LOCAL AREA
King’s College Taunton is proud to be located in the historic county town of Taunton, Somerset. Nestled in the heart of the South West, Taunton offers a unique blend of heritage, culture and opportunity, whilst providing the benefits of a safe and welcoming community. Surrounded by beautiful countryside and within easy reach of major cities, coastlines and national parks, it is an exceptional setting in which young people can learn, grow and thrive.
For families choosing King’s, our location offers far more than convenience. Taunton provides an environment that supports academic success, personal development and independence, allowing pupils to make the most of their education both inside and beyond the classroom.
WHY CHOOSE TAUNTON?
As Somerset’s county town, Taunton is a thriving centre for education, arts and sport. With excellent transport links, including the M5 motorway and direct rail services to London Paddington in under two hours, the town combines accessibility with a relaxed pace of life. Its vibrant cultural scene, strong sense of community and range of amenities make it an attractive place for both day and boarding pupils, while offering families confidence that their children are studying in a safe and supportive environment.
The town’s size is often one of its greatest strengths. Large enough to provide opportunity and independence, yet compact enough to feel safe and manageable, Taunton offers pupils the best of both worlds as they develop confidence and prepare for life beyond school.
LIFE BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
One of the advantages of studying at King’s, particularly in the Sixth Form, is the opportunity to enjoy an increasing level of independence within a well-managed and secure setting. Located close to the town centre, King’s College gives older pupils access to cafés, shops, restaurants, cultural venues and recreational facilities, helping them develop confidence and responsibility as they prepare for university and adulthood.
For boarders, this creates the perfect balance between the close-knit support of the King’s community and the independence that comes with living and studying away from home. Whether meeting friends in town, attending local events or making use of Taunton’s amenities, pupils are able to enjoy meaningful experiences beyond the school gates while remaining part of a supportive and structured environment.
LOCAL ATTRACTIONS AND LIFESTYLE
Life in Taunton offers plenty to explore. The beautiful Vivary Park is a popular destination for relaxation and outdoor recreation, whilst Taunton Castle and the Museum of Somerset provide opportunities to discover the area’s rich history. The town centre is home to a variety of independent shops, cafés and restaurants, creating a lively atmosphere for pupils and visiting families alike.
The Taunton Brewhouse Theatre hosts a diverse programme of performances throughout the year, adding to the town’s thriving cultural scene. Throughout the year, local events, festivals and community celebrations help create a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere that enriches life for both day and boarding pupils.
SPORT AT THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY
Sport plays an important role in life both at King’s and within the wider community. Somerset County Cricket Club, located just a short walk from the College campus, is one of the town’s most recognisable sporting institutions and enjoys a strong relationship with the school.
The proximity of professional sport provides inspiration and opportunity for pupils, while the wider region offers outstanding facilities and environments for a broad range of sporting and outdoor pursuits. From county-level fixtures to community sport, Taunton’s sporting culture complements King’s own commitment to excellence, participation and lifelong wellbeing.
LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
King’s benefits from a location that places some of England’s most spectacular landscapes within easy reach. The Quantock Hills, Blackdown Hills, Exmoor National Park and Somerset Levels all provide opportunities for adventure, exploration and outdoor learning.
These locations regularly support activities such as Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, leadership programmes, fieldwork, outdoor education and enrichment opportunities. Rather than simply learning about these environments, pupils have the opportunity to experience them first-hand, helping to build resilience, teamwork, independence and a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Our location also supports an extensive programme of educational visits throughout the year, allowing pupils to engage with learning in real-world settings and gain experiences that extend far beyond the curriculum.
CONNECTED TO OPPORTUNITY
Taunton’s excellent transport links enhance the educational and enrichment opportunities available to King’s pupils. Exeter, Bristol and Bath are all within easy reach, providing access to world-class universities, museums, galleries, theatres, performances and professional organisations.
Whether attending academic conferences, careers events, university open days, theatre productions, concerts or sporting fixtures, pupils benefit from being connected to some of the South West’s most exciting cultural and educational destinations.
For Sixth Form students in particular, these opportunities support the transition from school to higher education and future careers, helping them broaden their horizons and make informed decisions about their next steps.
A GATEWAY TO THE SOUTH WEST
King’s location makes it easy to explore some of the most inspiring destinations in the region. Within a relatively short journey, pupils and families can access the dramatic landscapes of Exmoor and Dartmoor, the Jurassic Coast, the Quantock Hills and the Somerset Levels, as well as historic cities such as Exeter and Bath.
These destinations frequently form part of the wider King’s experience through trips, activities, sporting events and enrichment programmes, ensuring that pupils make the most of everything the South West has to offer.
GETTING HERE
Taunton is exceptionally well connected. Regular rail services link the town to London Paddington in around 1 hour 45 minutes, while Bristol and Exeter are both easily accessible by road and rail. The M5 motorway provides straightforward access to the Midlands, the South West and beyond, making King’s an accessible choice for families throughout the UK.
For international families, nearby airports and excellent onward transport links make travelling to and from King’s simple and convenient.
DISCOVER TAUNTON WITH KING’S
Ultimately, Taunton offers the best of both worlds: the vibrancy and opportunity of a thriving county town combined with the beauty and space of the surrounding countryside. It is a place where young people can embrace new experiences, develop independence, pursue their ambitions and make the most of every opportunity available to them.
At King’s, we believe our location is an important part of the educational experience. From exploring Exmoor on expedition, attending performances in Bristol, visiting universities in Exeter and Bath, watching county cricket just moments from campus, or simply enjoying life in a welcoming Somerset community, pupils benefit from an environment that continually enriches their learning and helps prepare them for life beyond King’s.
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