EDUCATION SECRETARY VISITS TAUNTON SCHOOL

Published on isbi School News dated Friday 8th of June 2012

THE Secretary of State for Education, the Rt Hon Michael Gove, visited Taunton School today (Thursday) to mark the completion of an ambitious £2.3million expansion project.

The independent school is bucking the economic downturn and attracting more students to its new middle school at The Grange, Kingston St Mary.

Mr Gove unveiled a plaque to commemorate the end of conversion work on the historic 19th Century listed building.

The Grange was built in 1862 by Sir George Gilbert Scott for Mr Steele Perkins and was visited by the then future Prime Minister Anthony Eden.

It was later converted to provide 26 apartments, offering sheltered residential housing.

Following its acquisition by Taunton School at the turn of the year, it has been transformed into an international middle school for up to 60 nine- to 14-year-olds.

As well as providing a significant boost to the local economy, the scheme is creating 12 new jobs in the Taunton area.

Mr Gove said it was 'a beautiful building combining remants of the past and an appreciation of its tradition with being truly fit for the 21st Century.'

'Taunton School has been around for more than 100 years and gives a traditional education but with also a fantastically modern one.'

He added: 'I'm really pleased to be here to see what you have achieved not only in the last six months but over generations.'

Headmaster Dr John Newton described The Grange as 'a very important venture for our school.'









He said Taunton School was extremely proud of the education it gave to its young people.

'We're an unpretentious, get-on-with-it, roll-your-sleeves-up sort of school.'

Welcoming Mr Gove, chair of governors Jane Barrie said Taunton School was always looking at innovative ways to develop.

'We hope you will see this as an ideal example.'

Mrs Barrie added: 'We're lucky to have found a property not so far from Taunton School and we are looking forward to being part of the local community and engaging with it.'