Queen’s College Taunton
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ⓘ Why Queen's College Taunton?
Queen's College Taunton is the oldest independent school in Somerset, offering a well-rounded education with a focus on academic excellence, creative arts, and outdoor adventure learning. The school specialises in GCSE, A-Level, and BTEC programmes with a personalised approach and small class sizes.
Set on the edge of the historic town of Taunton, the college sits on 36 acres of grounds surrounded by the scenic Quantock and Blackdown Hills (Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty). The Gothic main building, dating back to 1845, is an architectural landmark of the school. London is just 1 hour 45 minutes away by direct train, and Heathrow Airport is about 2 hours away, with Bristol and Exeter airports only 45 minutes by car.
Queen's College welcomes pupils from birth to age 18, offering both day and boarding options from age 7. The school is known for its family-like atmosphere, its motto "We learn not for school, but for life," and outstanding results in the performing arts. As part of the Methodist Independent Schools Trust, the college upholds Christian values while welcoming pupils of all faiths.
Set on the edge of the historic town of Taunton, the college sits on 36 acres of grounds surrounded by the scenic Quantock and Blackdown Hills (Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty). The Gothic main building, dating back to 1845, is an architectural landmark of the school. London is just 1 hour 45 minutes away by direct train, and Heathrow Airport is about 2 hours away, with Bristol and Exeter airports only 45 minutes by car.
Queen's College welcomes pupils from birth to age 18, offering both day and boarding options from age 7. The school is known for its family-like atmosphere, its motto "We learn not for school, but for life," and outstanding results in the performing arts. As part of the Methodist Independent Schools Trust, the college upholds Christian values while welcoming pupils of all faiths.
The school at a glance:
✅ Founded in 1843 — originally as the Wesleyan Collegiate Institute, the oldest educational institution in Taunton with a rich heritage
✅ Around 500–600 pupils — including 20% international students, creating a friendly and multicultural community
✅ Over 90% of leavers go on to their first-choice university — including Oxford, Cambridge, Durham, Bath, Imperial, Edinburgh, and Bristol
✅ 98–99% A-Level pass rate — with over 80% of grades at A*–B, well above the national average
✅ Located in Somerset — surrounded by the Quantock and Blackdown Hills, with easy access to the coast and national parks
✅ A centre of excellence for the performing arts — home to the professional Southern Sinfonia orchestra and a 570-seat theatre on campus
✅ Founded in 1843 — originally as the Wesleyan Collegiate Institute, the oldest educational institution in Taunton with a rich heritage
✅ Around 500–600 pupils — including 20% international students, creating a friendly and multicultural community
✅ Over 90% of leavers go on to their first-choice university — including Oxford, Cambridge, Durham, Bath, Imperial, Edinburgh, and Bristol
✅ 98–99% A-Level pass rate — with over 80% of grades at A*–B, well above the national average
✅ Located in Somerset — surrounded by the Quantock and Blackdown Hills, with easy access to the coast and national parks
✅ A centre of excellence for the performing arts — home to the professional Southern Sinfonia orchestra and a 570-seat theatre on campus
🫰 Tuition fees
With on-campus boarding
from £ 54,000
per year
(7–18 years)
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Get in touch for a personalised estimate
🧑🎓 Facts About Queen's College Taunton
📗 Key Facts
⚫ Founded in 1843 by a group of Methodists as the Wesleyan Collegiate Institute — the oldest school in Taunton
⚫ Age range: from birth to 18 (Nursery through Sixth Form), with boarding available from age 7
⚫ A member of HMC, The Society of Heads, IAPS, AGBIS, and ISBA — an independent school with royal patronage
⚫ A recognised centre of excellence in the performing and creative arts, with the professional Southern Sinfonia orchestra in residence
⚫ A wide range of A-Level subjects plus 4 BTEC programmes (Sport, Marketing, Outdoor Adventure, Food Science & Nutrition) — flexible pathways including the Extended Project Qualification
📊 Rankings & Statistics
⚫ Most leavers go on to top universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, Durham, Imperial College London, Bath, Edinburgh, and Bristol
⚫ In 2024, 90% of GCSE entries achieved grades 9–4, with 65% at the top grades of 9–7 (equivalent to A*/A)
⚫ 98–99% A-Level pass rate with over 80% of grades at A*–B, well above the national average
⚫ 100% pass rate achieved in over 20 A-Level subjects, including Business Studies, Economics, Further Maths, Physics, and Chemistry
⚫ Over 20% of pupils are international students from around the world, creating a truly multicultural learning environment
📍 Location
⚫ 1 hour 45 minutes by train from central London — a direct rail link to Taunton station
⚫ Situated on the edge of the historic town of Taunton in Somerset, surrounded by the Quantock and Blackdown Hills (Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty)
⚫ Less than 2 hours from Heathrow Airport, and just 45 minutes from Bristol and Exeter airports with easy road access
⚫ Spread across 36 acres: a Gothic main building from 1845, modern teaching facilities, a 570-seat theatre, and extensive sports grounds
🏆 Boarding
⚫ Four comfortable boarding houses for Years 7–13 — recently refurbished residences with a homely feel, run by experienced houseparents
⚫ Weekly and full-time boarding options, with flexible arrangements for military families through the Service Family Package
⚫ World-class sports: hockey (regularly in the national finals), rugby, swimming, athletics, horse riding, triathlon, kayaking, and climbing
⚫ One of the largest Duke of Edinburgh Award cohorts in the South West, with qualified instructors for outdoor education
🤔 How to choose a school in England?
Before deciding on a school, look into its rankings, location, and fees. Here are our top 5 tips for making the right choice.
Programmes
Find out what subjects the school offers and whether it matches your goals. If your child plans to go to university, make sure the school prepares them for the right exams.
Teachers
Check the teachers' qualifications and experience. Great teachers make all the difference in a child's education and development.
Fees
Consider the tuition fees as well as extras like meals, transport, and extracurricular activities.
Culture and atmosphere
Visit the school and talk to teachers and students to get a feel for its culture. It's important that the school is welcoming and supportive.
Reviews and rankings
Read parent and student reviews and check UK school rankings. Use these insights to make an informed decision for your child.
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📋 Admissions roadmap
Here's what happens at every step
Getting to know MARYADI
During our initial meeting, we'll discuss the key aspects of the British education system, available programmes, and school options. We'll walk you through the most important factors to consider so you can make a well-informed decision.
Choosing a school
Choosing a school is one of the most important steps. There are around 500 independent schools in England, each with its own character and strengths. Our team knows these schools inside out and will help you find the best match for your child — based on real experience, not marketing.
Application and admissions
To apply, you'll need a complete set of documents: application forms, school reports, references, and test results. The MARYADI team will help you prepare everything properly at each stage to avoid any mistakes.
Paying fees directly to the school
We ensure full transparency with all payments. Fees are paid directly to the school — your money is protected at every stage. With our guidance, you're investing in a quality education for your child.
Starting school
Starting at a new school is a big moment for both the student and the family. We understand how important this is, so our goal is to make sure you feel fully prepared and confident.
What are your chances of getting in?
Every case is unique — and so are your chances. We'll look at your child's full profile, from grades to hobbies, and give you a personalised assessment with tips to strengthen the application.
🤫 Why apply with MARYADI?
Consultations and school selection
We match schools to your goals and preferences to find the best option for your family. Our team carefully considers your educational priorities to recommend the right schools.
Testing and exams
Thanks to our long-standing relationships with many schools, we can arrange entrance tests and exams in your home city. All completed tests are reviewed by our team before being sent to the school.
Help with paperwork
We take care of all the paperwork so you don't have to worry. You can focus on what matters most while we handle the documents.
First-hand knowledge and recommendations
We know the schools personally and only recommend options we trust — not glossy brochures. We work directly with schools to ensure our recommendations are reliable and up to date.
Up-to-date admissions information
We keep you informed with the latest details on admissions processes, deadlines, and school requirements. You'll always have accurate, up-to-date information at your fingertips.
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⭐ About us in numbers
We're proud that our community grows stronger every year
2006
Year founded
500
Partner schools worldwide
5000+
Happy families
18+
Countries
🌎 Trusted reputation
We're proud to have earned trust and recognition in the education sector through our many accreditations. They reflect our commitment to high standards and quality. See our accreditations below — and feel confident that you're in good hands.
ⓘ Why do you need professional support?
Applying to British schools involves many nuances and requires a deep understanding of the UK education system. Without professional support, it's easy to miss important details or make mistakes that could affect the outcome.
Our team has years of experience working with leading schools in England and knows each school's requirements inside out. We help prepare documents correctly, organise testing and interviews, and advise on visa applications.
Our team has years of experience working with leading schools in England and knows each school's requirements inside out. We help prepare documents correctly, organise testing and interviews, and advise on visa applications.
We develop a tailored admissions strategy based on your child's academic level, interests, and goals. We support your family every step of the way — from choosing a school to securing a place. With professional guidance, your chances of getting into a top British school increase significantly.
We help you avoid common pitfalls and give you confidence in a successful outcome — especially in a competitive international admissions landscape.
We help you avoid common pitfalls and give you confidence in a successful outcome — especially in a competitive international admissions landscape.