TAUNTON School has unveiled a newly renovated 20m pool, a "state-of-the-art" golf simulator, and an updated playground as part of its wider campus development plan.

The 20-metre Keeling Pool has received a renovation following almost six months of work to update the facility.

Completing the Keeling Pool renovation has seen the school return to a two-pool set up, increasing the availability for lessons and training, plus external usage by local clubs and swimmers.

It will also allow the school to host water polo matches, diving lessons, and lifeguard training due to its extra depth.

Taunton School has also installed a “state-of-the-art” golf simulator following a generous donation from an old Tauntonian (alumnus of Taunton School), in loving memory of fellow Old Tauntonian, Iain Westwater, who was a passionate golfer.

The golf simulator, will allow students to simulate playing at some of the most famous courses from around the world and will provide them with a space to receive one-on-one lessons from professionals and practice for the many tournaments they take part in each year.

Work on Taunton Pre-Prep & Nursery’s playground has also now officially been completed with the help of an external playground specialist, Pentagon Play.

The company offered its expertise and experience to design and develop a bigger and more exciting playground for pupils to enjoy, featuring more space to play and more equipment to make use of which is mostly made of wood, including a climbing frame, several smaller pieces of apparatus, tipis, and raised beds ready for planting herbs and flowers.

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“2024 has been an exciting year for Taunton School and the Estates & Facilities team in particular. It has been fantastic to be involved in the development of the campus masterplan, with projects such as the new golf simulator, Keeling Pool renovation, and the new Pre-Prep & Nursery playground facilities,” Chris Treaise, head of estates and facilities at Taunton School, said.

“All of these projects are proving to be extremely successful in providing the most modern, fun and safe facilities to assist our students in their educational journey at Taunton School, and I’m excited to continue with our development plan over the next few years.”

The renovation of Taunton School’s Keeling Pool has included removing its previous bag liner and replacing it with a new resin liner emblazoned with the school logo, completely refitting the plant room making the day-to-day running more efficient, painting the walls, and making sure the whole facility is clean, safe and modern.

These projects form part of the wider campus masterplan unveiled just over two years ago which has seen the development of a modern Sixth Form centre, an outdoor recreation space known as the Green Heart, new Senior School library, and renovated dining hall, plus an updated Pre-Prep & Nursery library and brand-new baby room.