One of our most recent visits took us to the far south-west of England, to Somerset and King’s College Taunton. From our very first conversation with the Admissions team – led by the open and engaging Catherine Sully – it was clear that things are done a little differently here: one-term stays are actively welcomed, and it’s not uncommon for pupils to change their plans after just a few weeks and decide to stay longer. This is surely due in no small part to the genuinely nurturing care – something we experienced ourselves when we were welcomed in from the rain with a hot cup of tea. A promising start.
A Tour Full of Energy
Our three lively Lower Sixth tour guides – Jasmin, Alicia and Peter – were open, friendly and wonderfully talkative. They showed us around the campus, including the new Sixth Form Centre and the Design and Technology department, sharing personal insights along the way and their enthusiasm for cricket. It was clear how much they enjoy being here.
We spoke with the equally warm and energetic housemistress Harriett Agg-Manning and visited her girls’ house, “Taylor”, before Headmaster Michael Sloan explained what sets the school apart from larger boarding schools such as Brighton College. A visit to the boys’ house, “Bishop Fox”, with housemaster Tom Candler completed the picture. He also shared how something as simple as bicycles plays an important role in his pupils’ wellbeing.
More Than Numbers: The King’s College Spirit
What particularly struck us: King’s College Taunton cannot easily be measured in numbers. Despite a relatively small number of full boarders, the school is lively and active from Monday through to Sunday. What lies behind this – and why the balance between day and boarding pupils works so well here – certainly piqued our curiosity. Do join us on our tour and see for yourself.
The Setting
Taunton, with its population of around 59,000, sits in the heart of Somerset, surrounded by rolling green countryside in the south-west of England. This market town on the River Tone offers a blend of rural calm and reasonable connectivity: Bristol and its international airport are about an hour away – although not all major German airports fly there. Heathrow is the more reliable option, from where the school can be reached in around two and a half hours, or in about 1 hour 45 minutes by train from London Paddington.
When we arrived at the station, the rain set in – and we would strongly recommend taking a taxi rather than walking to King’s College. The route from the station is not particularly appealing, though that is hardly unusual near railway stations. Taunton itself, however, is considered a safe town, as Catherine Sully assured us. Otherwise, the school would not allow pupils as young as 13 to walk into town with friends. The centre is just a few minutes away, offering cafés, small shops and exactly the kind of change of scene boarders appreciate. Getting lost is unlikely – the striking 48-metre tower of St Mary Magdalene Church serves as a reliable landmark across the town.
Design & Technology: Creativity in Practice
Founded in 1880, King’s College Taunton makes an impressive first impression – even in the rain. Behind its large doors, we found a welcoming and inviting environment. A large panoramic window opens onto the cricket field, framed by boarding houses and school buildings. Not all of them are classically British – some more functional buildings from the 1970s are perhaps less charming – but the warm and welcoming atmosphere more than makes up for it. In fact, the practical architecture seems to support daily life in the boarding houses rather well.
During our tour of the campus, our guides first took us to the Design & Technology workshops. “I love DT!” said Jasmin enthusiastically, showing us the results of many creative hours working with wood: intricately crafted birdhouses, finely made lamps and thoughtfully designed game boards. On the walls hung a dozen awards for the prestigious Arkwright Engineering Scholarship, a highly regarded programme that supports particularly talented young engineers. It is recognised by leading organisations such as Rolls-Royce and Microsoft Research, and the school actively supports pupils in applying for it.
Sixth Form Life & Community Feel
In the Sixth Form Centre, the light-filled Café Nisbet offered an open and friendly atmosphere. Here, where sixth formers spend their free time and breaks, it almost feels like stepping into a business meeting: dark outfits, coffee cups in hand, conversations on sofas and in small seating areas. We noticed the polite interactions and a number of friendly, curious glances. Even a simple “thank you” is second nature here – as Peter held the door open for a fellow pupil. Perhaps it is down to the relatively small size of around 390 senior pupils: everyone knows one another, and British and international, day and boarding pupils are well integrated. Peter’s group of friends includes German, Italian and English classmates.
After the Sixth Form Centre, we took a brief look at the Silvermead Arts Building – a four-storey, light-filled space with generous studios and impressive student work on display.
Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
In one corridor, we came across an unusual feature: a so-called “Headspace Pod”, a barrel-like space designed for a few minutes of quiet reflection. A quote from Father Mark highlights the importance of being kind to oneself and paying attention to mental wellbeing. Peter told us that this calm retreat is genuinely well used. A small detail, perhaps, but one that says a great deal about the school’s ethos: wellbeing is taken seriously.
And it is not just at King’s College – many schools have long recognised the importance of mental wellbeing, training their staff accordingly, providing quiet spaces, offering support and maintaining close contact with parents.
School Spirit
In the modern chapel, to which our guides then took us, assemblies are held twice a week, with a service on Wednesdays. “When we sing together, everyone sings in their own language – it sounds really beautiful,” Jasmin told us. “The chaplain is great. Recently he said that God is like WiFi – somehow everywhere.”
Sporting Facilities & Opportunities
We then moved on to the sports facilities, starting with the cricket hall, where training was underway. In addition, the school offers tennis courts, a climbing wall, sports and squash halls, and a swimming pool. The floodlit artificial pitches are used as an official England Hockey performance centre. There is also an on-site equestrian centre for pupils with an interest in riding.
Dining & Daily Life
To round off our visit, the Admissions team invited us to lunch in the neo-Gothic dining hall, with its wooden beams, high ceilings and heraldic shields reminiscent of the great halls of traditional English colleges. Meals are taken at long tables and wooden benches shared by pupils and staff. And the food itself? There was a good variety – some of our team enjoyed it very much, others felt the sauce was missing.
All in all, King’s College Taunton is a school that feels both manageable and complete: large enough to offer the classic boarding experience, yet small enough for pupils to feel truly at home.
What – we think – makes King’s College so special
What we particularly liked about King’s College Taunton is the distinctly family-like yet vibrant atmosphere. The school feels like a close-knit community where pupils quickly settle in, supported by dedicated and remarkably present house parents.
The close integration of day and boarding pupils creates a consistently lively school environment. Even those staying for a shorter period soon find their place and naturally become part of the community.
A major advantage is the flexibility of boarding life: exeat weekends are optional, meaning many pupils choose to stay on campus. This is a significant benefit, particularly for international families.
The offering is rounded off by a strong and varied sports programme, with year-round opportunities in activities such as tennis and riding. The well-equipped equestrian centre also serves as a place of wellbeing – attracting pupils who simply want to unwind for an hour.
Academics
With recent results of 51% at grades 9–7 in GCSEs and 63% A*–B at A-level, King’s College sits comfortably above the UK average. It is a solid academic school without an excessive academic pressure.
The subject offering is wide, with 24 A-level options and particular strengths in chemistry, economics and mathematics. For those opting for Higher Level Maths in the final two years, the challenge is significant – “really only for true maths enthusiasts,” as Catherine Sully puts it. Others can choose Lower Level Maths, sciences (taught in state-of-the-art laboratories), as well as humanities, psychology, music, drama or art. Creative pathways are strong, with pupils regularly progressing to leading art colleges, particularly in fine art, photography and textiles.
Structure and Small Classes
Lessons on Saturday mornings help to structure the weekend and ease the timetable during the week. In some subjects, pupils benefit from very small class sizes. Our tour guide Peter, for example, studies German alongside just two classmates. “Both my parents speak German, so I wanted to learn it too,” he told us.
For those coming from abroad who need additional language support, EAL (English as an Additional Language) is available. However, many German pupils already arrive with strong English skills. To build confidence early on, optional online courses can be arranged before arrival – with support from Catherine Sully and her team.
A Head Who Knows His Pupils
At the heart of the school’s approach is Headmaster Michael Sloan, who values the advantages of a smaller school. Having previously worked at larger institutions such as Brighton College, he appreciates the close-knit environment: “Here, I can speak to every pupil – we see their progress and how their confidence grows.” This is reflected in pupil experience, too: Alicia, who has been at the school since the age of 11, values being known personally – “No one gets lost here.”
Not every pupil will reach the very top academically – but the aim is clear: to help each individual thrive. As Michael Sloan puts it, “You can’t always be the superstar.” Pupils are encouraged to develop resilience, understand their place in the world and give something back. A recent music workshop with local primary school children illustrated this well – offering both outreach and a grounding experience for the pupils involved.
Preparing for the Future
Preparation for life beyond school is approached strategically. Through a dedicated platform, pupils gain access to mentoring, internships and networks of alumni and parents. This is complemented by external speakers visiting the school. The results are strong: most pupils go on to Russell Group universities such as Bristol, Bath, Durham, Exeter or Liverpool. Others pursue their strengths in music, drama or sport, while some choose international pathways – most recently to universities in the USA and Canada. Several pupils also go on to study medicine.
Co-Curricular Life
Cricket, rugby, netball and hockey are among the school’s strongest sports and form a natural part of everyday life at King’s College. Tennis is played year-round, complemented by athletics, badminton, basketball, golf, squash, cross-country and a 25-metre swimming pool (which we didn’t see ourselves, but were assured exists).
While still relatively unfamiliar in Germany, cricket deserves a special mention here: at King’s, the rhythm of school life often revolves around the game. Alicia trains four times a week and Jasmin is equally committed. But what about beginners? “We ask everyone if they want to join – even complete newcomers can simply have a go and enjoy it,” the girls told us. It’s not just about performance, but about shared experience – even if the school proudly counts some top-level cricketers among its alumni.
Equestrian Life & Outdoor Experiences
Another highlight is the school’s equestrian provision. With up to 16 horses – and the option to bring one’s own – the equestrian centre is a key part of school life. Lessons take place in small groups of no more than four pupils. In the summer months, polo training is even possible thanks to the nearby Taunton Vale Polo Club. And, of course, riding out across fields and woodland remains a firm favourite – a true boarding school adventure.
Music, Creativity & Performance
Jasmin told us that the doors of the music department are always open. Pupils can develop their skills across 17 instruments, including singing, and around a quarter of pupils take part. Brass is particularly strong, with the jazz band performances proving especially popular. Beyond that, opportunities range from rock bands to chapel and chamber choirs, and even a barbershop quartet. The school’s own recording studio is a draw for those interested in music technology.
Adventure, Leadership & Clubs
Programmes such as the Combined Cadet Force, the Duke of Edinburgh Award, the two-day Ten Tors challenge and both national and international expeditions are particularly popular. Alongside these, there is a wide range of clubs – from mountain biking and archery to chess and even surfing. There is certainly no shortage of activities.
Time to Recharge
A highlight of the weekend is Sunday brunch – with the added bonus, as Alicia pointed out, of a well-earned lie-in beforehand. Afterwards, pupils may head into town or join trips to places such as Bath or Exeter. “But I also really enjoy staying at school on Sundays,” she added – a balance of rest, food and sport.
Digital Balance
Clear and structured smartphone rules are in place. In the Lower School, pupils hand in their phones before 8:20am on weekdays, receive them back at 4:15pm, and hand them in again during prep time and overnight. On Saturdays, they can collect them after the third lesson. Sixth Form pupils may keep their phones but must follow an “invisibility policy”, meaning devices are not used during the school day, in communal areas or at house events.
Boarding
Perhaps this section is best introduced with a remark from day pupil Jasmin: “All my friends are boarders.” For us, this was telling. The seamless integration of day and boarding pupils creates a genuinely harmonious atmosphere, with no sense of separate groups – rather, a strong, shared community. The school actively supports this by allowing day pupils to stay overnight once a week. Particularly ahead of weekend events, the boarding houses are full and the atmosphere feels like one large sleepover – making it easy to form friendships quickly.
Boarding Houses
King’s College Taunton has three girls’ and three boys’ houses, all located close to one another. The girls’ house “Taylor” is compact and slightly labyrinthine, with a common room that feels a little tired, and a small kitchen mainly used midweek after trips into town. While food at school is plentiful, it is easy to understand the desire for a bit of variety. Yet what truly defines the house is its atmosphere.
Care That Makes a Difference
Housemistress Harriet brings an infectious energy, and her care for her pupils – 23 boarders (currently including nine Germans) and 27 day girls – is genuinely warm. She knows her girls and their routines well. At the start of each year, she takes them shopping: “The girls love making their rooms their own,” she explains. These small touches help pupils settle in quickly, as do house events such as House Singing. “We made friends straight away while rehearsing,” says Jasmin.
Life in Taylor House
One clear advantage of Taylor is its location: with views across the campus, nothing goes unnoticed – from everyday gossip to the next sports fixture. “It’s ideal,” Harriet explains, “because the girls come back here in between lessons to change, swap things and head off again. It’s always lively.”
Daily Living
In the Upper Sixth, pupils have their own rooms; in the Lower Sixth, they share with one other. Younger pupils typically share rooms of three or four, which helps build connections early on. Washbasins in rooms make mornings easier. Harriet admits she would like to show us more of the facilities – new furniture is on the way, and all houses are gradually being refurbished.
Bishop Fox: A Different Dynamic
We then visited the boys’ house “Bishop Fox”, home to 79 boys, including a small number of German-speaking pupils, led by housemaster Tom Candler. Here, signs of ongoing modernisation are already visible. But more important than physical updates is the cultural shift within the house.
Culture of Openness
“We all know boys don’t talk much,” Tom reflects on his early days. Since then, he has invested significant time and energy in encouraging communication: “Now we talk much more – and I try to listen.” Posters on the walls prompt awareness and care for one another: “Spot a bro who is feeling low” or “Have a convo, save a bro.” Pupils are encouraged to notice changes in behaviour – whether a sporty pupil missing training or a usually outgoing one becoming quiet.
Pupils regularly complete online wellbeing check-ins, allowing Tom to track not only difficult periods but also the positive ones. “We do everything we can to make the boys feel comfortable here – even swapping rooms or roommates if needed.”
Finding a ‘Happy Place’
The common room, accessed via a small courtyard, is perhaps the most popular space: large sofas, a television – and, as Tom laughs, “everyone turns up when I say there’s food.” For him, it’s about helping each boy find their “happy place” – the activity that helps them feel grounded. “For me, it’s cycling or fixing bikes,” he says, occasionally inviting pupils to join in. Others explore their own interests: one pupil, Marcus, is currently competing in a school “MasterChef”-style cooking competition. There is never a dull moment in Bishop Fox – and when Marcus once wanted to build a darkroom in his bedroom, Tom gently redirected him to the school’s professional facilities. It is clear that Tom lives and breathes his role; the fact that he also teaches economics makes his dedication all the more impressive.
Who – we think – is King’s College Taunton right for?
In our view, it is an ideal school for pupils who want to be part of a lively and active boarding environment. Even those who may be a little more introverted tend to settle in quickly, thanks to the balanced and friendly pupil body and the genuinely caring house staff.
We would also readily recommend the school to pupils planning a shorter stay in England. The welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of community make it easy to feel at home from the outset.
Those with a passion for horses should certainly consider this school.