Celebrating 175 Years

1956 Foxcombe Cricket

Our History

Taunton School was founded in 1847 and has a rich 175-year history. Originally housed in what has now become one of the boys’ boarding houses, Fairwater, the school moved to its current location in 1870. The now Grade II listed gothic-style building was constructed by Joseph James, complete with an impressive tower.

  • 1907
    In the beginning....

    In 1907, William Henry Wills, 1st Baron Winterstoke, sponsored the construction of the Chapel, which to this day still plays a key role in the school’s community.

  • 1973
    Co-ed Education

    In 1973 Taunton School became one of the first co-educational independent schools by welcoming both boys and girls.

  • 1996
    Taunton School International

    In 1996, Taunton School was one of the first schools to open an International Study Centre, which became known as Taunton School International (TSI) in 2010. TSI now offers a one-year and two-year GCSE/Pre-IB Programme as well as a one-year or two-year Business Foundation Programme.

  • 2007
    Taunton School becomes and IB World School

    In 2007, as well as offering A-Levels, Taunton School became an IB World School and more recently, has also added BTECs in Business and Sport and Exercise Science.

  • 2012
    Opening of Taunton International Middle School

    In 2012, Taunton School opened its International Middle School in the nearby village of Kingston-St-Mary, providing an ideal stepping stone for international students into mainstream British independent schools.

  • 2020
    State-of-the-art Dining Hall

    In 2020, Taunton School invested £4 million in the construction of a state-of-the-art dining hall, located in the heart of the school, providing students with exceptional dining experience, with all meals cooked by our own chefs on site.