Meet Koby

I lived in Hounslow with my mum, dad, and little sister. To be honest a private education never crossed our minds but then we started hearing about the free places scheme at Hampton. When we walked through Hampton’s doors – it felt just right, and all the people were welcoming. I already loved chess at that time and knowing that Hampton had a strong Chess culture and that the school would support me all the way, was the icing on the cake.

The admissions process at Hampton is just like any other school – it was straightforward, and the admissions team made it as simple as possible, The interview was a game changer for me. Talking to Mr Knibbs it was more of a conversation and he talked about how I would achieve big things as part of the chess team which even I hadn’t dreamt of.

Having a free place never made a difference, I felt the same as everyone else. We’re all treated as equals and given the same opportunities, and no one talks about your background - everyone just talks about the opportunities you have available to you.

I really liked the lessons – especially Chemistry but there was so much more than academic work on offer. I got involved in the orchestra and the male a cappella choir Voices of Lions, and did some football. But my first love has always been chess and I was a passionate member of the chess team. The school supported my independent chess career too and in Fifth Year I became the Under 18 British Chess Champion, which was amazing.

My dream from a young age was to go to the University of Cambridge. I am currently studying medicine there. Hampton reinforced my personal ethos to care for others, to treat everyone as equal and I really look forward to developing that as a doctor in the future.