Case Studies
The Good Schools Guide
The Good Schools Guide is the number one trusted guide to schools in the UK, helping parents in every aspect of choosing the best education for their children.
“A shining gem of a school offering an impressively all round education with the perfect balance of on and off curriculum opportunities, gentle and kind pastoral care, a grounded close-knit community and a fabulous setting.”
“This is a kind and gentle place to start school with a very warm, family atmosphere”
“Lessons are kind and calm with pupils recognised for their contributions, parents praise the ‘lack of pressure to be the best, just constant gentle encouragement. It’s not a pointy elbowed culture.’”
“‘This is why people choose this school’ voiced pupils and staff repeatedly as they walked us through the art and co-curricular offerings and it was hard not to be awestruck by what we were shown.”
The Bartletts
Stuart Bartlett – a Chief Petty Officer in the Royal Navy – and his wife Elizabeth have twin daughters, Eleanor and Caitlin, who have just finished their A Level exams. Here he tells of their Queen’s College journey…
Seven years ago we dropped off our twin girls at Queen’s College, Taunton. The beginning of a new journey was fraught for us, an adventure eagerly grasped by them.
Accepted with open arms by their peers, they instantly settled into the routine of a new school and boarding house, forming bonds which still stand to this day and undeniably comparable to those within the military environment.
How those seven years have passed, almost in a proverbial blink of the eye, we arrive at the final stage of their tenure, their transformation from girls to ladies complete. Ready to face the world with all its problems, the need for autonomous decision making, a confidence facing outlook they stand steadfast in their desire to continue in the Queen’s motto – “We learn not for school, but for life”.
Within the past seven years we have faced both scholastic and familial issues – with two teenagers away from parents’ eyes, this is almost expected.
When required we always had faith and trust in those discharged in our absence and, most importantly a relationship built on solid foundations, that matrons, house parents, safeguarding teams and teachers interaction didn’t end at the resolve but ensured a continuation of care and oversight to ensure the quickest return to normality as expected.
Taking all aspects of our children’s needs – academically, psychologically, socially and spiritually – the school’s holistic approach nurtured, honed and encouraged independent thinking, fully preparing them for life beyond Queen’s.
In totality, has the experience worked? Undoubtedly so and with a full peer recommendation for both Queen’s and their boarding lifestyle.
Without the effort imparted by all, our children would not be where they are today, experienced the events which have shaped their outlook and personality, and been given a start in life we could only have dreamed of when we dropped them off seven years ago.
The Baumgartens
“We will be forever grateful for the incredible experience Sophia had during her time at Queen’s. It was love at first sight: from the first second Sophia had stepped in, she felt at home and was genuinely happy to be at Queen’s. And that is all down to the amazing support she has received from all sides: Mrs Shearman and Mrs Elliott making Hutton House her second home being always so supportive, extra caring and welcoming.
Her art teacher, Ms Cade, who has so encouraged her love and enthusiasm for arts. Sophia told us that she would never forget art class with the great artist Ian Murphy who will forever enrich her personal treasure box of life”
Queen’s truly nurtures talent and it has instilled within her a love of art that is sure to last a lifetime. Making new friends from all over the world will help shaping her character as an individual respecting all walks of life.
Our experience leaves us in no doubt that the school provides an excellent education which nurtures intellectual curiosity, is challenging and fun, balancing academic excellence with fulfilment of individual potential in the arts, sport and extra-curricular activities and hence paving her life’s journey.
We as her parents have always been impressed with how the teaching and boarding staff work closely together, teaching respect and tolerance for the whole school community. And we felt this strong partnership and simply outstanding communications between school and parents for which we cannot thank you enough.
Queen‘s will forever be a very important milestone in her life journey. Unforgettable, formative and enriching and so we are extremely grateful that she had the chance to experience all that and become a part of this wonderful Queen’s family.
To keep it short: If we had this choice again, it would be Queen’s College Taunton all the way.
Mrs Barker
“My son has settled unexpectedly well and communication with him and staff is on point. My [son] started at Queen’s and he absolutely loves his new life. There seems to be a fair balance between academia, fun and sports.
I must say, I am happy knowing that Ollie is happy. If I had this choice again, it would be Queen’s College all the way.”
Mrs Rigler
“My entire family fell in love with Queen’s immediately. The school is simply beautiful, with a huge range of facilities for the kids to develop. The staff are so helpful and friendly and are always keen to answer any questions or worries we may have.
My oldest has been at Queen’s for nearly a year… the standards of teaching are very high and she has been improving in all aspects of her learning while growing in confidence. The weekends are her favourite due to the wide variety of activities she enjoys with friends. She will also be joined soon by our middle daughter who is very eager to start.
I would thoroughly recommend Queen’s to anyone looking to send their child to boarding school.”
Mrs Hine
“We will be forever grateful for the incredible pastoral care our son has received. He is genuinely happy to be at school and that is all down to the amazing support he has received.”