The winter programme has been exceptional across both the Senior and Prep Schools, with a noticeable increase in cricket activity and player engagement. Sessions have expanded in volume and variety, ranging from large group practices to small specialist groups, 1‑to‑1 coaching, and the continued development of the Wednesday Afternoon Sport Programme (WASP).

A key driver behind this growth has been the rising number of county level players within Taunton School. Regular liaison with Somerset County Cricket Club (SCCC) has strengthened the support for all pathway players, ensuring alignment with county expectations. It has been particularly encouraging to receive daily footage and updates from academy and Elite Performance Pathway (EPP) players training at the County Ground, reinforcing the strong connection between school and county cricket.

Significant enhancements have also been made within the Prep School. Pathway players – both boys and girls – now benefit from increased specialist sessions, while all pupils enjoy additional group coaching and expanded cricket opportunities through WASP. These changes have created a more inclusive and aspirational environment for young cricketers.

Across group sessions, coaching has focused on both fundamental skill development and more advanced tactical awareness. Players have worked on playing spin, handling the short ball, and developing problem‑solving skills at the crease, all of which mirror SCCC’s youth development priorities. Before Christmas, the emphasis was primarily on batting. As we move into the new year, attention has shifted towards bowling development – helping players deliver their best ball consistently before introducing variations and tactical options.

The cricket staff we have at the School, which are some of the strongest in the area, include the present England Assistant Coach Mr Marcus Trescothick (ECB Level 4), ex-Somerset Assistant Coach Mr Sanderson (ECB Level 4) and ex-professional and ex-Somerset Women’s Head Coach Mr Roberts (ECB Level 3) and an exciting new addition is due to join the School after half term! Coaches have been assisted by pupils who have assisted coaching sessions, the accelerate programme and officiating at tournaments. These pupils include Oscar C and Charlie W (who have qualified as ECB Level 2 coaches), Ben G, Jack S, Thomas G, Theo T, Ben P, Megan D, Jacob R, Graham D and Oscar S.

In summer 2026 we are looking forward to the arrival of a brand-new scoreboard for the Front. A number of OTs and current parents have contributed to the new facility, which will be named the Compton Adam Scoreboard after two wonderful OTs, Matthew Compton (Wills West, 1983-87) & Will Adam (Marshall, 1974-85), who are sadly no longer with us. Like all great schools we are hugely indebted to the support of our community who have, throughout Taunton School’s history, done so much to improve the facilities for our pupils.

It has been a fantastic winter so far, with outstanding commitment from players at every level. The cricket staff are hugely excited to see this hard work translate into performances on the field and look forward to watching individuals and teams flourish in the summer ahead.