Taunton School
Taunton, Somerset, England
Taunton School
Taunton, Somerset, England
Overview
Set in 56 acres just an hour from Bristol International airport, Taunton is a traditional co-educational boarding school that aims to challenge, nurture, and inspire students to reach their full potential. A highly successful international school has existed alongside for 20 years, with an International Middle School also nearby. Together they are an inclusive IB World School that welcomes students from all backgrounds and nationalities, celebrating difference and embracing uniqueness.
At a glance
Academic
In the Sixth Form students can opt for A Levels (with 30 subject choices) or the IB Diploma, whilst the International school offers a One-Year GCSE/Pre-IB programme and the International Middle School provides an intensive English Language course for students aged 7-14, acting as a ‘stepping stone’ into mainstream education. The School's strong academic record is illustrated by an average of around 60% of candidates achieving A*/B at A Level whilst IB candidates attain an average score of 33.
Boarding
A vibrant boarding community means the boarding houses soon become homes from home, and pupils develop strong loyalty to their particular house. The emphasis is on providing the best possible pastoral care and each house has a resident housemaster who is responsible for pupils’ day to day progress and well-being, supported by a graduate resident assistant and a house tutor for each school year. Tutors meet with their tutees as a group each week, with one to ones and informal chats as needed.
Sports
Links with local clubs mean professional coaches are involved in developing training programmes for elite players, but whether a student is at national level or a beginner the team will help them develop the necessary skills and awareness. The range of competitive sports extends beyond the ‘major’ sports to include cross-country, lacrosse, golf and horse riding. Facilities include 2 Astroturf pitches, tennis and squash courts, a climbing wall, 2 indoor swimming pools and a fitness suite.
Creative arts
The renowned Music School has performance at the heart of its philosophy and the numerous choirs, orchestras, bands and ensembles perform in School, at local venues, in London and internationally. Plays, musicals and performances are a regular occurrence in the theatre and in the dance and drama studio. Fine art and photography thrive with 5 art studios and 2 darkrooms whilst the design & technology studio includes a CAD suite with 4 3D printers, plus woodwork and metalworking equipment.
Did you know?
- The School was a founding member of the World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships and has hosted the tournament several times.
- Almost 50 different nationalities are represented amongst the student body, and International students make up around a third of students across the 3 sister schools.
