Meet Our Taunton Prep School Heads of House

Military children and their families have been part of Taunton School for many years and our strong pastoral support system ensures they settle in quickly. We are proud that this year both of our Prep Heads of School are boarders from military families! This shows just how well military children can settle in and thrive with us. We spoke to Molly and Daniel about their experiences…

How are you finding your experience as a military boarder?

Molly: I love it! Having moved schools every two years before coming to Taunton Prep School, boarding school was actually my idea as I wanted to be able to keep the same friends. It’s everything I hoped it would be.

Daniel: I wanted to be a boarder too! My parents used to be guardians to a military boarder when his parents were deployed overseas during the school holidays, so I learnt about the fun things he was involved in at his school, and I wanted to have the same opportunities.

How did you settle in?

Molly: I just jumped straight in when I joined in Year 5 and have never looked back! I had a ‘Boarding Buddy’ who was an experienced boarder and we got on straight away. She showed me how it all worked and we were friends from the start.

Daniel: I started in Year 7 and I found it different to start with, but quickly made friends and got used to the routine.

How pleased were you to be made Head of School?

Molly: I was really surprised but delighted. I ran up to the boarding house and phoned my Mum straight away after it was announced!

Daniel: I was really surprised too; I didn’t expect it at all. Everyone was so pleased for me which was nice. We get the opportunity to change things and make suggestions on behalf of the pupils which is really fun.

What advice would you give to other military children considering boarding school?

Molly: Don’t be scared, go for it! There are so many cool experiences. You make lots of friends really quickly and you also get a sense of independence. It makes the holidays even more special too – my parents have just been deployed to a new country, so it will be fun to spend time there during the school holidays.

Daniel: Do it! You get so much support within the boarding house and from the whole school community, and it really is like a family. It’s not always easy being away from home, but you can phone your parents anytime you want.

Each Taunton Prep School boarder is supported by Kath Wells, Head of Boarding and Houseparent. Kath was a military boarder herself and knows exactly the type of challenges military children can face. She said: “I could not be prouder of Molly and Daniel – being Head of School is a huge achievement. I know that being away from home for extended periods of time can be challenging and yet they make it look effortless!”

Find out more about the safe and supportive environment Taunton School offers military children here.