Taunton School has welcomed 53 students from Collège Joseph Kerbellec in Quéven, Brittany, as part of a growing international partnership that is helping to revive the traditional ‘pen pal’ exchange for a new generation.
The visit saw 53 French Year 8 students join 53 Taunton School pupils from Years 8 and 9 for a full day of cultural and linguistic exchange, bringing to life a partnership that began in September 2025. Since the start of the relationship, students have exchanged letters, photos, videos and gifts, sharing traditions and details about school life in each country which has supported both schools with their language learning.
Mrs Butler, Head of MFL at Taunton School, said: “Caroline Griffin (TPS Head of MFL), Madame Pellé (TS French Teacher) and I are so proud of all the efforts that everyone put in to make this event and the cultural and linguistic exchange throughout the year so meaningful and valuable to the students at both schools – we are looking forward to continuing our partnership and meeting again in the future!”
The initiative represents an important step forward in international collaboration at a time when such exchanges are increasingly rare, with many schools now favouring one-way cultural trips due to safeguarding considerations, visa restrictions and post-Brexit challenges. At the same time, British Council research shows that 65% of schools report pupils lack opportunities to practice language skills outside the classroom — making programmes like this especially valuable.
The day included a range of activities which showcased life at a UK school, including cricket, drama and music, lunch, and a chapel service – as well as a treasure hunt around the School’s 56-acre campus and a performance from the Taunton Prep School BSL Choir.
Taunton School is proud to have a thriving Modern Foreign Languages department, encompassing French, Spanish, and German, with language learning beginning as early as nursery. Find out more > https://www.tauntonschool.co.uk/
