Co-Curricular at Taunton School

'The Co-Curricular Programme is a Significant Strength' ISI Report 2024

Our co-curriculum is a dynamic programme of learning and personal development opportunities that sit at the core of our educational provision.

It aims to inspire in all students a commitment to a range of artistic, cultural, intellectual, performance, service, and sporting opportunities.

We are immensely proud of the breadth on offer. It is central to our belief that a holistic education best prepares our students for their future.

The programme, essential to our students’ character education, ensures that every individual feels valued and challenged, developing key attributes and skills, and a mindset for life.

With inclusivity and wellbeing at the core of our co-curricular programme, we hope that all students will find a place where they feel a sense of belonging and can connect with like-minded peers. Exploring new interests and passions allows each and every child to find their version of exceptional.

At a Glance

Senior Students (13-18)

Over 150 clubs, activities, and societies
Over 35 sports & 120 representative teams
More than 100 music performance opportunities each year
20+ instrumental and vocal ensembles rehearsing weekly
6+ Drama productions each year
200+ students participate in Outdoor Education expeditions
50% students enrolled as cadets in our CCF

Prep Students
(7-13)

Over 60 Co-curricular activities
45% students involved in School Choirs
17 Sports, 12 National Competitions, 800+ Fixtures
More than 150 performers take part in major music concerts
140+ Music lessons & 15 different instruments

Music

Music is central to life at Taunton School. Our aim is to provide enriching musical opportunities for everyone in the community, enabling every member of the school to develop their talents, and celebrating all genres of music.

There are a vast range of activities available, for instrumentalists, singers, composers, academic musicians, and those who simply wish to enjoy music in all its forms. The annual Senior School calendar of music events features over 100 performances, including a concerto competition, a community choral concert, Advent and Christmas carol services, full-scale musical productions, tours in the UK and overseas, evening recitals, regular teatime concerts, choral services, masterclasses and concert trips, contemporary music evenings, and much more.

In the Prep School more than half of the pupils are involved in School Choirs, and over 150 pupils participate in major music concerts each year.

We are immensely proud of all our musicians as performers, composers, writers and leaders in the community, from those starting their personal musical journey, to those achieving success at diploma level and securing places at leading universities and conservatoires.

Discover Senior Music

Drama

Step into the captivating world of the Drama Department, nestled within the very heart of our community. From our specialist studio, to our state-of-the-art purpose-built theatre, and sprung floor dance studio, we welcome you with open arms. Whether you’re a seasoned actor or a budding lighting designer, or just curious to explore and discover your creative side, our supportive environment cultivates growth, gives room to experiment and allows you to spend time with like-minded individuals. Join a vibrant, diverse community of performers, directors, and designers who collaborate to create unforgettable experiences.

Whether your passion is Shakespeare, comedy, ‘improv’, or musical theatre – we have it all. And we’re always open to ideas. As our cultural community evolves, so do we. Over the years we have performed timeless classics, comedies, musicals and contemporary productions. We go on regular theatre trips and welcome visiting theatre companies to lead exciting workshops and productions. The Drama Department is a happy, thriving place. Come and be part of something special.

In the Prep School more than 70 pupils participate in the Taunton Drama Festival each year, in addition to three whole year group productions.

Discover Senior Drama

Sport

We support and create opportunities for all students to contribute to the sporting story of Taunton School, whether selected to represent a first team aiming for national success or through participation in our house competitions.

The sporting ethos of the school is built on fun, engagement, and the concept of ‘GRIT’, encouraging students to embrace an understanding that perseverance and passion will lead to achievement of ambitious long-term goals. In the Senior School we are proud to field 120+ representative teams across over 20 different sports, with a further 15+ exciting opportunities engaging students who wish to pursue recreational and non-competitive options.

Our three carefully tailored pathways ensure every student, regardless of experience, ability or ambition, finds their place in our comprehensive sporting offer. These pathways embody our ‘Sport for All’ mindset that aspires to foster a lifelong love of sport and exercise with a central emphasis on inclusivity, ensuring every student feels valued, celebrated, and engaged.

In the Prep School, we play 12 competitive sports at national level, with over 800 fixtures a year demonstrating outstanding pupil engagement across all abilities and ages.

Discover Senior Sport

Outdoor Education & CCF

Our Senior School Outdoor Education programme and Combined Cadet Force (CCF) provide students with opportunities to engage in transformative experiences that promote and enhance wellbeing, whilst developing invaluable skills that are critical to success, happiness, and flourishing.

Outdoor Education has significant value in broadening the horizons of students, raising their self-esteem, confidence, and resilience, with activities often focused on teamwork and collaboration. Students can enjoy memorable learning opportunities outside of the classroom through engagement with a range of new activities and challenges. Whether exploring the beauty of Exmoor or the Black Mountains on The Duke of Edinburgh Award or surviving the epic challenges of Dartmoor on Ten Tors, our Outdoor Education programme offers something for everyone.

Our CCF is one of the largest in the Southwest, with half of the Senior School participating, offering Royal Navy and Army activities that teach cadet skills and life lessons through a military-based syllabus.

The CCF develops students’ confidence as leaders with a constant focus on the importance of teamwork and collaboration in the pursuit of collective success. Highlights include sailing, climbing, mountaineering, scuba diving, and residential camps, field training exercises, and special events like RAF Chinook helicopter flights, all supported by the Ministry of Defence.

Discover CCF & Outdoor Ed

Debating & Public Speaking Society

Unlock your voice and ignite your passion for Debate! Dive into the exhilarating world of public speaking and debating at Taunton Senior School. Our Debating and Public Speaking Society, with its rich history and thriving community, offers endless opportunities for students to sharpen their communication skills.

From formal debates to informal sessions, we provide a platform for students to explore diverse perspectives and cultivate critical thinking. Join us in prestigious competitions like the English-Speaking Union’s Schools’ Mace and the Oxford Union School Debating Competition, or even compete internationally at the World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships.

Develop lifelong skills, boost confidence, and become a compelling speaker and leader. Open to all ages, our society empowers students to express themselves with clarity and conviction, setting them on a path to success in any field.

We also have a popular Model United Nations (MUN) Club, allowing students to step into the world of diplomacy and debate. The programme shapes the future leaders of tomorrow through engaging simulations of the United Nations, offering a dynamic space for honing public speaking, negotiation, and critical thinking skills.

Discover Senior Debating

Horizons Programme

The Senior School Horizons Programme forms the core of our diverse and dynamic programme of co-curricular activities that aspires to meet the interests of all students. It offers more than 150 activities, clubs, and societies, representing our commitment to offering a relevant and authentic holistic education.

The Horizons Programme helps students to develop the characteristics they need to become the best version of themselves whilst fostering a genuine sense of belonging.  It supports all students in their development of the core competencies, skills and attitudes that will enable them to confidently embrace, influence and impact positively on a rapidly changing global stage. Built on a bedrock of creativity and collaboration, student engagement in this programme develops self-confidence, leadership skills, and individual and collective agency, while giving students chances to make new friends, learn new skills, spark new interests or develop, extend, and enrich existing ones.

Discover Horizons

Co-Curricular at Taunton Prep School

At Taunton Prep School, our outstanding facilities and expert staff provide pupils with a broad and enriching educational experience in Sport, Art, Design Technology, Music, Drama, Dance, and over 60 other co-curricular activities.

Beyond academic excellence, we focus on nurturing well-rounded individuals with a mindset for life.

Our diverse activities include computer programming, horse-riding, golf, chess, jazz and modern dance, climbing, table tennis, judo, and cookery. With three weekly games sessions, dedicated PE lessons, and various sports clubs, our energetic sports program allows students to thrive.

Pupils participate in various sports, representing the school in main sports and competing at regional, county, and national levels. Small class sizes ensure individualised coaching, fostering both individual excellence and teamwork.

The Performing Arts, encompassing Music, Drama, and Dance, are central to our creative atmosphere, pupils are encouraged to pursue their artistic passions supported by high-quality resources.

Discover Prep Co-curricular

We are Well-Known for our Long-Distance Swimming Club

At Taunton School we are well-known for our Long-Distance Swimming Club, which trains all year-round in school pools and local waters, preparing students to swim the English Channel in Year 8. The club focuses on building stamina, technique, and confidence.