Founded in 1843, as a Methodist foundation. Its premises are on a single, semi-rural campus in 30 acres on the southern outskirts of Taunton. Very pleasant buildings and fine playing fields. It is fully co-educational, having first admitted girls in the 1970s, and provides continuous education from 3 to 18. There has been much development over the years, including a fine concert/assembly hall, music school, science labs and a performing arts centre. Facilities are good and the school is well positioned for field work and expeditions to Exmoor, Dartmoor and the Quantocks. Examination results are very good. A strong music department; innovative drama and art. There is a good range of games and sports, with a special emphasis on outdoor pursuits. Many activities and a distinguished record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. The school has enjoyed vigorous local support.
Pupils: Age range 3-18; 815 pupils, 650 day (325 boys, 325 girls), 165 boarding (90 boys, 75 girls). Senior department 11-18. 590 (290 boys, 300 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 5, 7, 11, 13 and 16. Common Entrance or own exam used; for sixth form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade C (grade B in sixth form subjects). State school entry, 25% main intake, under 10% to sixth form. 60+% of senior intake from own junior school.
Scholarships, value up to 50% of fees: academic, art, music, performing arts, sports, all rounders; value varies. Bursaries are means-tested and may be used to top up a scholarship.
Headmaster: Christopher J Alcock, in post from 2001. Educated at Sevenoaks School and Durham University (geography). Previously Deputy Head at King Edward's Witley and taught at Stamford School and Queen's College.
GCSE: 99 pupils in Year 11: 96 % gained at least grade C in 5+ subjects. A-levels: 66 in upper sixth, passing on average 3.2 subjects.
95% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (24% after a gap year). 40% take courses in science and engineering, 10% in law, 7% in economics and business, 33% in humanities and social sciences, 2% in art and design, 7% in vocational subjects eg physiotherapy, hotel and catering. Others typically go straight into careers.
GCSE, AS and A-levels. 24 examination subjects. Sixth form: Most sixth formers take 4 subjects at AS-level, 3 at A-level. No A-level general studies; key skills not taught. Vocational: Work experience available. Special provision: Specialist help for dyslexics. Languages: French, Spanish and Chinese offered. Regular exchanges to France and Spain. ICT: Taught both across the curriculum and as a discrete subject; GCSE and A-level offered. 220 computers for pupil use (9 hours a day); network across whole site and internet access in all departments.
Music: 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 15 musical groups including choir, 2 orchestras, wind band, madrigal group, rhythm and blues band. 3 recent members of National Youth Orchestra, 5 of National Children's Orchestra. Drama: Drama offered; GCSE and A-level drama and theatre studies may be taken. Many pupils are involved in school productions; 3 in National Youth Theatre. Art and design: On average, 25 take GCSE, 5 A-level. Design, pottery, textiles, photography and printmaking also offered.
Sport: Rugby, hockey, netball, cricket, badminton, swimming, tennis, rounders, athletics, cross-country, fencing, squash compulsory. GCSE and A-level PE and RLSS exams and CCPR Sports Leaders Course may be taken. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. Community service optional. Up to 10 clubs, eg war games, model making, sixth-form society, canoeing.
Uniform: School uniform worn until sixth form. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy/girl, head of house and house prefects - appointed by the Head. Religion: Part of a group of Methodist schools. Social: Organised trips abroad. Pupils allowed to bring own car or bike to school. Meals self-service. School shop.
Fines and suspension used. Pupils failing to produce homework are detained to do it.
Upper sixth have own study bedroom, lower sixth share with 2; 50% are in dormitories of 6+. Houses of 40, same as competitive houses. Resident qualified nurse. Central dining room. Visits to local town allowed for older pupils.
Nick Harvey (Lib Dem MP), Peter Mitchell (Nobel Prize for chemistry), Martin Pipe (racehorse trainer).
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