Welcome Mr Philip Dearden: New Head of Merchant Taylors’ Schools

It is with great pleasure that we announce the appointment of Mr Philip Dearden as the new Head of Merchant Taylors’ Schools. Philip brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished career in education, both in the UK and overseas.

Mr Dearden was born on the Wirral and educated at St Anselm’s in Birkenhead before reading Modern Languages at the University of Nottingham, where he achieved BA, PGCE, and a MA in Educational Leadership. His professional experience spans both the maintained and independent sectors, including his role as Head of Modern Foreign Languages at the British School of Colombo and subsequently as Deputy Head at Wycombe Abbey International School in China. In 2017 he joined King Henry VIII School in Coventry as Deputy Head, later becoming Headmaster in 2020.

Philip Marshall KC, Chair of the Board of Governors said, “We are delighted to welcome Philip and his family to Merchant Taylors’ Schools. His extensive experience and proven leadership will undoubtedly contribute to the continued success and growth of our school. We look forward to working closely with him to achieve our shared vision for the future.”

Philip Dearden responded, “I am honoured and excited to return home to Merseyside to lead Merchant Taylors’ Schools, especially given their reputation for academic excellence and a wide-ranging co-curricular programme. As a serving Head of a historic independent city school, I deeply appreciate the significance in nurturing tradition while driving innovation and excellence in education. I am eager to work with staff, pupils, families and our alumni to build on the School’s outstanding legacy.”

As a School community, please join us in extending a warm welcome to Philip, his wife, Catherine and their children, Arthur and Ted, as they embark on this new chapter with Merchant Taylors’ Schools.

Mr Dearden with his family