Attending a boarding school is a unique and enriching experience that has many benefits. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits and how this experience can lead to personal growth, academic excellence, and lifelong friendships.
Taunton School is one of the leading boarding schools in the South West of England. We have been welcoming students to our Somerset campus for more than 175 years and we are currently home to more than 500 boarders.
What is a Boarding School?
A boarding school is a school where the students live on the campus. The word ‘boarding’ refers to the old phrase “Room and Board”, meaning lodgers would get food and drink, as well as a place to sleep.
At Taunton School, our boarding provision starts from the age of 7 (Prep School / Year 3) all the way to aged 18. Our students are divided into boarding houses, which become like a home away from home. As well as our boarders, we also enrol day students who do not live on campus.
Who Needs a Boarding School?
Boarding schools used to be seen as exclusively for the rich and privileged, but this isn’t the case. Boarding schools like Taunton School offer families of all backgrounds a range of benefits, including:
Military Families
It can be an enormous challenge for military families to find an educational setting where their children can settle and fulfil their potential. Deployment overseas can mean children changing schools many times over – and even living in different countries. Boarding at Taunton School can give children the continuity and structure to their education and home lives that they could otherwise be missing.
Learn more about the importance of boarding schools for military families >
International Families
Taunton School has a large international community of more than 60 nationalities. Many of our international boarders come to us to experience the excellence of British education, which has a strong reputation around the world. Attending a boarding school allows international students the educational opportunities they might not otherwise have in their home nation. It also enables them to quickly and effectively learn the English language.
Learn more about the international opportunities at Taunton School >
Parents who work away
A significant proportion of our boarding community is made up of students from Somerset and the surrounding area. When parents work away frequently, boarding offers a sense of continuity and convenience they wouldn’t otherwise have. At Taunton School we have full-time and part-time boarding options available to suit different needs.
Learn more about boarding at Taunton School >
Benefits of a Boarding School
There are numerous benefits for students who attend boarding schools including:
Enhanced Academic Opportunities
A key advantage of attending a boarding school is the commitment it offers to achieving academic excellence. Boarding provides a safe environment without the distractions of home life and daily commuting allowing for a more focused and productive approach to studying, helping students to excel academically and better prepare for further education. The learning environment is immersive granting continuous access to academic resources and participation in co-curricular activities.
Growth in Independence and Responsibility
Boarding schools provide a structured environment that fosters independence and responsibility, all contributing to character development. With the increased independence and responsibility that comes with living away from home, students learn time management, organisation and how to make decisions for themselves. These are all invaluable life skills for their future.
Cultural and Global Exposure
Taunton School is home to a vibrant and multicultural student community, with students hailing from all corners of the world. We take pride in our diversity, which brings numerous benefits to our students. It increases cultural awareness and exposes students to different perspectives, traditions, and world views while promoting tolerance and empathy. These are essential qualities in today’s interconnected world.
Co-curricular Opportunities
Taunton School offers more than 150 co-curricular clubs. Whether your interests lie in astronomy, ballet, debating, science, or maths, there is something to suit everyone. We encourage students to take part in clubs of their choosing and get out of their comfort zones to develop new skills and meet new people. This also allows students to explore their interests and passions, helping them discover hidden talents and build well-rounded personalities. Participation in these activities can also foster leadership skills and teamwork. Older students also have the opportunity to engage in volunteering opportunities like helping young readers, teaching languages, or conservation work, all helping them to foster connections with the local community.
Lifelong Friendships
Living away from home offers the chance to meet new people and build lifelong friendships. The bond that is created is unique because of the experience itself. The shared experiences, challenges, and camaraderie lead to lifelong friendships that often extend well beyond Taunton School. These connections can be instrumental in both personal and professional life.
Safe and Supportive Environment
At Taunton School, we prioritise the safety and well-being of our students. The structured environment ensures that students are supervised, and the sense of community fosters a supportive network. In each boarding house, there is a Housemaster or Housemistress (HM), alongside an Assistant Housemaster/mistress (AHM), with support from Graduate Resident Assistants (GRAs), Tutors, Matrons, and a domestic team.
Enrolling in boarding school offers countless benefits that go beyond the classroom. It’s an invaluable experience that shapes students into responsible, independent, and culturally aware individuals. The friendships made and the skills acquired in this environment can lead to success in further education and everyday life.
Boarding Opportunities at Taunton School
Attending a boarding school like Taunton School opens students to a world of opportunities and experiences they wouldn’t otherwise have while building valuable skills for their future.
At Taunton School we believe in helping students find their exceptional each and every day. With more than 150 co-curricular activities, expert teaching staff, in-house high-quality catering, and a world class campus development project set in the heart of the picturesque county of Somerset, there is no better time to enrol.
Learn more about Taunton School at one of our upcoming open days and discover how we can help your child find their exceptional.
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