An Exceptional Vision for Taunton School

Taunton School. 27 June 2016.

The Story So Far

One School, Many Pathways is our most ambitious vision since the school’s relocation to the Staplegrove site in the 19th century. It is an ambitious vision for how our school will look and operate in the future.

Since 2021, we have achieved some remarkable milestones: relocating the Carrington Library to the heart of the school, building a brand new Sixth Form Centre and constructing a contemporary Dining Hall.

This was followed by the creation of the Green Heart, a living pathway connecting all our boarding houses, the Prep School and the Senior School.

The new Multiple Use Games Area opened in September 2023 and, in 2024 we constructed a top level, floodlit, double AstroTurf complex.

Brand new contemporary dining hall opened in December 2020

Taunton School’s new-state-of-the-art dining hall was opened in December 2020 by HRH Princess Anne. It caters for 1600 covers and can seat up to 400 people at any one time.

Sustainable materials were used together with the latest technology in lighting, acoustic materials and audio-visual equipment.

The building enjoys a view over a green central space, bringing all aspects of the school together. This project was key to our vision, allowing us to grow and better serve our entire community.

Prep school's Thone boarding house refurbished in April 2022

Boarders enjoyed their return to Thone House after Easter with a refurbished ‘home from home’, including new modernised bedroom furniture and redecorated living and kitchen areas.

New modern library & study zone opened in September 2022

Taunton School’s former lower dining hall was transformed into a modern library and study zone in the school’s historic Gothic main building. The Carrington Library, named after John Carrington (former Deputy Head of Taunton School), contains over 25,000 books and was built thanks to the support of over 140 donors.

State-of-the-art sixth form centre opened in September 2022

Taunton School’s brand new Sixth Form Centre opened in September 2022. Our former upper dining hall was transformed into a modern Sixth Form study area with study pods, a social space and gender-neutral toilets; the décor was designed with the help of Year 11 and Year 12 students.

The Centre, known as ‘The Guvvy’, is based in the School’s 19th century building and is named after a member of Taunton School staff known as ‘The Governor’, who ran the tuck shop in the 1880s.

The green heart opened in February 2023

The development of a ‘Green Heart’ has seen asphalt roads and paths between the Pre-Prep, Prep and Senior Schools transformed into an eco-friendly pedestrianised area for students to enjoy their green surroundings.

It includes trees, plants, seating, and sensory areas to promote student wellbeing and provide a place to take a break and socialise, offering students a chance to relax in an environmentally friendly haven.

The MUGA opened in September 2023

In September 2023 our former artificial cricket nets were transformed into a new Multiple Use Games Area, ensuring an excellent all-year surface for cricket practice, and other sports, as well as guaranteeing Prep pupils additional play space in the wetter months.

Pre-Prep & Nursery developments opened in August 2024

We have seen some exciting developments to our Nursery and Pre-Prep building, including a new, fun and engaging woodland library and an additional baby room. Furthermore, we have given our hall a new look and expanded and renovated our playground with the help of external company, Pentagon Play.

These developments will offer children a more enriching experience at Taunton School and has led to more nursery places being available.

Two new AstroTurf pitches opened in September 2024

In September 2024 we unveiled two new floodlit AstroTurf pitches. The development of these multi-game pitches gives us a national stage for sporting competitions and will benefit the entire school community by improving the facilities we offer.

Support Taunton School

If you would like to discuss a project and find out how you can support the school, please contact the Foundation and Alumni Team:

foundation@tauntonschool.co.uk
(+44) 01823 703159

  • Testimonial

    The new library is the most special place. It has a soul, it has beauty, it has a welcoming feel and it has an inspiring lift to it.

    John Carrington (TS 1969-2001)