King’s College, a co-educational institution located at the heart of Taunton, Somerset, is a distinguished independent boarding and day school with a rich history and a commitment to academic excellence. The school, affiliated with the Church of England, offers education for boys and girls aged 13 to 18. It is part of a larger educational framework that includes King’s Prep, catering for children from nursery to Year 8, and the senior school from Year 9 to Sixth Form.
The academic prowess of King’s College is evident in its impressive exam results. In 2024, the school achieved 51% grades 9-7 at GCSE and 27% A*/A at A-level, with 54% securing A*-B grades. These results underscore the school’s dedication to fostering an environment where students are encouraged to excel academically. The school’s approach to teaching and learning is centred around inspiring thought and provoking questions, rather than merely focusing on exam criteria. This philosophy has been instrumental in creating a culture where students are motivated to learn and thrive.
The leadership at King’s College is spearheaded by Michael Sloan, who became Headmaster in 2022. With a background in both education and military service, Sloan brings a unique perspective to the role. His leadership style is characterised by a focus on inclusivity and academic achievement, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future endeavours.
King’s College offers a variety of boarding options, including day, weekly/flexible boarding, and full boarding. The boarding community is vibrant and diverse, with dedicated staff who help pupils integrate into the King’s family. The school believes that boarding provides a life-affirming experience that cultivates independence, resilience, and resourcefulness among students.
The school’s facilities are state-of-the-art, combining traditional values with modern amenities. Students have access to an arts centre, specialist design technology workshops, fully equipped science faculties, tennis courts, individual music practice rooms, dedicated sports facilities, a heated swimming pool, IT suites, and extensive sports fields and woodlands. Additionally, the King’s Equestrian Centre offers opportunities for recreational riding or participation in the successful equestrian team.
Sport plays a significant role in the life of King’s College. The school prides itself on being one of the best cricket schools globally and has strong links with Somerset County Cricket Club. It also excels in girls’ football, hockey, squash, and swimming. The sports programme encourages students to be all-rounders rather than specialists in one discipline.
The arts are equally important at King’s College. The Silvermead arts building provides ample studio space for fine art, film, photography, design technology (DT), and textiles. Music is a vibrant part of school life with peripatetic lessons available in 17 instruments. Performing arts are also highly valued with dance classes in various styles and numerous on-stage productions throughout the year.
The school’s ethos is rooted in its heritage as a Woodard School founded by a visionary Victorian cleric. While religious literacy is emphasised through collective worship that welcomes all faiths (and none), there is no evangelism involved. The pastoral care system is robust, with tutors and house staff providing consistent support across the school.
Inclusivity is central to the school’s philosophy; friendship and integration are key selling points celebrated by both staff and parents alike. This supportive environment ensures that students develop impressive life skills alongside their academic achievements.
King’s College attracts passionate all-rounders rather than being restrictively academically selective. Entrance into Year 9 involves meeting with the Headmaster and sitting tests in Maths, English, and verbal reasoning. Scholarships are available for academic excellence as well as sporting or artistic prowess.
Upon leaving King’s College after GCSEs or A-levels many students progress onto Russell Group universities such as Bristol or Durham while others pursue further education in music or drama or embark on professional sports careers.
Overall King’s College stands out as an institution committed not only to academic success but also personal development through its wide range of extra-curricular activities including outdoor pursuits like climbing mountains or canoeing down rivers overseen by a full-time Head of Outdoor Education.
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