Taunton School in Somerset has been nationally recognised for its outstanding commitment to inclusive sports, receiving the Inspiring Sporting Activities award at the 2025 Talk Education Awards for Innovation in Education.
This prestigious accolade highlights the school’s dedication to developing sporting opportunities tailored to all students, regardless of their experience or ability. The award judges — a panel of education experts boasting over 400 years of combined experience — commended Taunton School for cultivating a sports programme that not only promotes physical wellbeing but also enhances personal growth and essential life skills.
Daniel Pettifer, Director of Sport at Taunton School, expressed his pride in the achievement: “This award is a reflection of the passion and dedication of our entire sporting community — from students and parents to coaches and sports staff. Together, we’ve built a culture of inclusion and commitment that truly resonates with our students.”
READ MORE: Giant Solar Farm Proposed Along Historic Somerset Canal Sparks Debate
Taunton School offers three distinct sporting pathways for students in Years 9 to 13: core development, potential high performance, and high performance. These pathways are designed to be accessible to all students, fostering broad participation and progression based on individual potential.
The senior school boasts 130 representative teams competing in over 1,000 fixtures across 30 different sports each year. Earlier this year, the school was recognised as 14th in School Sport magazine’s Top 200 Sporting Schools in the UK, reinforcing its reputation as a leading institution for sports excellence.
Founded in 1847, Taunton School is a co-educational day and boarding school for children aged 0 to 18, situated on a spacious 56-acre campus in Somerset.