Two pupils at Merchant Taylors’ Sixth Form are celebrating after receiving offers from Oxford University.
Poppy and Lara are looking forward to reading History and Classics, respectively. Their hard work and dedication have truly paid off, and we are immensely proud of their achievements.
We congratulate both and wish them the very best of luck for the remainder of their Merchant Taylors’ experience.
On Friday 13th December, we hosted the Countdown to Christmas Concert, a delightful evening filled with music, joy, and community spirit. The event showcased the incredible talents of the school’s choirs and bands, creating a festive atmosphere that left everyone in high spirits.
The concert featured performances from various school ensembles, with their harmonious renditions of classic Christmas carols and contemporary holiday songs captivating the audience, setting the perfect tone for the evening. The school’s bands also delivered outstanding performances, adding a dynamic and lively element to the concert.
One of the highlights of the evening was the interactive segment where the audience participated in a spirited rendition of “The 12 Days of Christmas.” This engaging activity brought everyone together, creating a sense of unity and holiday cheer. Thank you to everyone who joined us for the evening.
On Tuesday 17 December, our school community gathered at St Faith’s Church for a Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols. It was a truly wonderful occasion that brought everyone together in the spirit of the season.
The service was filled with beautiful carols and readings, creating an atmosphere of reflection and joy. One of the most poignant moments of the evening was when our Year 13 pupils passed lit candles to our Year 7 pupils. This symbolic gesture represented the passing of the torch, highlighting the continuity and unity within our school community.
We believe everyone in attendance would agree that it was a beautiful and memorable event. It was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate together, thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this event so special.
On Tuesday 3 December, our school had the incredible privilege of performing at the NSPCC Carols by Candlelight Concert. The event took place at the Metropolitan Cathedral, where pupils from several Senior School choirs came together to deliver a stunning performance.
Accompanied by the talented harpist Rhian Hanson, the choirs performed beautiful pieces such as “Stille Nacht” in front of an audience of over 2,000 people. The concert was a resounding success, helping to raise over £14,000 for the NSPCC, which will go towards supporting children across the country.
The reaction to the choir’s performance was overwhelmingly positive, showcasing the immense talent of our students. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such a worthy cause and to share the festive spirit with the community.
On Remembrance Sunday, our Combined Cadet Force (CCF) cadets proudly participated in the Remembrance Parade and Service at the Five Lamps, Waterloo. The event saw local veterans, cadet forces, and community organisations gather outside the Town Hall. They paraded along Great George’s Road to the Five Lamps Memorial, where a poignant service of remembrance was held.
Following the service, our cadets joined the parade up Crosby Road North towards the Library.
We are incredibly proud of our cadets for their dedication and participation in this important community event. Their involvement honours the memory of those who served and reflects the values of our school community.
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.”
Recently, the History department have led trips for all Year 7 pupils to Norton Priory and Halton Castle. This mini historical site investigation is an introduction to key skills used at GCSE.
Pupils consolidated their knowledge of castles and the Battle of Hastings, learning about the function and structure of castles in the Middle Ages and experiencing first-hand the discomfort of the armour and kit used by the Norman soldiers!
They were also able to get hands on during a bespoke workshop at Norton Priory. During which they were able to make ‘Tuzzy Muzzies’, write with traditional tools and solve a ‘history mystery’! Self-led investigation of the crypt, gallery and gardens will help them to create some fantastic presentations in answer to a key question set before we went on the trip.
Many thanks to the education team at Norton Priory who we have worked closely with to create a great experience for all the pupils.
Congratulations to the 1st XI for finishing the season as TREBLE winners, after securing a 2-1 victory over Chesterfield High School in the Sefton Cup Final on Friday.
This triumph marks a historic moment as the 1st XI become the first Merchant Taylors’ team to win the Sefton Cup. Freddie opened the scoring with a brilliant turn in the box, followed by a superb left-footed strike into the bottom corner of the Chesterfield net. The 1st XI then dominated the ball, but a misplaced pass led to Chesterfield equalising with a penalty.
The second half was tense, with both teams fiercely competing for the decisive goal. With just ten minutes remaining, a header from a cross forced the Chesterfield goalkeeper to tip the ball onto the bar, allowing Franz to seize the opportunity and secure the Sefton Cup for the 1st XI!
Commiserations to Chesterfield High School who played excellently and put up a strong fight and a massive congratulations to everyone involved – the perfect and well-deserved conclusion to an outstanding season for the First XI.
