CRICKET AT KING’S
Cricket at King’s College, Taunton, is a central part of our sporting identity, combining a strong heritage with a progressive performance programme. Built on a philosophy of inclusivity, development and excellence, our cricket offering ensures that every pupil, whether new to the game or pursuing elite ambitions, can thrive.
Our programme is shaped by three key pillars: exceptional coaching, high-quality facilities and clearly defined pathways. Together, these create an environment where talent is nurtured, ambition is supported, and opportunities extend beyond the school. From Prep through to Senior School, pupils benefit from a structured cricket journey that develops both technical ability and personal qualities.
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FACILITIES
PitchVision Indoor Performance Centre
At the core of our cricket provision is the PitchVision Indoor Performance Centre, a high-performance training environment designed to support year-round development.
The centre incorporates advanced PitchVision technology, providing real-time data and video analysis to enhance technical and tactical understanding. Pupils receive detailed feedback across batting, bowling and fielding, enabling measurable progress and targeted coaching support. The indoor facility allows for consistent training regardless of weather conditions, maintaining continuity throughout the year.
This space reflects our commitment to providing professional-level resources and preparing pupils for the demands of higher-level cricket.
Pitches and Grounds
King’s offers excellent outdoor cricket facilities, with well-prepared grass wickets and outfields that support both training and competitive fixtures.
A range of playing surfaces caters to different age groups and standards, helping pupils develop versatility and game awareness. Ongoing investment ensures that pitches remain of a consistently high quality, providing an excellent environment for both development and match play.
COACHING
The cricket programme at King’s is delivered by an experienced and highly qualified coaching team, including former professional players and accredited coaches.
Our coaching philosophy focuses on individual development, technical accuracy and strong game awareness. Sessions are designed to challenge and support pupils at all levels, combining skill development with match scenarios to build confidence and adaptability.
The programme is led by Rob Woodman, Head of Cricket at King’s, who brings significant professional experience, having played for Somerset County Cricket Club and Gloucestershire as well as representing England at Under 19 level. His leadership ensures a clear and ambitious direction for cricket across the school.
He is supported by Keith Parsons, Head of Girls Cricket, who has enjoyed a distinguished professional career with Somerset and the Unicorns. Keith brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to the role. Since joining King’s four years ago, he has worked closely with Rob Woodman to deliver outstanding results, including national successes for both boys’ and girls’ teams.
Alongside this, pupils also benefit from the expertise of coaches such as Rob Turner, a former Somerset CCC cricketer, ensuring exposure to high-level knowledge of the professional game.
King’s maintains strong links with Somerset County Cricket Club and regional cricket pathways. Pupils are supported through trials and identification processes, with clear guidance for those aiming to progress into county and academy structures.
PATHWAYS
The strength of coaching at King’s is reflected in the progression opportunities available to pupils.
Clear pathways support pupils as they move into county age group cricket, academy programmes and beyond. Alumni such as James and Thomas Rew demonstrate what can be achieved, having progressed into the Somerset CCC system.
Through individual support, performance tracking and established relationships with county cricket, pupils are well prepared for the next stage of their development. Whether pursuing a professional route or continuing to play at a high level, King’s provides a strong foundation.
KING’S CRICKET FESTIVALS
King’s hosts an established annual cricket festival, which forms a central part of the school’s summer cricket activity.
Running across approximately four weeks during the summer break, the festival welcomes teams from across the UK and overseas, creating a vibrant and competitive environment on campus. The event attracts hundreds of players, coaches and supporters each year, reflecting both its scale and international reach.
The festival provides an extended period of high quality match play, offering pupils and visiting teams consistent opportunities to compete, develop and experience cricket in a professional setting. Each week operates as a structured competition, contributing to a sustained and high volume of fixtures across the full festival period.
Key features include:
- A four week residential cricket festival during the summer holidays
- Participation from UK schools and international touring sides
- A high volume of competitive fixtures across the duration of the event
- Professional organisation and use of King’s high quality facilities
The King’s Cricket Festival plays an important role within the wider cricket programme, enhancing the school’s reputation and strengthening its links within the national and international cricketing community.
PUPIL STORIES AND SUCCESS
The success of cricket at King’s is reflected in the achievements of its pupils and alumni, with many progressing to the highest levels of the game.
Recent years have seen James Rew and Sonny Baker both represent England at Test level, marking a significant milestone for the school and underlining the strength of its cricket programme. Alongside this, Thomas Rew has captained England at Under 19 level, further demonstrating the depth of talent emerging from King’s and the effectiveness of its development pathways.
King’s has a strong tradition of producing international and professional cricketers, including Jos Buttler, alongside Tom Banton and Will Smeed, who have established themselves in the professional and franchise game. Players such as Fin Hill continue to progress within the professional system, while Erin Vukusic, who represents Somerset, highlights the strength and growth of girls’ cricket at King’s.
This success is not limited to former pupils. Current pupils are also achieving national recognition. Theo L, a Fifth Form pupil, was named the 2025 Gray-Nicolls Standout School Cricketer, one of the most prestigious awards in school cricket. He is the first pupil from King’s College, Taunton, to receive this honour and one of the few from the region in recent decades, underlining both his individual excellence and the quality of the cricket programme.
These individual journeys sit alongside wider opportunities such as county selection, national representation and international tours, including cricket exchanges and overseas experiences, all of which contribute to both cricketing development and personal growth.
Together, these outcomes provide clear evidence of what pupils can achieve through cricket at King’s, supported by expert coaching, excellent facilities and well-defined pathways.
CRICKET AT EVERY AGE GROUP
Cricket at King’s is structured to provide a clear and supportive journey at every stage.
Prep School Cricket
At Prep level, pupils are introduced to cricket in an engaging and supportive environment. The focus is on fundamental skills, enjoyment and participation, with early match experience helping to build confidence and enthusiasm.
Senior School Cricket
In the Senior School, the programme becomes more structured and performance-focused. Pupils benefit from advanced coaching, competitive fixtures and clear progression opportunities, whether aiming for elite performance or continued participation.
King’s Crowned National Schools U18 T20 Champions
Prep Pupils Enjoy Inspirational Day at Somerset CCC
King’s College duo Rew and Baker earn England Test debuts
Theo L Makes History with Prestigious National Cricket Award
Maddie R Signs Professional Contract with Somerset County Cricket Club
King’s Extends Somerset County Cricket Partnership, Reinforcing Our Status as a National Leader in School Cricket
Pippa’s Cricket Exchange Adventure in South Africa
Keith Parsons Announced as Head of Girls’ Cricket at King’s
Professional cricketer Will Smeed returns to King’s for Inspiring masterclass
King’s Cricket Reaches New Heights in a Record-Breaking Season
U15 Boys Crowned National Schools T20 Champions
Girls’ 1XI Triumph as National Plate Winners
Thomas R Secures Rookie Contract
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