About Taunton School

We encourage an orderly but relaxed atmosphere in Taunton School and we expect a high level of personal discipline and responsibility from our pupils.

This can only be achieved if relationships are based upon mutual respect and trust between all members of the school community.
We encourage the pupils to use their initiative and develop a sense of fun. All pupils are called by their first names and we have little time for social pretence. 

Visitors to the School often tell us that it has an unpretentious feel to it and is extraordinarily friendly. The staff are true enthusiasts and dedicated - good facilities are nothing without teachers of quality.


Our History
The School was founded over 150 years ago.
It moved to its present site, in 1870 to a fine range of purpose built buildings. The original house, Fairwater, dating from the 18th century, is now a boys' boarding house.


Facilities
The older buildings are complemented by modern designs including specialist teaching facilities, a magnificent Sports Hall, and a girls' boarding house.
More recently, amongst other projects, an astro-turf playing surface and a 25m indoor swimming pool have been constructed, an Arts Centre and Theatre built, the girls' boarding accommodation extended to cope with increased demand and the Sixth Form Centre refurbished.
Elsewhere the facilities are being continually upgraded. The School is exceptionally well equipped and enjoys a spacious 56-acre site.


Structure
The School has three parts to it:
the Senior School (13 - 18 years) which has 450 pupils of whom 200 are in the Sixth Form;
the Preparatory School (7 - 13 years) with 320 pupils;
and the Pre-Prep and First Steps Nursery with about 140 children (2 - 7 years).

All three parts of the School are on the same site and share a common purpose. Thus we are able to offer a properly co-ordinated education.

In addition we have our own International Study Centre for approximately 45 overseas students, which is situated adjacent to the main campus.

As one of the first independent schools to have accepted both boys and girls (in 1973) we can lay claim to being genuinely coeducational. Approximately 40% of our pupils are girls.


House System
Taunton School is a boarding school with a substantial number of day pupils.
There are 5 boarding houses (1 girls' and 3 boys') and 6 day houses (3 girls' and 3 boys').
Each house has a Housemaster or Housemistress who, in the case of the boarding houses, lives in the house together with his or her family, and a resident House Tutor.
Each house also has non-resident tutors attached to it. The House staff are concerned with every aspect of the pupils in their care, giving academic or pastoral guidance and encouragement when needed. A close liaison between parents and house staff is actively encouraged.


Academics
We seek the highest academic standards for our pupils, and academic achievements are strong.
In the first year in the Senior School we offer the broadest possible curriculum with options kept to a minimum. On average pupils will take 9 GCSE's in the Fifth Form (Year 11).

Sixth Formers study for either A Levels or the IB Diploma. A wide range of subjects are offered across both programmes, with the majority of students aiming for university or college. Class sizes in the Sixth Form average approximately 10 students. Potential Oxbridge candidates are identified in the Lower Sixth so that they can be given appropriate additional tuition and preparation.
Careers advice is considered an important part of school life with work experience for all in the Lower Sixth.


ICT - Computing
We have made a significant investment in Information Communication Technology (ICT) in recent years.
Taunton School has over 400 computers spread between 16 IT Suites accross the school. Internet access is very fast through our 10 megabit ADSL broadband connection.
ICT has become an integral part of the curriculum.


Extra-curricular
We also have high expectations of our pupils outside the classroom. Through a 'Personal Development Programme' everyone is encouraged to participate in a wide range of extra-curricular activities, including debating in which the School has a deserved international reputation, the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme, Combined Cadet Force, and astronomy, to name but a few. There are also active subject societies such as Greek, Science and History.


Sport
We have a distinguished record in team and individual sports.
On any one Saturday we may have up to 17 teams representing the School at various sports.
Our philosophy is to encourage athletic excellence - we currently have several internationals in the School and pupils regularly represent the County - whilst remembering that these activities are essentially for recreation.


Music
Music plays a vital part in the life of the School, and we deservedly have a good reputation for the quality and range of our music-making.

About a third of pupils learn a musical instrument; many learn two or more. 
We have several choirs, a large choral society, orchestras, and numerous other ensembles including a jazz band, a wind band and a madrigal group, all perform regularly.


Drama
Drama is extremely active in the School, in any one term there will normally be at least two productions with pupils of all ages participating. 

Some productions are devised by the pupils themselves - and to remarkably high standards.
Productions are staged not just for the benefit of the performers but also to provide experience in such activities as scenery, lighting, sound, make-up etc.


Our location
The School is situated on the northern edge of Taunton and is surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside in England.
There is easy nation-wide rail and road access: London and Birmingham are both reached in under two hours by train, as is Heathrow Airport, while the M5 and M4 bring Swindon, Bristol, South Wales, Exeter and Plymouth within approximately one hour's drive.

We would urge you to come and see for yourself why everyone is talking about Taunton School.