Taunton School, one of Somerset’s premier independent schools, is making significant strides with its ambitious expansion plan, as the new 140-bed boarding house begins to take shape above ground.
Having completed the foundations and substructure masonry, the project has now advanced to the installation of both external and internal loadbearing walls. An electric tower crane, installed over the summer, facilitates the construction and will remain onsite into next year. Ingeniously, the crane is equipped with a weathervane to allow it to rotate safely in windy conditions, minimizing structural strain.
Julia Humphries, Director of Estates at Taunton School, expressed enthusiasm about the progress: “We are delighted with the rapid advancement of our new boarding facility. This project is a key element in our ‘One School, Many Pathways’ campaign, aiming to unite all boarders on a single site and significantly enhance their residential experience.”
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Headmaster James Johnson has collaborated closely with the estates team and consultants to ensure that interior designs align with the school’s aesthetic and meet the needs of its students. Plans are also underway to welcome students interested in architecture and construction for site visits, enriching their learning opportunities.
Throughout the development, the school has maintained open communication with local residents, providing regular updates and committing to ongoing dialogue as construction continues.
Beyond the boarding house, Taunton School’s 56-acre campus has benefited from other recent investments, including the launch of a new athletic development gym at the start of term, refurbished classrooms, a state-of-the-art design technology laboratory, and additional CNED teaching facilities—all contributing to a dynamic and thriving educational environment.