A School for International Families

DSCF2037

A warm
welcome...


We have been welcoming international students for over 100 years and with so many educational pathways to choose from, there is no better time to join us on our stunning 56-acre campus in the heart of beautiful Somerset in the Southwest of England. 

Our unique offerings and family friendly ethos set us apart from many other UK boarding schools. We are a very inclusive, progressive and successful school with a genuine global outlook, where all students are afforded an exceptional education and support in order that they may reach their full potential.

Depending on age and level of English, International students will enter the Pre-Prep (0 – 7 years old), Prep (7 – 13 years old), Senior (13 – 16 years old), Sixth Form (16 – 18 years old) or one of our two International Schools: Taunton School International Middle School (7 – 14 years old) or Taunton School International (14 – 18 years old), where we offer the greatest range of educational pathways at secondary level as compared to any other school in the UK.

Whether you have a very low level of English or are a first-language English speaker, we are confident that we can find the right course to meet your needs. If you would like to contact us for further information, please do so by emailing our Admissions Team, who will be happy to help.

Adrian Hallworth
Principal of TSI and Head of International Recruitment

A truly global community with over 60 nationalities 

Taunton School is renowned for providing students with a first-class, holistic British education.

Alongside our wide academic offering, designed to give students a broad and varied education, we offer truly outstanding pastoral care, comprehensive provision in sports, creative and performing arts and a co-curricular programme involving more than 150 clubs and societies. All these things enable our students to discover their true passions and build some solid foundations before they move on to university, either abroad or in the UK.

Join one of the UK’s Leading International Schools


No matter where you start your journey in Taunton School, you are guaranteed a warm welcome and individual care that is second to none.


The British Independent School Education System Explained

  • 1
    Pre-Prep School
    (Years 1 & 2)

    These are the first two years of compulsory education in the UK, where students are taught the basics in a wide range of subjects, including English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Music, Design & Technology, Art, Computing and PE (Physical Education).

  • 2
    Prep School
    (Years 3 – 8)

    Prep School starts in Year 3 (7 years old) and the students remain in the Prep School until the end of Year 8, when they are 12 or 13 years old.

    Students study a diverse range of subjects at this younger age, providing them with a wide knowledge base and solid foundations on which to build before they move on to the Senior School.

  • 3
    Senior School
    (Year 9)

    Students join the Senior School when they are 13 years old (Year 9) and in that first year, they start the initial preparation for their GCSE examinations (General Certificate of Secondary Education). At this age, students are able to choose a limited number of the subjects they wish to study, but on the whole, they are still expected to study a wide range of subjects.

  • 4
    Senior School
    (Years 10 – 11)

    GCSEs are the first really important exams which British students take at the end of Year 11 (when they are 15 or 16 years old).  The core subjects are English, Mathematics and Science and students can usually choose their additional subjects, typically taking between 5 – 10 GCSEs in total.

    The GCSE programme involves 2 years of study (Years 10 and 11) and towards the end of Year 11, students sit their external examinations.  GCSEs are graded from 9 (high) to 1 (low) and it is generally accepted that students need to achieve Level 5 or higher in each of their subjects to be able to continue their education into the Sixth Form.

  • 5
    Sixth Form
    (Years 12 – 13)

    Upon successful completion of GCSEs, students can move on to further education (Sixth Form) in Years 12 and 13 (17 and 18 years old), taking qualifications which allow them access to University (Higher Education) in the UK or abroad.  There are several different qualifications which can be taken:

    A-Levels (Advanced Level): Students take 3 subjects of their choice and can specialise in a particular area of study. Students often take an additional qualification alongside their A-Levels, e.g. an EPQ (Extended Project Qualification). Currently, A-Levels are the most popular Sixth Form qualification in the UK.

    IB (International Baccalaureate): Students take 6 subjects (3 at higher level and 3 at standard level) and are required to take English, Mathematics, at least one Science, at least one Humanities and at least one Language. There are additional requirements including an Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge (ToK) and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service).

    Foundation programmes, also known as ‘year zero’ or ‘gateway programmes’ are designed to develop skills and subject-specific knowledge to enable students to advance to a degree course. At Taunton School International, students can study on either a one-year or two-year Business Foundation programme.

    BTEC (Business & Technology Education Council): As work-related qualifications, BTECs provide a more practical, real-world approach to learning alongside a theoretical background, giving learners the knowledge, understanding and skills that they need to prepare both for university or employment. At Taunton School, students can study BTECs in Business Studies, Sport & Exercise Science or ICT.

Find out more about Taunton School’s offering here

Boarding and Pastoral Care at Taunton School

Taunton School has been welcoming international students for more than 100 years. Our beautiful traditional English campus provides the perfect setting for students to gain an outstanding education. With a close-knit community of boarders, with 8 boarding houses for boarders aged 7 to 18. Each house has its own unique history, identity, and community.

They all share outstanding pastoral care, inviting and spacious rooms, and a fantastic range of modern facilities.

Co-Curricular Opportunities at Taunton School

Taunton School offers an extensive and diverse co-curricular programme in sports, the arts, outdoor education, and more. We encourage our students to become well-rounded individuals both inside and outside of the classroom.

Meet the International Admissions Team

Our International Admissions Team are specialists when it comes to supporting International families through the admissions process. Applying to Taunton School is extremely easy and our friendly team are here to answer your questions and guide you.

Taunton School Campus & Location

Our 56-acre campus features our beautiful Grade II listed school and houses the Nursery and Pre-Prep, the Preparatory School, the Senior School and Taunton School International. Taunton School International Middle School has its own campus just 3 miles from the central campus. Located in the picturesque Southwest of England, our school enjoys close proximity to the area’s beautiful countryside, coastline and the ever-expanding retail and leisure facilities of Taunton.

Our campus also features 8 fully staffed boarding houses, an on-site health centre, Chapel, theatre, dance studio, Music school, a newly built state of the art dining hall and exceptional dedicated sports areas, including two swimming pools, two sports halls, gymnasium, fully equipped fitness suite, climbing wall, tennis courts, squash courts, an Olympic-sized all-weather hockey pitch and several sports pitches.

International students integrate with senior school students

TSI is situated within the beautiful Taunton School 56-acre campus, enabling our students to make full use of the outstanding facilities, including a theatre, Chapel, tennis courts, sports halls, football pitches, swimming pools, 24-hour health centre, Sixth Form Centre, library and much more.

Students at the International School are fully integrated with the senior school students in sport, music, art, drama, clubs, house competitions and weekend trips.

TSI has places for up to 85 students and offers outstanding preparation for Sixth Form and Undergraduate study. With small class sizes (average of 8 students/class), highly trained and qualified staff, a wide curriculum, exceptional pastoral support, diverse nationality mix and an excellent track record of preparing our students for entry into top universities, TSI is a truly remarkable school for international students who are often just starting their journey in the British education system.

Next Steps Make an enquiry

Find out more about the international admissions process, our friendly experienced team will be happy to help you with any questions you might have or to take you through the application process.