House System

Architecturally and historically, Fairwater House is undoubtedly the most characterful building on campus. Dating back to the 18th century, the handsome Georgian manor house is also the oldest of Taunton School’s buildings. Fairwater was once the Headmaster’s residence and even housed the Junior School for a time. Nowadays, it is the largest of the school’s boarding houses accommodating up to 70 boys from the Senior School (13-18 years). Mr Tarr, PE teacher, is housemaster; Mr Roberts, Assistant Head Global and IB Diploma Co-ordinator, is assistant. The Tarr and Foweraker families both live in house, with their respective dogs Bell and Cassie. The House motto is: Non Sibi (from the Latin for not for oneself); we feel this best captures the selflessness and general decency we hope the boys will show each other.

Weirfield is the oldest of Taunton School’s girls’ boarding houses and was established in 1973. It has capacity for 64 girls from age 13-18. Mrs Tait is Housemistress of Weirfield . She is supported by Miss Lewis, the Assistant Housemistress. Weirfield prides itself on its warm and convivial atmosphere; the girls are incredibly welcoming and quick to help those new to the house to settle in. In recent years Weirfield have won several inter-house competitions, such as House Basketball and House Badminton, as well as a most coveted school trophy for House Singing! However, we celebrate taking part just as much as winning and encourage all the girls to get involved. We have a saying ‘Once a Weirfieldian, always a Weirfieldian’ and life in Weirfield certainly seems to leave its mark judging by the number of girls who come back to visit to see how their Weirfield ‘sisters’ are getting along!

Wills East is home to up to 47 of our Senior School boys, aged 13-18. The Housemaster is Mr Turner who resides in Wills East with his wife Bex and their spaniel Rolo. Mr Turner is a passionate geography teacher, Senior Colts rugby coach and head of the Army section in the CCF. He is supported in the house by the Deputy Housemaster Dr Martens along with the Matron and tutors. Wills East is situated behind the main teaching block alongside Wills West and is described as a welcoming, supportive and competitive house – especially when it comes to house competitions. Academic progression sits at the heart of the House, but the boys are equally committed to all the co-curricular opportunities in the wider school community. They are always encouraged to challenge themselves in every discipline.

Michael Turner

Housemaster Wills East

Wills West is one of our Senior School boys’ boarding houses and is home to 48 boys aged 13 – 18. The House is run by House Master, Mr Bull and he resides in Wills West with his family. He is supported by an Assistant House Master, Mr Dempster. Wills West is renowned as a warm, friendly, and respectful community who value hard work and extensive contribution to the wider school community.

Woodyer is home to 45 female boarders at Taunton Senior School aged 13-18 years. It is run by Housemistress Mrs Ruth Craven, who lives in house with her husband Matthew and their children Christian and Eva, who both attend Taunton Preparatory. Supported by Mrs Harris and Mr Sanderson. Woodyer House is certainly a home from home, where all the girls value kindness, respect and have the opportunity to enjoy many positive experiences. The girls show great pride in their House, where every day they are challenged and strive to be a better version of themselves.

Bevan House was founded in 1978.  It is named after a former Headmistress of Weirfield School. In 1994 Bevan moved to its present location, which was the old School House, a senior boys’ boarding house. 

This house is situated at the very top of the main building, which is good for our fitness! We are lucky to have plenty of space: a large shared room for years 9 and 10 to allow integration; separate rooms for years 11, 12 and 13, plus a kitchen and a workroom. We were recently refurbished, and now have relaxing sofas, new carpets, mirrors, worktables and lovely Artwork. We are very fortunate to have such a homely environment.

The Bevan House spirit is strong; we have a weekly assembly to celebrate successes: academic, musical, debating, sporting, dramatic, CCF, reading in chapel…and also kindness, helpfulness, willingness to volunteer. We award House points accordingly and the Bevanite of the year award is a highlight at the end of the summer term.

Evans is situated on the third floor of the original school building and is lucky to have some great views of the school, particularly the front which makes it ideal for keeping abreast of the odd Cricket or Rugby match! Evans was founded in 1972 and there have 6 House Masters in that time. Before that, it was part of the original boarding house called School House and is therefore steeped in the history of the school. We are lucky to have plenty of space so there is a house room for each year group, which all have their own flavour. There is something in each room to create a rite of passage feeling for each year group and the boys are proud of the environments they create on ‘yearly move’ basis. There is a relaxed feeling in the house on a day to day basis although, we are set up for prioritising studying with work stations and access to computer and printing.

Within the comfort of the house rooms, fun is had and friendships are made.  We also look after each other and the older boys naturally develop into role models for the younger years.  

Goodland House was founded in 1967 when the Day House ‘Somerset’ was split into two. It was named after Harold Goodland, an OT and long-serving member of the School Council. It is centrally located within the school and is a great space for the pupils to both relax and work in. Mr Godfrey became Housemaster of Goodland in 2017 after spending his first five years at the school in a boarding house. He is a physics teacher and outside the classroom enjoys coaching cricket and rugby, as well as being involved in the CCF. There is a long tradition of ‘opting in’ within Goodland; the pupils in the house pride themselves in taking part in all that the school has to offer. It is a house well known for its welcoming and inclusive nature and is a place where you very quickly feel at home as a Goodlander!

Marshall House was established following the dissolution of Somerset House.  It is an inclusive but busy Boys’ Day House where getting involved in every aspect of school life, and trying new things, are highly valued.  Our Sports and Academic teams have seen great success over the past few years and our weekly celebration, Marshall Monday, allows us to share the various accolades that the Marshall boys have achieved.

The most important elements of the house is that everyone feels a strong sense of belonging and that the house provides a secure base from which the rest of school life takes place. The house system teaches some of the most important skills that all young people need: understanding the difference between a friendship group and a tutor group, in which peoples’ differences are accepted and understood rather than judged, as well as a healthy and inclusive attitude to competition and teamwork. The older pupils are given the chance to learn real leadership and people management skills and everyone is recognised for their individuality with openness and fairness.

Jenkin was founded in 1978 and the House is named after a former Headmistress.  The house is situated in the heart of the school and the girls are very proud to be a member of Jenkin House. They wear their house badge with pride! Jenkin girls are very supportive of each other and there is a formidable house spirit which shines through in the inter-house competitions and social events across the year. The prefect team are excellent role models for the younger years and the interaction between the girls is incredibly strong. Mrs Evans is the Housemistress of Jenkin and she teaches Business and Economics throughout the school. Jenkin is a kind, nurturing and caring environment and the girls view the house as their home during the school day.