The School Campus

Background

Taunton Preparatory School has a proud history dating back to 1922 and today, nearly 100 years on, our Prep School continues to provide education, pastoral care, personal development, and facilities which match the very best in the world.
The Prep School has approximately 300 students from the ages of 7 – 13 (Years 3 – 8) with a Prep School boarding house (Thone) in the centre of the site which is home for up to 50 UK and International boarders (boys and girls).
Approximately 90% of the Senior School students are British and 10% are International and to be offered a place at the Prep School, International students would be expected to have an upper intermediate level of English or higher (CEFR B2 / IELTS ≥ 6.0).
Note that younger students with lower levels of English would first start at our International Middle School before transferring to the Prep School.

Ethos

What makes the Prep School special, above all, is the warmth of the atmosphere and the strength of the relationships between the staff and pupils and between the pupils themselves. There is nothing that is more rewarding than working in partnership with like-minded parents to develop in our children the attitudes and values which will make such a positive difference to their futures.

Facilities

Situated to the western side of the 56-acre whole school campus, The Prep School boasts many excellent academic and co-curricular facilities and features, including a library, science labs, food technology classroom, performing arts centre, sports hall, 25m swimming pool, tennis and netball courts, extensive pitches for rugby, football, cricket and athletics.
We pride ourselves keeping up with advances in technology and communication so every classroom is fitted with an interactive whiteboard and apple TV, we have class sets of iPads and two touch screen IT Suites as well as a Music Tech Suite, a Specialist Art Studio and a Design & Technology workshop.

Being part of the whole school, all our Prep School students have access to a wide range of additional facilities across the campus, including a theatre, Chapel, Health Centre, careers centre, an Olympic-sized all-weather hockey pitch, climbing wall, squash courts, and our brand new state of the art dining room.

Further information

Please click here for the Prep School prospectus.
Please click here for the Prep School boarding pages of our website.

Background

Approaching the school from the southern entrance, you are greeted by our Grade II listed gothic-style building with its iconic clock tower.  The School dates back to 1847 and has an impressive range of both beautiful historic buildings as well as modern facilities, fully fit for the purpose of educating young people in a rapidly changing world.

There are approximately 600 students in the Senior School, ranging in age from 13 – 18 years old and the split between boys and girls is roughly even. Approximately 75% of the Senior School students are British and 25% are International, with over 40 countries represented.  

To be offered a place at the Senior School, International students would be expected to have an upper intermediate level of English or higher (CEFR ≥ B2 / IELTS ≥ 6.0).  Note that senior-aged students with lower levels of English would first start at our TSIMS or TSI before transferring to the Senior School.

There are 5 boarding houses (3 for boys and 2 for girls) and 6 day houses, all of which are located on campus and therefore, just a short walk from house to classrooms. Approximately 40 per cent of our Senior students are boarders.

Ethos

We aim to achieve excellence in all that we do. More specifically:

Academic – WE INSPIRE

Outstanding teachers instil a desire to learn and provide an environment that will add value and maximise every pupil’s academic achievement. We aim to develop lifelong learners with inquiring minds and a thirst for knowledge.

Pastoral – WE NURTURE

We know every child. Our pupils feel comfortable in their own skins and are cared for by experienced professionals working in partnership with parents. They are supported on their journey to becoming respectful, open-minded, confident and principled adults through an outstanding wellbeing programme and advice from experts at the right times.

Co-Curricular – WE CHALLENGE

Through an extensive co-curricular programme our pupils explore opportunities in sport, the arts and a choice of activities developing key life skills and characteristics such as leadership, teamwork and reflection.

Community – WE CARE

We instil a strong sense of identity, service to the broad community and loyalty both at school and beyond. All members of the school community share in its values and contribute to its ethos.

Global Outlook – WE RESPECT

We are an inclusive school and welcome students from all backgrounds. We celebrate differences and embrace uniqueness. Our community values the opinions of others, is collaborative and plays its part in spreading tolerance and understanding, thus making the world a better and more peaceful place.

Facilities

Situated on the eastern side of the 56-acre whole-school campus, the Senior School facilities include a Health Centre, Chapel, Theatre, Library, Sixth Form Centre, Music School, Design Technology Workshops, Science Labs, IT Suites, Art Studios, Dance Studio, School shop and at the heart of the school is our brand new, state-of-the-art dining hall.

In terms of sports facilities, the Senior School has something for everyone, including an indoor swimming pool, two sports halls (basketball, volleyball, climbing wall, table tennis, badminton, cricket nets), fitness suite, tennis courts, squash courts, netball courts, football pitches, an Olympic-sized all-weather hockey pitch, rugby pitches and athletics track.

Background

Taunton School International (TSI) is home for up to 85 British and International students from 14 – 18 years old and is located in the north of the school campus with extensive playing fields right on the doorstep.

Within Taunton School, TSI is known as Foxcombe House, and is one of the longest-running houses in the school.  Foxcombe House began life as a junior boys’ boarding house in 1916 before becoming a senior boys’ boarding house in 1965, a girls’ boarding house in 1989 and then a boarding house for students at the International school in 1996.

Ethos

Providing a highly supportive academic and pastoral environment for up to 85 students, TSI provides the perfect platform from which to move on to the Sixth Form or Undergraduate study.

TSI is small enough to allow us to really get to know and look after every student extremely well and to bring out the best in them but also large enough to be able to offer a wide curriculum as well as a varied and inspiring co-curricular, activities and trips programme.

Our small class sizes (average of 8 students/class) mean that students receive a significant amount of one-to-one support and a far more individual and tailored all-round education.

Integration is hugely important to us and our international students frequently integrate with the Senior School students through sport, performing arts, social events, dining, House competitions, clubs and weekend trips.

There is truly an international feel to the campus, typically with students from over 25 countries and with 100% boarding, with no exeats and boarders in residence 7 days a week, we are able to maintain a thriving community, both in the evenings and at weekends.

Facilities

The teaching block and boarding houses are located within large and attractive gardens, with lots of outdoor space for relaxation and recreational activities.  

The teaching block is modern and airy, with wifi available throughout, and each classroom is equipped with an interactive whiteboard.  There are also two ICT suites, two science labs, a large multi-functional hall and a substantial student common room, with large-screen TV, pool table, kitchen and a seating/dining area.

The two boarding houses, one for the girls and one for the boys, are just a few seconds walk from the teaching block and have been tastefully decorated and furnished to create a more contemporary and modern feel.

As TSI is part of the main school campus, our students benefit from being able to fully access many additional wonderful facilities, including a Health Centre, Chapel, Theatre, Library, Sixth Form Centre, Music School, Design Technology Workshops, Science Labs, IT Suites, Art Studios, Dance Studio, School shop and at the heart of the school is our brand new, state-of-the-art dining hall.

In terms of sports facilities, there is something for everyone, including two indoor swimming pools, two sports halls (basketball, volleyball, climbing wall, table tennis, badminton, cricket nets), fitness suite, tennis courts, squash courts, netball courts, football pitches, an Olympic-sized all-weather hockey pitch, rugby pitches and athletics track.

Background

The International Middle School (TSIMS) is home to up to 50 International students from 8 – 14 years old and occupies the site of a beautiful 19th Century manor house (The Grange) located in the charming village of Kingston St Mary, just 3 miles from the main school campus.

The Grange has a rich history.  Sir Anthony Eden, British Prime Minister (1955 – 1957) used to holiday there during his time away from office and today, the students can enjoy the mature, ornamental gardens, native woodland and fine buildings, just as he did. The buildings have architectural features dating back to the 15th century but have been beautifully restored to provide educational facilities and modern amenities to the highest standard.

Ethos

TSIMS is the perfect stepping stone for International students who have relatively low levels of English (CEFR B1 / IELTS 5.0 or under).

Our students lay down strong foundations for the next stage of their education, whether that be studying on our pre-GCSE course, preparing students for a move to the Senior School, or our bespoke programme for our younger students who are preparing for a move into the Prep School.  

Whatever the student’s level of English, our small class sizes, varied curriculum, experienced teaching staff and access to outstanding facilities means that, whether students wish to attend for just one term or a full academic year, progress is rapid.

TSIMS is very much part of the wider Taunton School community and integration with the students from all parts of the school is key to ensuring that students feel thoroughly prepared for their onward educational journey. Integration occurs through sport, performing arts, social events, House competitions, clubs and weekend trips.

TSIMS has a happy, cosy and caring atmosphere and at the heart of it is a team of highly qualified and committed staff. Students experience academic excellence and a rich programme of co-curricular activities within a thriving community where students are cared for and nurtured to achieve their full potential.

Facilities

On the TSIMS campus itself, students have access to modern classrooms, an art studio, music room, games room, a panelled drawing room, dining hall, forest classroom, outdoor all-weather pitch and a most pleasant and quintessentially English garden.  

As The Grange is only a 5-minute drive from the main campus, TSIMS students have easy access to the many additional facilities on the main school campus including two indoor swimming pools, sports halls, fitness suite, climbing wall, tennis courts, squash courts, netball courts, an Olympic-sized all-weather hockey pitch, football and rugby pitches, basketball courts, theatre, music school, library, Chapel and school shop.

To download the Campus map click here.