Nothing beats seeing us in person, but unfortunately that isn’t possible in the current climate. We therefore invite you to our Virtual Open Evening on Thursday 1st October, which will consist of a virtual tour of the school sites, interviews with current pupils and staff, as well as a live Q&A session.
Thursday 1st October 2020 ~ 4.45pm-7.45pm
Pupils at Merchant Taylors’ School have continued the excellent GCSE performance seen in recent years.
There were a number of individual success stories, including Esther Gonzalez-Dominguez, Krishna Gowda, and Aakash Dharmaraj, who all achieved ten grades at the highest level.
At Merchant Taylors’ Girls’ School, two-thirds of all grades were at level 9 to 7, the equivalent of an A* or A, with particular strengths in Religious Studies, Latin, French and Geography.
At Merchant Taylors’ Boys’ School, nearly one fifth of grades awarded were at the highest level, while six out of ten grades were at grade 7 or above.
For boys and girls, 40% of all grades were at level 9 to 8 with eight girls and ten boys achieving nine or more grades at level 8 or 9. There were also successes for boys lower down the school, with 29 pupils in Year 10 achieving an 8 or 9 at GCSE Mathematics, alongside Sajay Jeyanathan, who scored a level 9, despite only being in Year 8.
The results come after a tumultuous period of disruption for pupils, who were prevented from sitting exams earlier this year. denied the opportunity to sit exams this year. Nonetheless, they continued to engage in a sustained period of remote and online learning at the school, which saw up to 500 live sessions each day to pupils of all ages at the height of the lockdown period.
Claire Tao, headmistress at Merchant Taylors’ Girls’ School, said: “In extraordinary circumstances, our girls have demonstrated their commitment to their studies throughout the lockdown period and these results are testament to their abilities. The whole school is proud of their achievements.
“We have seen a consistent level of success across many subject areas, underlined by some remarkable individual performances. As girls move up to our Sixth Form, this level of academic attainment will leave them well-placed to succeed in their A Level studies and beyond.”
David Wickes, headmaster at Merchant Taylors’ Boys’ School, said: “I am proud not only of the boys’ grades, but also of their high level of engagement with the pre A Level courses we ran during the summer term, where they were able to share their teachers’ passion for new areas of study.
“We have seen a continued increase in boys pursuing creative subjects, such as Art and Design & Technology, sustained success in Maths and Science and high levels of attainment across a range of humanities and languages subjects. I very much hope that these boys can move on to the next stage of their education with the disruption they have experienced well behind them.”
Following the latest information from the Government in regards to A Level results, please see the below letter from Philip J Marshall QC, Chair of Governors.
Following the latest information from the Government in regards to A Level results, please see the below letter from Senior Girls’ Headmistress, Mrs Tao, and Senior Boys’ Headmaster, Mr Wickes.
Pupils at Merchant Taylors’ Boys’ School have performed well in their A Levels this year, with many outstanding performances.
Despite the challenges faced by the Covid-19 pandemic, more than two thirds of all students recorded A* to B grades, while a third of boys achieved straight A or A* grades and almost a fifth of all grades awarded were at A* and nearly half were A*/A.
Final grades in some subjects may remain subject to appeal with the Department for Education.
The majority of students are leaving to take up university places this year across the UK and beyond, including Head Boy, Matthew Cheshire, who is heading to Cambridge to study Land Economy. Other destinations include Imperial College London, UCL and Durham.
Two students, Matthew Marsh and Rananjay Singh, scored a remarkable four A* grades, while a further two, Doiminic McGeown and Christopher Stuttard, got three A* grades and an A.
Joel Clarke achieved an incredible two A* and three A grades and is now looking forward to studying Law at Durham University.
Brothers Harvey and Robert Rankin were also among those to score straight A* or A grades, and they will now be going on to The University of Leeds.
There was success across a wide range of departments. Highlights include:
Christopher Stuttard & Matthew Marsh
David Wickes, headmaster at Merchant Taylors’ Boys’ School, said: “I am incredibly proud of the young men for their remarkable efforts in the midst of unprecedented times. This group have made a significant impression on the school during their time here.
“Whether it be in the classroom, on the sports field, in the concert hall, on stage or in the wider community, they have shown commitment, passion and not a little ability, ultimately achieving a great deal and setting very high standards. Therefore, it is pleasing that, as a cohort, they have been able to emerge with such a strong set of grades.
“Having seen the way that they engaged with their excellent teachers during our online learning, I know that they will be frustrated that they have not had the opportunity to sit their examinations and I suspect that a number will take examinations in the Autumn series meaning that these already excellent results will, in due course, become even more impressive.
We wish them well as they move on to the next stage of their careers and will remember them fondly.”
Pupils at Merchant Taylors’ Girls’ School have defied the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic to once again perform well in their A Levels this year.
While some final grades may remain subject to appeal with the Department for Education, current indications are that around two thirds of all students recorded A* to B grades, while more than a third of all grades awarded were at A* or A.
Among the many success stories is Victoria Smith, who achieved four A* grades including an Extended Project Qualification and is heading to Sheffield to study medicine.
Dite Bagdonaite and Francesca Curran both scored two A* and one A grade and are leaving to study Law at Durham University and Modern Foreign Languages at Lancaster University respectively.
Sophie Greaves, Eleanor Saunders, Amelia Gannon, Margaret Nichols and Anya Soin all achieved straight A*/A grades.
The majority of girls are leaving to take up university places across the UK and beyond, including Leeds, UCL and Newcastle.
The level of success across a wide range of departments underlines the breadth of offer at Merchant Taylors’ Girls’ School. There are many highlights but a snapshot of those includes:
Claire Tao, headmistress at Merchant Taylors’ Girls’ School, said: “The girls should be so proud of themselves this year, not only for their results today, but for the way they have continued to work remotely and improve their knowledge throughout the Covid-19 lockdown.
“The girls have once again performed well across a breadth of subject areas, from the Arts and Humanities to Maths and Science, and they leave here with an education that has been enriched by unique opportunities, specialist subject knowledge and lifelong friendships.
“Their talent, work ethic and intellectual curiosity will set them in excellent stead as they move forward to the next stage of their academic careers. There is no limit to what they can achieve and being a part of the Merchant Taylors’ family means they will have our full support whenever they may need it in future.”
Teachers and staff at Merchant Taylors’ School have spoken of their pride and admiration for their students after they achieved excellent A Level results this year.
Despite the challenges faced by the Covid-19 pandemic, more than two thirds of all students recorded A* to B grades, including more than 30 boys and girls who achieved straight A or A* grades.
Two students, Matthew Marsh and Rananjay Singh, scored four A* grades, while a further three, Victoria Smith, Doiminic McGeown and Christopher Stuttard, achieved three A* grades and an A.
Among the many Merchant Taylors’ success stories is Joel Clarke, who achieved an incredible two A* and three A grades and is now looking forward to studying Law at Durham University. Meanwhile, Head Boy Matthew Cheshire is leaving to study Land Economy at Cambridge University after also achieving three A* grades and an A.
At the Girls’ School, Dite Bagdonaite and Francesca Curran both scored two A* and one A grade and are leaving to study Law at Durham University and Modern Foreign Languages at Lancaster University respectively.
Other destinations include Imperial College London, UCL and Durham.
David Wickes, Headmaster at Merchant Taylors’ Boys’ School, said: “I am incredibly proud of the young men for their remarkable efforts in the midst of unprecedented times. This group have made a significant impression on the school during their time here.
“Whether it be in the classroom, on the sports field, in the concert hall, on stage or in the wider community, they have shown commitment, passion and not a little ability, ultimately achieving a great deal and setting very high standards. Therefore, it is pleasing that, as a cohort, they have been able to emerge with such a strong set of grades.
“Having seen the way that they engaged with their excellent teachers during our online learning, I know that they will be frustrated that they have not had the opportunity to sit their examinations and I suspect that a number will take examinations in the Autumn series meaning that these already excellent results will, in due course, become even more impressive.
“We wish them well as they move on to the next stage of their careers and will remember them fondly.”
Claire Tao, Headmistress at Merchant Taylors’ Girls’ School, said: “The girls should be so proud of themselves this year, not only for their results today, but for the way they have continued to work remotely and improve their knowledge throughout the Covid-19 lockdown.
“The girls have once again performed well across a breadth of subject areas, from the Arts and Humanities to Maths and Science, and they leave here with an education that has been enriched by unique opportunities, specialist subject knowledge and lifelong friendships.
“Their talent, work ethic and intellectual curiosity will set them in excellent stead as they move forward to the next stage of their academic careers. There is no limit to what they can achieve and being a part of the Merchant Taylors’ family means they will have our full support whenever they may need it in future.
Upper Sixth, we hope everyone has had a much deserved rest and a great summer so far.
Below, we’ve put together a few potentially useful links for what to do on results day. Good luck!
2020 Information for Candidates
Autumn 2020 Series Registration Form
Policy for 2020 Exam Results and Appeals – August 2020
Request for Centre Assessment Grade form
2020 Exam Results and Appeals Policy
Admissions Officer Sue Barrington, retires after 18 years at the school. Sue joined Merchant Taylors’ Girls’ School as PA to the Headmistress in March 2002. In 2007 she was appointed as Admissions Officer for MTGS and in 2018 became Admissions Officer for all year groups throughout Merchant Taylors’ Schools more recently based in the Lodge at MTBS. Sue says she has thoroughly enjoyed her diverse roles liaising with colleagues, parents and pupils, and over the years she has dealt with thousands of enquiries through to admission. Following her dedicated 18 years’ service, Sue will be getting creative in her art studios at home. She wishes the School, its staff and pupils every success in the future.
Also leaving is Swimming coach at Stanfield, and Old Girl, Anna-Louise Hodkinson, who says:
‘I have had a strong connection with the school over the past 43 years, including 8 years as a pupil, 19 years as a parent and 18 years as a member of staff.
I was a pupil at MTGS between 1977 and 1985. I educated my three sons, Ben, Max and Joe at MTS, all three went from Reception through 6th Form between 1999 and 2018. I have been a member of PE staff for the last 18.5 years, teaching swimming to junior girls and junior boys, as well as spending many of those years teaching PE to reception and infants at Stanfield.
I have loved my connection with Merchants, I will miss the place enormously. I will keep in touch, and I will always watch with interest, news about the future successes of the swimming teams and the sports teams. My thanks go to all the staff and pupils who made my time working here so much fun and made me look forward to Monday mornings!’
We are also saying farewell to PA to the Headmistress at Stanfield, Marie Langham, who says:
‘I’ve had the pleasure of working with many wonderful colleagues over the past 27 years and I can’t believe how quickly the time has gone. I have loved my time here and have many happy memories of Prize Givings, Concerts, Christmas Plays and numerous other fun events too numerous to mention.
I have had the immense joy of watching your children flourish from little reception beings to confident, well rounded individuals. I will miss the hustle and bustle of a busy school life but intend to enjoy other opportunities afforded to me in the future.
I wish the school every success for the future too.’
Thank you to all of them for their years of service.
A message from our Headmaster: We are extremely saddened to share the news that Mike Slemen passed away yesterday, 20 July 2020.
Mike enjoyed a stellar Rugby career, earning 32 England caps, touring South Africa with the British Lions and being selected for a World XV in 1980. He joined us at the height of his career and has been a constant and colossal presence at Merchant Taylors’ Boys’ School ever since.
Mike’s passion and commitment to excellence in sport and his enormous contribution to the school’s Combined Cadet Force and Duke of Edinburgh scheme have left an incredibly positive mark on the lives of so many Merchants men, past and present.
Mike brought his sporting pedigree and experience to bear at school every single day and it is no coincidence that so many boys under his tutelage went on to enjoy professional rugby careers.
He will be sorely missed by all of those who had the opportunity to work with and learn from him and our love and support go to his family, particularly his wife Eileen and his children Sarah and David. They and Mike will forever be a part of the Merchant Taylors’ family.
Richard Greenwood OBE, President, MTS Crosby Old Boys’ Association, said:
Mike Slemen, the most elegant and intelligent of players and a true gentleman of rugby. He was quick in both thought and deed for Liverpool, Lancashire, the North, England and the Lions, and had the distinction of inventing the role of left winger as auxiliary full-back.
He possessed uncanny positional sense and would control everything kicked his way. He was courageous under the high ball and, when he detected an opportunity, was lethal on the counter-attack.
I played against him for Waterloo v Liverpool, I was England Coach during his later international days and I was Team Manager of the North of England when he became the Coach. In every context he performed at the highest level and I have been privileged to have known such a great man.