Work starts on Taunton School’s new library and sixth form centre

Work has started on Taunton School’s new library and sixth form centre, which will see brand new facilities created inside the school’s historic main building.

A building team is working on converting the school’s former upper and lower dining rooms into a 21st century study and relaxation hub.

Year 12 students Issy Hogevold, 16, and Charlie Franks, 17, were the first students to see inside the building area as walls were knocked down and flooring and panelling removed this week.

Issy and Charlie were part of a student team who helped to design the décor and choose furniture for the refurbished sixth form centre, which will open in time for the new academic year.

Charlie, 17, said: “It’s a privilege to be one of the first students allowed inside to see the work in progress. We can see both the modern planning and the preservation of the school’s old building.”

Issy, 16, said: “It’s great to see our ideas form part of this refurbishment. We’ll take pride in our new designated space.”

Terry Harris, Head of Estates at Taunton School, said: “This is an incredibly exciting time for Taunton School, with work starting on our new library and sixth form centre as well as our new international school in the pipeline. It’s wonderful to see our plans starting to come to life as we look to the future of Taunton School.”

The new library and sixth from centre project follows the opening of a new dining hall in 2020, with plans in progress for a new international school, due to open in 2026.

Taunton School is running a campaign called Leave Your Mark to raise funds for the development by inviting people to have their name or the name of a loved one on a plaque, tree or desk. 

To donate, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/leaveyourmark