Taunton School Alumni Community Brochure

COMMUNITY

A REPORT PREPARED BY THE FOUNDATION AT TAUNTON SCHOOL

TAUNTON SCHOOL COMMUNITY

One School, One Community We are in the business of transforming lives through education and our aim is to challenge, nurture and inspire young people to succeed in a global community.

Every individual’s experience of Taunton School is unique and very important to me. Our Old Tauntonians, parents, staff and friends throughout the world should feel engaged, supported and connected with each other and with our school. I personally cherish the many friendships made over the years and feel passionately that we can achieve great things together as one school and one community.

I will do all I can to work together with you to strengthen our relationships as we develop our school for the future. I encourage you all, as valued members of the Taunton School community, to join me.

Lee Glaser, Headmaster

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TAUNTON SCHOOL COMMUNITY

Our Community For over 170 years, Taunton School has touched the lives of a hugely diverse group of people.

YEARS

COUNTRIES

Parents and grandparents have invested their hard-earned money, time and years of commitment; Talented teachers and support staffmany of whom have given a lifetime of service; Children and young adults from over 48 countries and from just down the road; Local business; Volunteers and friends; Local people who use our facilities;

Children from local schools who make use of our sports and drama facilities; Our alumni – our Old Tauntonians and Weirfieldians, who were children here and called this place home.

We are and always have been one school and one proud community.

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TAUNTON SCHOOL COMMUNITY

Working together The “Taunton School Community� is a new brand that incorporates the Foundation, the Old Tauntonian Association and the PTA. We also work closely with our Careers team, the Common Room and Support Staff groups. Our aim is to strengthen and support existing activity and to provide fresh focus for engagement for a whole school community.

We will create opportunities for people to engage with each other in a more meaningful way.

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This means delivering, not just our traditional OTA reunions but also supporting a global professional and social network, offering careers support and mentoring opportunities.

It means social opportunities, which appeal to a wider group of people who can enjoy concerts, sports activities and drinks receptions anywhere in the world.

We will also work to raise significant funds as we continue to enable a wider group of bright and enthusiastic children, who add so much to the life of our school, to access an education at Taunton School.

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TAUNTON SCHOOL COMMUNITY

Professional networking and mentoring We are in touch with over 6000 alumni throughout the world, including leading experts in engineering, medicine, law, finance, business development, design, performing arts and hospitality. We also place value on young students, still at university offering advice on what those first years away from home are really like.

Working with our experienced careers team at the school, we will invite more

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parents, alumni and friends to share expertise and encourage our students to consider their choices beyond the school.

Our website will contain links to our growing Linkedin page and we will promote internships, work placements and opportunities to volunteer at events in London and the school.

“ I was delighted to get involved with the Careers Mentoring Programme. It certainly made me feel more connected to my son’s school. He has been so happy here and it felt good to give a little something back.”

Neal Ledger, former parent

ALUMNI THROUGHOUT THE WORLD

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Our children come from over 48 countries and we engage with our parents, alumni and friends as often as we can.

Over the next two years, we plan to organise events in:

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TAUNTON SCHOOL COMMUNITY

“ We are all part of this wonderful global community and the school reaching out to us, travelling all this way - was appreciated!�

Hong Kong parent, attending the 2019 Hong Kong Reception

International receptions COUNTRIES

We host relaxed and informal drinks receptions all over the world and most recently we have gathered parents, alumni and students in Hong Kong, Dubai and Los Angeles. With more events planned, our aim is to enable families to connect and provide friendship and support for each other. By creating a global network, we can also support our students beyond school with careers advice and social groups.

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“Seeing the impact that even a modest gift can make in someone’s life is powerful. Sitting with these young people and talking to them about their school experience during a lunch, was very moving.”

Simognette Scavazza, Bevan 1984, donor.

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TAUNTON SCHOOL COMMUNITY

Thank you events for our donors and friends Our donor community is very important to us and we want everyone who makes a gift, supporting children, to feel cherished.

We bring like-minded people together and encourage a wider culture of giving.

All donors are invited to an annual lunch at the school, where they are also encouraged to meet our current senior bursary recipients. We also host events in Hong Kong and in London for our Patrons.

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TAUNTON SCHOOL COMMUNITY

“ There’s a genuine feeling of being part of a bigger family here. It’s a happy school and we’ve made so many friends.”

Current parent

Social gatherings for the whole community The school calendar is busy and it is our aim to communicate more of the opportunities available for all members of our community.

We have so much on offer, including concerts, plays, quiz nights, fireworks and gala balls; there are also debates, readings, academic presentations, art displays and musical cafes.

We encourage everyone to come and support the sports teams, help us organise a charity bike ride, bake a cake or two, or join the community choir. Everyone is welcome.

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“ One of the best events I’ve ever been to; it was so good to see my old school friends again and we’ve kept in touch ever since.”

OT, the London Dinner 2015

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TAUNTON SCHOOL COMMUNITY

OTA reunions and dinners The OTA has encouraged Old Tauntonians of all ages to cherish friendships and to support each other for over 130 years. A programme of reunions, dinners and informal events are available throughout the year, welcoming all OTs to get together

with their contemporaries and to make new friends. From traditional suppers and informal lunches to lavish banquets; all are welcome. We also support special anniversaries and reunions, helping you to find long lost friends and teachers.

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TAUNTON SCHOOL COMMUNITY

How do we impact on our local community?

As a leading independent school, we employ over 600 people from Taunton, making us one of the largest employers in the district, second only to Musgrove Park Hospital.

We support over 90 local businesses including farmers, building contractors and tradesmen and women. We make an outstanding education possible for over 500 local children by increasing access through means-tested bursaries (assisted places).

Our students raise thousands of pounds annually to support local charities, including Musgrove Hospital and local hospices. They also raise funds for mental health, cancer, spinal injury, education and veterans’ charities.

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We work in partnership with local state schools, offering our facilities and teaching staff for maths challenges, STEM projects, girls’ cricket and rugby programmes and performing arts projects and we’re proud to welcome people to our community choir and to join as members of our sports club.

We have a long history of supporting local clubs and sports facilities which provide access to sporting excellence and social opportunities for the whole community, particular young people.

Support is given in various ways such as the provision of expertise, help with projects, profile raising and funding.

Full details about our public benefit and accounts are available on request or accessed via the Companies House website

LOCAL PEOPLE EMPLOYED

LOCAL BUSINESESS SUPPORTED

ASSISTED PLACES

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“ Creating opportunities for children is at the heart of everything we do�

Lee Glaser

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TAUNTON SCHOOL COMMUNITY

RAISED SINCE 2002 FROM NEARLY 5000 DONORS

35% LEGACIES

RAISED FROM 1380 DONORS SINCE 2015 - FOCUS ON FUNDRAISING FOR MEANS-TESTED BURSARIES

75% BURSARIES

11% CAPITAL PROGRAMME

65%

14%

GIFTS FROM ALUMNI, PARENTS AND FRIENDS

O NT RI

BU TIO

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OTHER PROJECTS R PA ING LUD INC

L TA EN

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The Foundation story so far Since 2002 the Foundation has raised funds to support children at Taunton School.

OTs, parents and friends donated and left legacies in their Wills to support every area of teaching and learning.

We bought bowling machines for cricket, microscopes, tracking equipment, support boats for the long distance swimming teams, we built an outdoor “forest classroom” for the International Middle school, pavilions for our sports grounds, playgrounds, sports equipment and books for our libraries.

We built hockey pitches, transformed performing arts spaces and a major donation has also played a part in creating our new dining hall. We’ve put new lighting in the chapel, replaced the organ and brought the old cricket pavilion back to life. Such consistent generosity is part of our heritage and our future.

In 2015, we focussed on raising funds to change lives through the provision of means-tested bursaries. Since then, we have raised over £1,360,000 with the support of 788 new donors and our existing donor community.

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“ I cannot thank you enough for making us all so proud of you.

I also feel quite humbled by the fact that there is so much talent, ability and character around that is never given the opportunity to show the world how good they are.

It encourages people like me who want to and can afford it, to help some seriously talented youngsters. I have benefitted possibly as much as you by your huge achievements.�

David Brighton, Fairwater 1949, Former President of the OTA and Patron

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TAUNTON SCHOOL COMMUNITY

The Patrons’ Programme Changing lives with an education like no other.

“Patrons” are donors able to sponsor individual sixth form students with 100% means-tested bursaries. By 2020, over twenty children will have benefitted from this programme.

Springboard help children from particularly difficult social and personal situations by giving them a safe and inspiring place to board at some of the top boarding schools in the country.

These include two students from Hong Kong, supported by OTs who are members of the Taunton School Hong Kong Foundation. We are also working in partnership with the Royal Springboard Foundation to provide an education for two students this year.

Our bursary recipients consistently become our heads of school, prefects, mentors, captains, prize winners; leaders and ambassadors for the school for life.

It is our aim to support a further twenty students over the next three years.

PATRON SPONSORED BURSARIES

CHILDREN WILL HAVE BENEFITTED BY 2020

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TAUNTON SCHOOL COMMUNITY

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“Taunton School has given me opportunities beyond my hopes and dreams. It has given me the chance to set myself up for life with an education like no other with the chance to develop friendships, experiences and connections I would never have made anywhere else.�

Thomas Walsh, Marshall 2019, Patrons Bursary recipient.

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“ We’re asked to give to so many worthy causes these days. However, if we can all do our bit by supporting education and giving just a small amount collectively, we can make such a powerful difference.”

Obi Jegede, Weirfield 2011. Bursary recipient and donor.

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TAUNTON SCHOOL COMMUNITY

Creating more opportunities for children: The Top 100 Campaign Our vision is to enable 100 children with talent and potential of all ages, to access a Taunton School education.

Fees will be met in partnership with

parents, who often struggle to meet 100% of the amount needed but will sacrifice and work towards paying as much as they can.

We are creating a step change by becoming the leading school in the South West and inviting our community to support us in creating more opportunities for children with talent and promise.

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TAUNTON SCHOOL COMMUNITY

Creating a new heart of the school We are delivering excellence with inclusive, modern and purpose built facilities, able to accommodate children from all walks of life and from all over the world.

We are creating a facility that will become the heart of the school; a place to nourish both body and soul.

Not just a dining hall, but a beautifully designed space where all our children, teachers, staff and visitors can relax, re-charge and socialise while enjoying freshly prepared locally sourced food.

Our new dining hall will cater for 1600 covers and seat up to 400 people at any one time. It will be adaptable and available to be used commercially and by the wider community during holidays.

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The building will enjoy an aspect over the Densham Green, creating a complimentary courtyard feel, while maintaining and improving the integrity of the Grade II listed main building and incorporating the architecture into the design and build.

The existing dining hall and kitchen areas will be reconfigured to provide much needed additional recreational space for students; including a brand new Sixth Form Centre, hospitality spaces and office facilities.

We have committed nearly ÂŁ4million to completion of this new dining facility.

This year, we have also completely modernised our theatre with new adaptable seating and state-of-the art lighting as well as investing in new projects expected at a busy and successful school.

Both Dining Hall and Theatre projects have been gratefully supported with ÂŁ250,000 of philanthropic gifts from our donor community.

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TAUNTON SCHOOL COMMUNITY

PEOPLE SERVED DAILY

COMMITTED TO COMPLETION

FROM OUR DONOR COMMUNITY

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TAUNTON SCHOOL COMMUNITY

Join in Making a financial donation is very important but it’s not all about money!

There are many ways to engage with each other and with the school. The OTA promotes a series of events throughout the year and there are opportunities to attend parent events, socialise and support children at the school.

Attend inspirational talks and lectures, including the Burke and TEDx talks.

Join the choir. You can join our Community Choir which includes people from the local area as well as teachers, support staff and friends of the school. You can take part in our concerts and musicals.

Support our careers fairs or take part in our mentoring programmes - giving advice and supporting students as they prepare to leave school and consider their future.

Come to an international reception.

You can attend one of our many reunion events which take place internationally, including Dubai, South Africa, Russia, Australia, Hong Kong and New York.

Volunteer. You can offer support and volunteer to create golf events and other sports fixtures for parents and friends at the school through the PTA network.

Be a speaker. You can attend our professional networking events, or volunteer as a speaker.

Get some friends together. You can get a table together for your friends at the Christmas Dinner or the Leavers’ Ball.

Invite students to learn about your business. You can invite our business and economic students to take a tour of your building, or invite our art and photography students to attend a gallery opening.

Come for lunch. There are regular lunches and dinners taking place as part of the traditional OTA events and you can help us to grow numbers by suggesting new venues and encouraging your friends- of all ages to attend.

Share your stories: 175 year Anniversary in 2022. To commemorate this special anniversary in 2022, we are inviting all members of our community to share stories, photos and memories about the school. The finished result will be a four minute film, to commemorate our anniversary and celebrate the memories of a diverse group of people connected to Taunton School.

Events can be found at www.tauntonschool.co.uk/community/events call us to update your details, attend an event, to volunteer or offer any advice or support through our mentoring programme.

Call us: +44 (0) 1823 703 158 30

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TAUNTON SCHOOL COMMUNITY

“ The Community at Taunton School is the most important thing we have.”

Lee Glaser, Headmaster

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Our team Nadine Latte Foundation and Alumni Director Nadine.latte@tauntonschool.co.uk George Cockburn Foundation Officer George.cockburn@tauntonschool.co.uk David Bridges OTA President Michael Button Chairman of the 1847 Society Photography John Sanders School House 1993 www.johnsandersphotography.com Matt Sweeting community@tauntonschool.co.uk www.mattsweeting.co.uk

The Foundation Committee Lee Glaser Headmaster Henry Keeling Chairman of Governors and the Foundation Chris Butters FCA Treasurer to the Board of Governors, Nicola Miller Chief Operating Officer, Clerk to the Board of Governors We are also supported by the Board of Governors and the Senior Management Team as well as a group of volunteers representing groups throughout our community including parents, teachers, staff, students and alumni.

You can contact us on: +44 (0) 1823 703 159 Old Tauntonian contact, +44 (0) 1823 703 158 Taunton School, Staplegrove Road Taunton, Somerset TA2 6AD www.tauntonschool.co.uk

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Taunton School, Staplegrove Road, Taunton, Somerset TA2 6AD Telephone: +44 (0) 1823 703200 Email: enquiries@tauntonschool.co.uk

www.tauntonschool.co.uk