The independent school, which has 500 pupils in its Nursery, Pre-Prep and Prep School, was also praised for having ‘wonderfully welcoming’ staff, amazing facilities and excellent pastoral support.
The school, on Staplegrove Road, Taunton, was recently reviewed by the independent The Good Schools Guide – the number one trusted guide to schools in the UK aimed at helping parents in every aspect of choosing the best education for their children.
“This is a school for every child, a place where values of humanity come first, where happy children find out who they are and what they can do and then go on and play out of their socks,” the review panel commented.
It continues: “You quickly pick up on the social atmosphere here because everyone is so naturally nice and courteous, welcoming of strangers, and that’s not something you find everywhere by any means.”
The review said the school was the ‘cleanest’ in Britain stating: “We have never seen a cleaner school nor have we met cleaners who so much enjoyed their work.
The review also praised teaching at the school stating: “Academically a very safe pair of hands across the board – just the right blend of extra-mile dedication and judicious professionalism.” Maths, DT, and the performing arts centre were singled out for acclaim alongside the benefits of sharing some teachers and facilities with the senior school.
The review also praised the boarding provision at the school. “The accommodation is clean and snug” it states. “There’s access to senior school facilities. The staff are brilliant, that’s key, and the children are clearly well looked after and happy.”
It went on to describe the school as popular with hardworking local entrepreneurs and business people wanting the best for their children and for whom this is their first experience of private education. “They told us that the school didn’t talk down to them like others they looked round, it’s not ‘grand and intimidating’” the review states.
It’s also attractive to parents for whom private education is second nature and has long been popular with Forces families.
The review further included comments from parents: “They spot talents you never knew they had’, and the nursery and pre-prep was described by another parent as ‘the jewel in the crown’.
Headmaster Duncan Sinclair said: “We are thrilled to get such a glowing review from the expert panel at the Good Schools Guide who look at hundreds of schools up and down the country. It is reassuring to know that from spending this time with us all the things that we take pride in ensuring are present at our school shone through. Knowing our pupils really well and tailoring our teaching and learning to each individual is at the centre of what we do.”