Military Families at King’s College, Taunton
We have extensive experience supporting the families of those serving in the British Armed Forces in their search for the right school for their children, and we have an in-depth understanding of the challenges and complexities of making the right choice.
As a small to medium-sized day and full boarding school, our size and ethos make us the perfect fit for military and service families looking for a home-from-home environment for their children. We offer a vibrant and close-knit boarding community, inspiring pupils to fulfil their potential and make a real difference to the world around them.
We understand the pressures of being part of a military family, and actively care and support each other. We strongly encourage all children and their parents to keep in regular contact via telephone, Skype and email, and we have a dedicated and experienced Military Liaison Tutor to support this close and continued contact.
A Rich Military Heritage
King’s College is proud to have a strong military tradition and rich heritage, dating back to 1880 right through to the present day, which helps make us the school of choice for many HM Forces and FCDO families. Our Headmaster, Michael Sloan, who joined the school in September 2022, served as an officer in The Rifles for six years, after commissioning from the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, during which time he was deployed to Afghanistan, Iraq and Kosovo.
“King’s is an outstanding school with a rich history dating back to 1880. What sets it apart today is its vibrant and dynamic family community, inspiring pupils to fulfil their potential and make a real difference in the world around them.” Michael Sloan, Headmaster of King’s College.
Support and Guidance for the Whole Family
We are a co-educational school for ages 2-18, offering full boarding from year 3 (age 8), so providing much-valued continuity of education for siblings. We place a considerable amount of importance on creating an environment that is safe, welcoming and supportive. Although our traditional entry point is September, we are very open to discussing more flexible arrangements to make a child’s integration into school life as smooth as possible. Our experienced and caring Houseparents understand the challenges that Forces families might be facing, and will ensure that there is always someone there to listen, sympathise and provide individual care and guidance.
Stand-out Academic Support
We provide the highest quality teaching by subject specialists in small, focused classes, supported with all the technology you would expect of a 21st century learning space. We achieve excellent GCSE and A-level results, with many pupils going on to top UK and global universities, including Oxbridge and other Russell Group destinations, often on scholarship. The school’s fundamental aim is to inspire a lifelong love of learning in its pupils, and we place great importance on encouraging and supporting our pupils’ enthusiasms with clubs and societies, trips, scholarships and essay prizes.
Impressive Co-Curricular Activities
We offer an extensive range of co-curricular activities – with a focus on outdoor pursuits - alongside a full schedule of weekend trips and social events: highlights include surfing at stunning local beaches, climbing at nearby gorges, visits to the local cinema, and shopping excursions to Bristol and Bath. With the emphasis on full-time boarding, King’s is a busy and exciting place to be seven days a week.
A Long-standing CCF Tradition
The CCF (Combined Cadet Force) has a long and successful tradition at King’s, with over 250 cadets spread amongst the Royal Navy, Royal Marine and Army Sections and our Chindit Columns. Regular Field Days, Training Weeks and camps, give cadets the chance to experience a full range of activities alongside developing their military skills – from caving and canoeing, to rafting and rock climbing – giving them space to grow and become independent, self-reliant leaders.
Taunton - A Convenient and Connected Location
King’s is located within easy walking distance of the centre of Taunton a large market town in Somerset: our pupils enjoy access to a vibrant town with cinemas, arts centre, restaurants and cafes, plus opportunities to explore the surrounding hills, countryside and nearby world-renowned surfing beaches. We benefit from excellent rail and motorway connections, and can also offer a transport service to and from Heathrow, Bristol and Exeter airports.
A Fee Structure Which Supports Military Families
If you claim Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) for your child to take a full boarding place at the College or Prep School, the amount that you will personally pay from 1 September 2024 will be fixed at a flat rate per term*. The College will provide a Forces Boarding Award against the termly fee that will leave the balance payable after CEA as set out below.
| Prep School | Years 3&4 | £840 |
| Prep School | Years 5&6 | £890 |
| Prep School | Years 7&8 | £1,080 |
| Senior School | Years 9-11 | £1,600 |
| Sixth Form | Years 12-13 | £1,600 |
* The annual CEA update and our own annual fee review may impact the flat fee and parents will be given a term’s notice of any changes.
The termly fee is fully inclusive of all 'extras' of general application (eg. meals, laundry, most text books and stationary). Although there will be no further remission on standard fees, scholarships are still available and applications are welcomed. Fee applies to applications and registrations for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Remission for Families not Eligible for CEA
A 15% remission at King's College and 10% remission at King's College Prep is available for children of serving, regular members of the Armed Forces, where that family is not eligible for CEA. The remission applies against the day or boarding fee as appropriate.
- Our military remissions are only available to children of serving, regular members of the Armed Forces, not those of reservists.
- Not to be combined with other remissions.
- Sibling discounts do not apply.
Ready to Start your King’s Journey?
For an informal discussion or to arrange a visit, contact our Admissions Team on 01823 328204 or email admissions@kings-taunton.co.uk.
We hold Open Days in Spring and Autumn, and you are welcome to visit the school at any time of year for an individual tour.
We look forward to welcoming you to King’s College, Taunton.
Admissions Process