Queen's College Taunton

Since 2021, Julian Noad, formerly head of Oswestry School, Shropshire. He is a head on a mission, absolutely determined to bring Queen’s College to the front of the queue for any parent or pupil struggling to find the right choice from the impress

Taster days and an interview with the head are precursors to sitting standard cognitive ability papers. Non-selective, so tests are for setting purposes only. All new starters required to supply reports and references from previous settings. Overs

Around 30 per cent leave after GCSEs, the majority for vocational 16+ choices or the anticipated freedoms of Richard Huish sixth form college in Taunton. A steady handful bounce back again when ‘you realise how lucky we are at Queen’s’, laughed on

In 2024, 38 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 35 per cent A*/A at A level (65 per cent A-B). In 2023, 43 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 42 per cent A*/A at A level (68 per cent A*-B).

Lessons are kind and calm with pupils recognised for their contributions, parents praise the ‘lack of pressure to be the best, just constant gentle encouragement. It’s not a pointy elbowed culture.’ Modern, bright classrooms and engaging staff abo

Learning support has its own building and whether pupils arrive with a declaration of additional need or this is discovered on their journey through the school, there are both small-group and one-to-one sessions available to all, included within t

‘This is why people choose this school,’ said pupils and staff repeatedly as they walked us through the art and co-curricular offerings, and it was hard not to be awestruck by what we were shown.

Co-curricular is absolutely embedded into th

Sport is broad, strong and inclusive and the school has ‘a good sporting tradition’, according to the head, who added, ‘Everyone has the chance to play for the school and we don’t aggressively play only to win or accept unpleasant matches against

Boarders are well looked after and enviably well entertained. Boarding houses are undergoing renovation and the standard of the completed elements is stunning: the boys’ boarding house boasts high ceilings, sumptuous carpets, leather armchairs and

Centrally sited ‘wellbeing hub’ is always open and staffed with full-time school counsellors, available both during term and holiday time. Pupils were extremely positive about the ‘tight knit community’ that they revelled in at the school, highlig

Shiny new Range Rovers are ‘a very rare sight’ in the car park, according to school and parents. ‘It’s more about 10-year old Volvos and Golfs; hardworking families, down to earth, who often make big sacrifices to send their children here. We’re n

The lowest fees amongst the Taunton schools and keen to extend financial support where it can, backed by robust MIST funding. Forty per cent of pupils on means-tested bursaries including six on full 100 per cent. Scholarships, worth up to 20 per c

A shining gem of a school offering an impressively rounded education. Queen’s achieves the perfect balance of on- and off-curriculum opportunities, gentle and kind pastoral care and a grounded, close-knit community – all in a fabulous setting.