programme.

    Tiffin Girls’ School offers an academically exceptional state education without tuition fees, although entry is extremely competitive.

    For many families the choice comes down to whether they prefer the independent school experience or the selective grammar school route, as both schools provide strong preparation for university and future careers.

    If you want, I can also write comparisons for other nearby schools (for example LEH vs Surbiton High, LEH vs Putney High, or Tiffin Girls vs Nonsuch) which could work well as a series of articles on a school comparison site.

  • Comparing Hampton School and Kingston Grammar School

    Hampton School and Kingston Grammar School are two well-known independent schools in south-west London. Both schools have strong academic reputations and attract pupils from across Surrey and Greater London. Despite their similarities, they differ in several important ways, including their admissions structure, school environment and educational approach.

    Official school websites
    https://www.hamptonschool.org.uk/
    https://www.kgs.org.uk/

    Admissions and entry

    Both Hampton School and Kingston Grammar School are independent schools, meaning families pay tuition fees and pupils must pass entrance assessments.

    Hampton School is a boys-only independent day school for pupils aged 11 to 18. Entry is usually at 11+, although there are also opportunities to join at later stages such as sixth form. The school selects pupils through competitive entrance exams and interviews.

    Kingston Grammar School is a co-educational independent day school that also admits pupils aged 11 to 18. Entry is normally through an 11+ assessment followed by interviews and references from the pupil’s current school.

    Academic results

    Both schools achieve excellent academic results.

    Hampton School regularly produces very strong A-level outcomes. In one recent set of results, around 92% of pupils achieved A* or A at A-level, placing it among the stronger academic independent schools in the UK.

    Kingston Grammar School also performs extremely well academically. Around 95% of A-level grades are A*–B, and GCSE results are typically dominated by grades 9–7.

    Students from both schools regularly progress to Russell Group universities, with some gaining places at Oxford and Cambridge.

    School environment

    One of the most noticeable differences between the two schools is the learning environment.

    Hampton School is a single-sex boys’ school, which many families feel allows boys to focus academically without some of the social pressures of mixed classrooms. The school has a strong reputation for academic rigour combined with a very wide co-curricular programme, particularly in sport, music and drama.

    Kingston Grammar School is co-educational, meaning boys and girls study together throughout the school. Many families like this environment because it more closely reflects university and working life.

    Facilities and extracurricular life

    Both schools offer extensive facilities and a wide range of extracurricular activities.

    Hampton School is known for its large campus and strong sporting culture, as well as numerous clubs and societies covering music, drama, debating and academic enrichment.

    Kingston Grammar School also offers strong facilities, including sports grounds on the Thames opposite Hampton Court Palace, along with facilities for music, drama and a wide co-curricular programme.

    Fees

    As independent schools, both charge significant tuition fees.

    Hampton School’s tuition fees are about £9,972 per term, which places it among the more expensive London day schools.

    Kingston Grammar School charges around £8,290 per term, although additional costs such as trips and activities may apply.

    Both schools offer scholarships and bursaries to help families with the cost of fees.

    Location

    The schools are located only a few miles apart in south-west London.

    Hampton School sits in Hampton near the River Thames, close to Hampton Court Palace. Kingston Grammar School is located in central Kingston upon Thames, making it very accessible by train and bus from surrounding areas.

    Overall

    Hampton School and Kingston Grammar School are both highly respected independent schools with strong academic records and impressive university destinations.

    Hampton School may appeal particularly to families seeking a traditional boys’ independent school with a strong academic and sporting culture.

    Kingston Grammar School may appeal to families who prefer a co-educational independent school with excellent academic results and a broad range of extracurricular opportunities.

    For many families in south-west London, the decision often comes down to whether they prefer a single-sex or co-educational environment, as both schools offer a high-quality education and strong preparation for university.