Merchant Taylors’ is celebrating after being named a finalist in the Independent School of the Year Awards 2026.

The school has progressed to the final of the Regional Independent School of the Year: North category and is now one of just six finalists, selected from 13 schools originally commended earlier this year.

The recognition follows a landmark year in which Merchant Taylors’ completed its transition to one fully co-educational school, while continuing to strengthen its connections with communities and organisations across Liverpool and the wider North West.

Merchant Taylors’ has served families from Crosby, Liverpool and the wider region for more than 400 years. Today, the school offers a continuous education from Reception through to Sixth Form, with pupils joining at different stages throughout their school journey.

The Independent School of the Year Awards celebrate schools from across the independent education sector, recognising their achievements and the contribution they make to pupils and their wider communities.

Mr Philip Dearden, Headmaster at Merchant Taylors’ Schools, said:

“We are immensely proud to have been named a finalist in the Regional Independent School of the Year: North category. To progress from 13 commended schools to the final six is a wonderful recognition for our pupils, staff and families.

“The past year has been a hugely significant one for Merchant Taylors’, as we completed our first full academic year as one fully co-educational school. Bringing together two schools with more than 400 years of shared history was about much more than organisational change. Our ambition was to create one school and one community, preserving the very best of our traditions while creating new opportunities for every pupil.

“What has been particularly rewarding is seeing how naturally our pupils have embraced that change: learning together, leading together, performing and competing together, and developing a strong shared identity as Merchant Taylors’ pupils.

“At the same time, we remain very conscious of our place within Crosby, Liverpool and the wider North West. Merchant Taylors’ has deep roots in this region, and we want our pupils both to benefit from the extraordinary opportunities around them and to understand their responsibility to contribute in return through partnership, service and engagement with the wider community.

“This recognition feels particularly special because it reflects both where Merchant Taylors’ has come from and where we are going: one co-educational school, rooted in its community, ambitious for its pupils and confident about its future.”

The finalist recognition follows Merchant Taylors’ being named the top independent school in Merseyside in The Times Parent Power Guide 2025. It also comes after a year in which pupils continued to enjoy success both in the classroom and through the wider opportunities available to them.

The winner of the Regional Independent School of the Year: North award will be announced in October.

Merchant Taylors’ U13 Cricket Team were crowned Lancashire Cup champions yesterday following a thrilling final against Manchester Grammar School.

Originally postponed during the summer term, the final was reduced to 16 overs because of the weather. Batting first, Merchant Taylors’ posted a competitive total of 118.

The boys then produced an excellent bowling performance, taking regular wickets and maintaining the pressure as Manchester Grammar School pursued the target.

The contest remained in the balance until the final delivery, with MGS requiring one run to win. Merchant Taylors’ held their nerve, preventing the decisive run and securing the Lancashire Cup in dramatic fashion.

It brings a memorable year of cricket to a fitting conclusion. Merchant Taylors’ teams reached three Lancashire Cup finals, winning two of them.

Congratulations to both teams on a superbly contested final, and to our U13 players and coaches on a fantastic achievement.

Pupils at Merchant Taylors’ Schools, Crosby are celebrating an impressive set of GCSE results, with more than 100 coveted Grade 9s, nearly 250 grades at 8 and 9, and more than 450 grades at 7–9 awarded across the year group.

There were some exceptional individual performances, led by William D, who achieved a remarkable ten Grade 9s and one Grade 8.

William’s achievements extend far beyond the classroom. A talented middle-distance runner, he has represented his school, club, county and the North West and has been selected to represent England in international cross-country. He is also part of the GB rowing pathway, as well as playing hockey and tennis, and hopes eventually to pursue his passion for Mathematics at university.

Harry N secured an outstanding eight Grade 9s, two Grade 8s and a Grade 7. Alongside his academic success, Harry is an accomplished musician who achieved a Distinction at Grade 8 violin, plays in school ensembles and is a member of the CCF. He plans to continue his studies at Merchant Taylors’ Sixth Form, including Mathematics and Physics at A Level.

There was another exceptional performance from Corinne T, who achieved seven Grade 9s, three Grade 8s and a Grade 7. Corinne has combined academic excellence with considerable success in the arts, achieving distinctions in both Grade 7 Piano and Grade 8 LAMDA Acting. She has also raised more than £30,000 for charity since 2019 and appeared on BBC’s Blue Peter to promote autism awareness.

Zoi A achieved seven Grade 9s and two Grade 8s, combining her academic success with a particular passion for music. Zoi sings with Amabile and the school choir, performs on piano and hopes to study Music at A Level and potentially at university, alongside wide-ranging interests in history, literature and philosophy. There were many other outstanding performances. Freddie L achieved six Grade 9s, two Grade 8s and a Grade 7, while Peter F and Jacob L each secured five Grade 9s, four Grade 8s and a Grade 7.

Alyssa P achieved four Grade 9s, four Grade 8s and a Grade 7; Edward P secured three Grade 9s, five Grade 8s and two Grade 7s; and Emily G achieved three Grade 9s, four Grade 8s and three Grade 7s. Emily, a member of Amabile and the school choir, has also recently been selected for the National Youth Choir.

Across the year group, 97 pupils – four in every five – achieved at least one Grade 7, 8 or 9, while 17 pupils achieved nine or more grades at 7-9.

In total, pupils secured 109 Grade 9s, with 245 grades awarded at Grade 8 or 9 and more than 450 grades at 7–9.

Headmaster Phil Dearden said:

“Results day is always one of the most special days of the school year, and it has been wonderful to see so many of our pupils celebrating today.

“There are some truly exceptional performances. Ten Grade 9s is a remarkable achievement, while seeing so many pupils securing outstanding grades right across their GCSE programmes is testament to their ability, ambition and determination.

“What I particularly love is the story behind the grades. These are young people who have combined their studies with music, drama, sport, cadets, charity work, leadership and service to others. They have represented their school, their county and, in some cases, their country.

“More than 100 Grade 9s, nearly 250 grades at 8 and 9 and over 450 grades at 7–9 represent an impressive collective achievement, but today is ultimately about celebrating each individual pupil and everything they have done to reach this point.

“I am enormously grateful to our staff for the expertise, encouragement and care they have given this year group, and to families for the support they have provided throughout.

“For many of these young people, the next chapter will be here in our Sixth Form, and we cannot wait to see what they achieve next. Those moving on to new opportunities do so with our warmest congratulations and very best wishes.”

The results bring to a close Merchant Taylors’ first academic year as a fully co-educational Senior School, as the school looks ahead to the new academic year.

Merchant Taylors’ pupils are celebrating their A Level results today, with outstanding individual performances and a host of exciting destinations ahead for the Class of 2026. 

The year group secured 59 A* and A grades, with nearly half of all grades awarded at A*-B and almost three-quarters at A*-C. More than a third of pupils achieved at least one A* or A grade, while an amazing 12 pupils achieved three or more grades at A or A*.

There were notable performances across a broad range of subjects.

Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Physics together secured 23 A*/A  grades, including 11 A*s. Mathematics alone produced six A* grades, while the sciences also performed strongly, with 18 A* and A grades awarded across Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

Art & Design enjoyed an excellent set of results, with 80% grades either A* or A, reflecting the incredible work the cohort produced during their time at Sixth Form.

There was further success across languages and the classical subjects. Every grade awarded in French, German and Latin was at A*-B, with two thirds of German pupils securing A*s. Across French, German, Spanish, Latin and Classical Civilisation as a whole, eight out of ten grades were at A*-B and every grade was at A*-C or above.

Among a number of exceptional individual performances, Sundus, Ramal and Jude each achieved three A* grades.

Sundus continues the Merchants tradition of producing the medics of the future and will go on to study Medicine at King’s College London, while Ramal has secured a place to read Mathematics at Durham University and Jude will study Law at the London School of Economics.

There were further outstanding results for Zaki, who achieved A*A*A and will study Dentistry at Queen’s University Belfast, and Hannah, who achieved A*A*A and will study Medicine at the University of Liverpool.

Abi achieved A*A*AA and will study Natural Sciences at Loughborough University, while George achieved A*A*A and will read Economics with Study Abroad at Durham University.

Thomas  achieved A*AA and will study Chemistry at Durham University, while outgoing Head of School Kevin, also with A*AA, will go on to study Economics & Management at King’s College London.

There was further success for Eunice, who achieved AAA and will study Medicine and Surgery at Newcastle University, and Macey, who also achieved AAA and has secured a place to study Aerospace Engineering at the University of Manchester.

The breadth of those destinations reflects the range of interests and ambitions within the year group and the wider Merchant Taylors’ experience. Academic study is complemented by an extensive programme of sport, music, drama, co-curricular activities and opportunities beyond the classroom, encouraging pupils to explore their interests and develop the confidence and independence to pursue their own ambitions.

Headmaster Philip Dearden said: 

“It is a real pleasure to celebrate the achievements of our Year 13 pupils today. Behind every one of these results is a huge amount of work, and our pupils should be extremely proud of what they have accomplished.

“There are some exceptional individual performances, but what pleases me just as much is the range of destinations and ambitions represented across the year group. Our leavers are heading on to study everything from Medicine, Dentistry and Natural Sciences to Law, Economics, Engineering and the Arts.

“Results day is ultimately about young people and what comes next for them. Our pupils have contributed enormously to the life of Merchant Taylors’, both in the classroom and far beyond it, and today is an opportunity to celebrate them before they begin the next stage of their lives.

“We wish every one of them the very best and look forward to hearing about everything they go on to achieve.”

Head of Sixth Form Vicki Mee said: 

“It has been a real privilege to work with this year group and to see how much they have grown during their time in the Sixth Form.

“They have supported one another, contributed enormously to the wider life of the School and shown real determination throughout their studies. I am delighted that so many are now able to look forward to exciting opportunities at universities across the country.

“They leave Merchant Taylors’ with a great deal to be proud of, and we look forward to following their progress as they take their next steps.”

Merchant Taylors’ is celebrating national recognition after being commended in the Independent School of the Year Awards 2026.

The school was recognised in the Regional Independent School of the Year: North category, with the commendation coming during a landmark year for Merchant Taylors’ after its boys’ and girls’ schools came together as one fully co-educational school.

Merchant Taylors’ has served families from across the local area for more than 400 years. Today, pupils join the school at every stage, from the early years through to Sixth Form, reflecting the strength of its all-through educational offer and the continued confidence families place in Merchant Taylors’.

The Independent School of the Year Awards celebrate excellence across the independent education sector, recognising schools that demonstrate outstanding achievement, innovation and commitment to their pupils and wider communities.

The move to full co-education represents the latest chapter in Merchant Taylors’ history, with the former boys’ and girls’ schools now united as one school while continuing to build on their shared traditions of academic ambition, character development and all-round excellence.

Mr Philip Dearden, Headmaster at Merchant Taylors’ Schools, said:

“We are delighted that Merchant Taylors’ has been commended in the Independent School of the Year Awards. To receive this recognition in such an important year for the school is especially meaningful.

“This has been a landmark year for Merchant Taylors’, and the commendation reflects the hard work, commitment and enthusiasm of our pupils, staff, families and wider school community. We are incredibly proud of the way our school continues to grow and evolve while remaining true to the values that have shaped Merchant Taylors’ for generations.”

The commendation follows a busy and exciting period for the school, which has seen the launch of full co-education alongside continued success across academic, co-curricular and community life. It also follows Merchant Taylors’ being ranked as the top independent school in Merseyside in The Times Parent Power Guide 2025, further highlighting the strength of its all-through educational offer from Prep through to Sixth Form.

As it looks to the future, Merchant Taylors’ will continue to build on this momentum, combining the strength of its heritage with a bold vision for the years ahead, from its historic home in the heart of Crosby.

Merchant Taylors’ is delighted to celebrate the success of five Year 13 pupils who achieved awards in this year’s Royal Society of Chemistry Olympiad.

The Chemistry Olympiad is a highly challenging national competition, designed to stretch and inspire young chemists by testing their knowledge in unfamiliar and real-world situations. It encourages pupils to apply their understanding beyond the classroom and is widely regarded as a demanding test of chemical knowledge and problem-solving ability.

This year, more than 17,000 pupils sat the exam nationally, with only the top 8% achieving Gold awards. We are therefore especially proud that all five Merchant Taylors’ pupils who chose to take part achieved an award.

Tom and Hannah both achieved Gold awards, placing them among the highest-performing pupils in the country. Sundus was awarded Silver, while Zara and Danish achieved Bronze.

The results are a fantastic reflection of the pupils’ hard work, commitment and enthusiasm for Chemistry, as well as the support and guidance provided by the Chemistry Department.

A huge congratulations to Tom, Hannah, Sundus, Zara and Danish on this excellent achievement.

Merchant Taylors’ is delighted to celebrate the success of four Economics pupils who have passed the prestigious Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment exam, earning a professional qualification and official membership of the Institute.

Joseph, Joe, George and Kevin have all successfully completed the CISI Level 3 Award, a challenging qualification that provides pupils with a valuable introduction to the world of finance, investment and securities.

Merchant Taylors’ is proud to be the only school in the country to offer the CISI Level 3 Award, giving pupils a unique opportunity to develop professional knowledge and insight while still at school.

The qualification goes well beyond the standard curriculum, helping pupils build a deeper understanding of financial services and the wider investment industry. It is a demanding professional award and represents a fantastic achievement at school level.

The pupils’ success reflects their hard work, commitment and ambition, as well as the strength of Economics provision at Merchant Taylors’.

A huge congratulations to Joseph, Joe, George and Kevin on this excellent achievement.

Merchant Taylors’ School has been ranked as the top independent school in Merseyside in the newly released Times Parent Power Guide 2025. The influential league table compares schools nationwide using combined GCSE and A Level performance to identify the highest-achieving schools across the country.

Merchant Taylors’ secured its position at the top of Merseyside’s independent sector following a successful year of examination results. Highlights from 2025 outcomes include:

GCSE

• 47% were 9–7 grades
• 30% achieved 7 or more 9–7 grades
• 86% achieved Grade 5 or above in English and Maths

A Level

• 60% achieved 3 or more A*, A or B grades
• 66% were A*–B grades
• 32% were A*–A grades

The results demonstrate the school’s steady academic performance over time and offer a reliable measure of how pupils are achieving at both GCSE and A Level. This year’s guide gives families a transparent, data-driven view of school performance and reinforces Merchant Taylors’ position as a leading independent choice within Merseyside.

Headmaster Phil Dearden said:

“This year’s Parent Power Guide offers welcome recognition of the ambition and character shown by our pupils, and of the unwavering commitment of our staff. Academic excellence is a vital part of what we do, but we are equally proud of the breadth of opportunities our young people embrace and the well-rounded individuals they become.

“As we move confidently into our next chapter as a fully co-educational school, these results reflect not only our strong heritage but the exciting future we are building together. Merchant Taylors’ is a special community, and this acknowledgement highlights the strength of our shared purpose and the momentum now gathering across the School.”

The Parent Power Guide remains one of the most widely referenced indicators for families considering schools and Merchant Taylors’ strong placement within Merseyside provides a clear endorsement of the school’s high-quality education and long-standing academic strength.

Merchant Taylors’ has proudly reopened Mulberry House as a purpose-designed Welfare and Wellbeing Centre, strengthening the support available to every pupil.

Thanks to a generous grant from the Merchant Taylors’ Company, the much-loved building has been thoughtfully refurbished and repurposed to bring together key elements of the school’s existing welfare provision. Pastoral leaders, nursing and healthcare, learning support, and counselling teams are now housed under one roof, creating a central hub that enhances the care and guidance already available to every pupil.

The opening ceremony was attended by special guests including Brigadier Christopher Coles, Clerk of the Merchant Taylors’ Company, and Rebecca Pirt, the Company’s Education, Grants and Relationships Manager. They were joined by Headmaster Mr Phil Dearden and governors Charles Cowling, Philip Marshall KC and Gareth Mawdsley, who celebrated the opening of a centre that strengthens and unites the school’s long-standing commitment to pupil wellbeing.

Mulberry House will now serve as a visible focal point for welfare and support at Merchant Taylors’, ensuring that pupils know where to turn for guidance, care and encouragement throughout their time at school. By consolidating specialist teams within a dedicated space, the school is reaffirming its belief that wellbeing lies at the very heart of an excellent education.

Following the opening, the school was also delighted to host a special afternoon tea for this year’s Merchant Taylors’ Company Prize winners. Pupils from Year 7 to Upper Sixth who had been recognised at Speech Day for their intellectual curiosity and academic ambition across the curriculum enjoyed the chance to celebrate once again with Brigadier Coles and Rebecca Pirt. It was a fitting way to honour their achievements and round off a memorable day in the life of the school.