On Friday, 11 October, the Merchant Taylors’ community gathered at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Hall for the School’s annual Speech Day, an event filled with inspiring speeches, musical performances, and the celebration of pupil achievements.

The ceremony began with a warm welcome from the Chair of Governors, Mr. Philip Marshall KC, who set the tone for the day with his opening remarks. Executive Head Dr. Michael Alderson then took the stage, delivering a heartfelt address that encouraged pupils to continue their personal growth and to seek opportunities that benefit both themselves and others. His words resonated deeply with the audience, highlighting the School’s commitment to fostering not just academic excellence but also a sense of community and service.

Mr. Deiniol Williams, Head of Boys’ School, provided an overview of the past year at MTBS, with Deputy Head Boys, Henry and John, adding their perspectives. Their reflections were interspersed with anecdotes and achievements, painting a vivid picture of a year filled with hard work and success. The Concert Band’s performance of “Crown Point March” by Pearson added a musical flourish to the proceedings, showcasing some of our pupils’ talents beyond the classroom.

As the ceremony progressed, pupils from Year 7 to 11 were called to the stage to receive their prizes. Each award was a testament to their dedication and hard work, and the applause from the audience underscored the community’s pride in their achievements. Joint Head of Girls’ School, Mrs. Jennifer Angwin, along with Deputy Head Girls, Anya and Katie, then took the audience on a journey through the year’s highlights at MTGS, sharing stories of triumphs and memorable moments.

A particularly moving part of the event was the performance of Bob Chilcott’s “Can You Hear Me?” by the Merchant Taylors’ Choirs. The choir’s harmonious voices filled the hall, creating a moment of reflection and unity. Following this, the Lower and Upper Sixth were awarded their prizes, marking the culmination of their efforts and the beginning of new chapters in their lives.

Head Boy Kiran and Head Girl Evie introduced the guest speakers, Victoria and David Grimes. Victoria, a well-known ITV News presenter, and David, a successful entrepreneur, shared their fond memories of Merchant Taylors’. They spoke passionately about their school days, emphasising their involvement in drama and sports, and how these experiences shaped their careers and personal lives. Their speeches were a highlight of the event, offering inspiration and insight to the current pupils. They focused on themes such as how things don’t always go to plan, the importance of perseverance, trusting your instincts, and handling pressure.

The event was a celebration of the vibrant and supportive community at Merchant Taylors’, a day that honoured the past year’s achievements and looked forward to the future with optimism and pride.

Merchant Taylors’ pupils are celebrating after achieving excellent GCSE results once again this year.

Nearly a quarter of all GCSE grades awarded to pupils were at grades 9 and 8. Additionally, 40% of the grades achieved were between 9 and 7, equivalent to the former A* or A. Results in STEAM subjects were especially strong with almost 50% of all Science grades between 9 and 7, with 47% of Maths grades achieving the same range.

Among the remarkable individual success stories were Sundus F and Eunice N, who both achieved an outstanding nine Grade 9s! Daniel R, George R, and Jude W each secured an impressive eight Grade 9s and one Grade 8, while Abi H and David D both earned seven Grade 9s and two Grade 8s. Additionally, David D and Leonie O achieved seven Grade 9s and two Grade 8s, and six Grade 9s and four Grade 8s, respectively.

Dr Michael Alderson, Executive Head of Merchant Taylors’ Schools, said:

“Our pupils have, once again, excelled in their GCSEs this year, and these results demonstrate their committed approach to learning over the past two years and more. I would like to congratulate all our pupils who have received their results today; their success is a testament to their ambition and hard work during their time at Merchant Taylors’.

“Achievements across various subjects highlight the shared commitment to academic excellence at the School. We are delighted to see pupils reaching their potential, driven by their determination and resilience. This success reflects not only their hard work but also their ability to overcome challenges and strive for excellence. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments, and excited at the bright futures they have ahead of them.

“A huge thank you also goes to our pupils’ families and our fantastic staff for the support and encouragement they have constantly given, which has been instrumental in helping our pupils achieve these wonderful results.”

Merchant Taylors’ School is proud to announce another year of exceptional A Level results.  Our pupils have demonstrated remarkable ambition, determination, and dedication, achieving outstanding grades across a diverse range of subjects.

Nearly a quarter of grades were recorded at A*-A, whilst 54% of all grades attained fell within the A*B range, highlighting the exceptional performance of our pupils.

Darren T achieved an outstanding six A* grades and is set to study Medicine at Cambridge. Meanwhile, Head Boy Hugh L will be pursuing Law at Oxford, having earned two A* grades and an A.

Sam F, Andrew C and Dara D also excelled with two A* grades and an A each. Sam will be studying History at Durham University, Andrew will be heading to UCL to study Economics whilst Dara will be joining the University of Sheffield where she’ll be studying Medicine. Eleanor M and Charlie B will both attend Leeds University following their three A grades, whilst Jennifer H and Judy S  join Manchester and Newcastle Universities respectively, after achieving three A grades.

Long-standing member of the school’s CCF, Eleanor C, earned three A grades and will move on to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to undertake a prestigious scholarship, also entering the military field is fellow Merchant Taylors’ CCF member Ben B who will be joining the Royal Marines Band Service.

Other notable results include Arjun S, who earned three A and two B grades; Ahmed D, who secured two A* results and three Bs; and Eeva DW, who attained two A* and a B grade. 

Pupils will be pursuing a wide variety of courses such as Medicine, Politics & Internal Relations, Fashion & Design and Cyber Security, reflecting the comprehensive and high-quality education provided at Merchant Taylors’, equipping pupils with the skills and knowledge to excel in various fields. 

Dr Michael Alderson, the Executive Head at Merchant Taylors’, remarked: 

“Academic achievement is a cornerstone of a Merchant Taylors’ education, and we are delighted to see our pupils achieving excellent grades once again this year. 

These results reflect the outstanding performance of our pupils, demonstrating that they  can excel in an environment that promotes academic achievement. Merchant Taylors’ nurtures a love for learning where pupils receive the support of our staff and parents, alongside the comprehensive educational opportunities afforded them. This combination of support enables pupils to achieve the highest level of success at Merchant Taylors’ Sixth Form.

At Merchant Taylors’, we instil ambition in our pupils by encouraging them to set high goals and pursue their passions with determination. We cultivate character by fostering resilience, integrity, and a commitment to personal growth, and our focus on excellence ensures that pupils strive for the highest standards in all their endeavours, both academically and beyond.” 

Clare Croxton, Head of Sixth Form at Merchant Taylors’, commented: 

“Our pupils have achieved amazing results, and they should be incredibly proud of their accomplishments. 

They have shown remarkable ambition, diligence, and an unwavering dedication to their studies. Their success is a true testament to their hard work and commitment. As they embark on the next chapter of their lives, I have no doubt that they will continue to excel and make a positive impact in whatever paths they choose to pursue. Congratulations to all our pupils on their remarkable success.”