About Taunton School:
Taunton School is a traditional co-educational boarding school. The school boasts a beautiful, well-equipped, and safe campus covering 22 hectares. Founded in 1847, its charming historic buildings still remind us of its long history, yet they are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to ensure the students’ comfort in their learning and living environment. Taunton School is a vibrant, international community, leading the way in independent education. Graduates from Taunton go on to top universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, as well as leading universities in the USA.
Programs Offered at Taunton School:
- Pre-GCSE
- Two years of GCSE / Pre-IB
- One year of GCSE / Pre-IB
- IB Diploma
- A-Level
- BTEC
- NCUK International Foundation Program (Business)
Special Taunton Pre-Med Program:
Pre-Med is a unique course designed for students aspiring to attend medical schools and build careers in medicine, veterinary science, or dentistry. The goal of the program is to provide students with an introduction to these professions, including meetings with current professionals, exploring current issues, gaining practical experience, and special preparation for university applications and interviews. The program introduces medical terminology, BMAT and UKCAT tests, develops confident interpersonal communication skills, and engages students in research and scientific projects.
Facilities at Taunton School:
Taunton School offers excellent facilities, including two swimming pools, a fitness center, a modern theater, a music school, a spacious library, well-equipped art studios, technological workshops (including 3D printing facilities), and the latest information technology complexes.
A-Level Program at Taunton School:
A-Level is the gold standard of British education and has been for over 65 years. It is recognized by universities worldwide for its depth and thoroughness. Students can choose three or four subjects from over 20 available in Taunton School. Academic advisors provide full guidance, helping students select their subjects and monitor their academic progress throughout the course.
Key Features of Taunton School’s A-Level Program:
- All A-Level subjects are linear, studied over two years, leading directly to A-Level exams.
- Mathematics is also offered at AS-Level, which is taken at the end of the 13th year.
- Most students take three A-Levels plus one additional qualification such as an extended practical project, a critical thinking module, or a course borrowed from the IB program, such as modern language, theory of knowledge, or the extended essay.
Subjects Available:
English Literature • Business Studies • Psychology • Computer Science • Further Mathematics • French • Classical Civilisation • Religious Studies • Design Technology • Drama and Theatre Studies • German • Economics • Biology • ICT • Art and/or Photography • Geography • Chemistry • PE • Music • Spanish • History • Physics • Mathematics
Graduate Results:
Over 90% of graduates are accepted into universities in the UK or abroad, with many securing places at their preferred universities. About 50% of these students go on to Russell Group universities. Every year, graduates from Taunton School gain admission to Oxbridge (Oxford and Cambridge). Many students also secure places at top 20 universities outside the Russell Group, including Loughborough, Bath, St Andrew’s, and Surrey. Taunton students regularly gain places in highly competitive programs such as medicine, veterinary science, and dentistry.
Extracurricular Activities:
Taunton School offers a wide range of extracurricular activities and around 100 clubs for students to join, such as Astronomy, Ballet, Debate, Scientific or Mathematical Society, Youth Entrepreneurship, Cooking, Model UN, Yoga, Funk Band, Computer Programming, Chess, or Environmental Club.
Students also have the fantastic opportunity to participate in volunteer clubs and build connections with the local community, such as helping younger children read, teaching languages, and engaging in environmental activities. These volunteer clubs help students develop new skills, such as independence, confidence, and professionalism, as well as provide excellent evidence of extracurricular activity for their resumes and UCAS applications.
Sports:
Sport is an integral part of Taunton School. The school ranks in the top 10 in the country for its sports achievements. This high ranking reflects the breadth of sports offered, the quality of teaching, and students’ success in national competitions. Students can choose from a variety of sports including Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Climbing, Cricket, Football, Golf, Hockey, Horse Riding, Netball, Rugby, Shooting, Squash, Swimming, Tennis, Volleyball.
Performing Arts:
Taunton School offers excellent opportunities in the performing arts. The music school allows students to develop their potential in music, with specialized lessons available in a variety of instruments, including piano, organ, violin, viola, cello, double bass, flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, trumpet, saxophone, euphonium, trombone, tuba, percussion, acoustic and electric guitar, and harp. Singing lessons and a wide selection of musical ensembles and choirs are also offered. Participation in school events such as solo concerts, musicals, concerts, and House Music competitions is highly encouraged, allowing students to gain confidence, express themselves musically, and refine their performance skills.
Location:
The school is located in Taunton, a market town in Somerset, southwest England. It is within easy reach of Bristol and Exeter, just a 40-50 minute drive away. London is approximately 2 hours away by train.
Tuition and Boarding Fees:
At Taunton School, there are 8 residences accommodating around 400 students. Each residence has its own unique style and character, providing a warm and homely atmosphere. There is also a senior or junior houseparent, as well as assistants, to ensure comprehensive support for students.
What the residences include:
- Separate residences for boys and girls.
- Key-card access for additional security.
- Rooms can be single, double, and sometimes triple occupancy.
- 24-hour medical care at the school’s medical centre, with doctors, nurses, sports physiotherapists, and counselors available.
- Each resident has a personal safe to store valuables.
- Excellent Wi-Fi access in all residences and throughout the campus.
- Senior residences are open during holidays, and students can stay if necessary.
- Every weekend, exciting excursions and activities are offered.
- All students receive three meals a day, seven days a week.
Tuition, accommodation, and meals cost approximately £12,640 – £14,975 per term (with three terms in an academic year).
*Prices for the 2022-2023 academic year.