Taunton School named as one of UK's best schools for cricket by world’s leading cricketing magazine

Taunton Senior School features in the top 100 and Taunton Prep in the top 50 of The Cricketer’s Schools Guide 2024. Taunton is one of only a handful of schools to have both senior and prep schools mentioned.

This year’s roll call of schools – which features both state and private schools – follows a lengthy selection process by the magazine. All entries are judged against a wide range of criteria including evidence of a compelling commitment to cricket in the curriculum, facilities, fixture programmes and coaching.

“This is a wonderful achievement,” said Pete Sanderson, Director of Cricket at Taunton School and former Somerset County Cricket coach. 

“It is a reflection of the commitment to the sport by Taunton School – and the boys and girls who train so hard throughout the year. We are absolutely delighted that their hard work, along with that of our coaches and sports department staff, has earned Taunton School, yet again, a top place in this highly-respected guide.”

The news comes as four students have been selected to join the elite pathway training schemes. Three players have joined the Somerset Academy; Ben Church, Oscar Coleman and Kian Roberts, run by Somerset County Cricket Club. Alice Robbins has also been selected for the Western Storm Academy. 

Last year Taunton School’s Under 15 boys’ team made it to the final of the Somerset County Cup. The Under 15 girls reached the final of the Lady Taverners indoor regional competition, while the Under 19 boys’ team came second in the Regional T20 group. In addition to these the Under 13, Under 12 and Under 11 boys teams all reached county finals, with the latter moving onto regional finals whilst the Under 13 girls teams won the county cup.

Matt Cook, Taunton School Deputy Head, said: “This is testament to the depth and quality of the programme available for boys and girls throughout our Prep and Senior schools. We congratulate all our students who continue to commit above and beyond to the sport, ensuring we remain a centre of excellence for cricket.”

Taunton School has a long cricketing tradition with strong ties with Somerset County Cricket Club. All pupils at the prep and senior schools are introduced to the game when they join the school and have many opportunities to progress in the sport, working with the school’s coaching team which includes former England player Marcus Trescothick. 

The Schools Guide 2024 will be available with the December issue of The Cricketer – and also online. 

The magazine’s editor, Huw Turbervill, said: "Our 2024 Schools Guide celebrates the best cricket programmes in state and independent schools across the country. The rise of women’s cricket in schools really has been a joy to behold.”