A SCHOOL in Taunton is the only UK school to have been shortlisted for the British Schools Association (BSA) International School of the Year Award.
Taunton School has been shortlisted for two prestigious BSA Supporting Excellence Awards, including the International School of the Year Award and the Mental Health and Wellbeing Initiative Award.
The Supporting Excellence Awards seek to ‘celebrate the outstanding achievements, dedication, and innovation demonstrated by schools and individuals across the sector.’
Taunton School is one of four to be shortlisted in each category, and the only school in the UK to be shortlisted for International School of the Year.
In response, Lyndsay White, deputy head (pastoral) at Taunton School, said the team are ‘delighted’ to be nominated for the award.
She said: “This reflects our unwavering commitment to creating a school where every child feels supported, valued and able to thrive.
“We’re so proud of the dedication of our staff, the openness of our pupils, and the strong partnerships we have with our families – all of which contribute to our exceptional pastoral provision. We are honoured by this nomination and remain committed to championing wellbeing and mental health across our community.”
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The school’s approach to wellbeing includes a range of systems, initiatives and education, while ‘ensuring pupils have trusted adults they can turn to,’ Lyndsay said.
The school has an on-site health centre open 24/7 during term time and run by mental health and general nurses. A team of five wellbeing dogs also offer support alongside trauma-informed practitioners.
Laura Brayley, assistant head (pastoral and co-curricular) at Taunton School International, said: “To be shortlisted for the BSA International School of the Year award is a wonderful achievement and recognition of our truly global community where young people are encouraged to discover their potential and pursue their passions.
“We are immensely proud of our diverse international community and the bespoke pathways we offer. This shortlisting reflects the commitment of our staff and the ambition, curiosity and drive of our students.”
She added that being shortlisted acknowledges the school’s international community of more than 60 nationalities.
The BSA represents over 600 independent and state boarding schools in more than 50 countries worldwide. In 2025, approximately half of these schools entered the awards.
The winners of the BSA Supporting Excellence Awards will be announced at the BSA’s annual conference in May.
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