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Alumni Cross the Atlantic for Speech Day Celebrations

Merchant Taylors’ Schools enjoy recognising the achievements of its talented and happy community and in the last few weeks we did just that. Speech Day ceremonies took place at Liverpool’s Royal Philharmonic Hall where both of our Senior Schools celebrated our pupils’ successes in academic subjects and extra-curricular activities.

Optical Engineer for NASA, Lauren McNally was the keynote speaker for the Senior Girls’ School, while US-based Chief Finance Officer and accident survivor, Mark Brereton was welcomed at the Senior Boys’ celebration.

Lauren, a 2009 leaver, has flourished in a career in engineering. Now working for NASA in their Jet Propulsion Laboratory and is the Telecom Software Engineer. After completing her M.Eng in Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Imperial College London, Lauren talked about considering a move in to other fields such as law and advertising, before accepting a role at the UK Space Agency. This decision would change her life and career path forever as it would eventually lead her to a job at NASA, where she is developing Deep Space Optical Communications for a Mars Helicopter, launching in 2020.

Lauren told the girls to seize every opportunity available to them and to work hard. She explained that you never know where these opportunities might lead so don’t worry if you don’t quite know what direction to go in yet. “No matter how scary, tiring or difficult something might be, keep trying and you’ll do just fine.”

At the Senior Boys’ Speech Day, they were delighted to welcome Mark Brereton, an Old Boy who left in 1991. Mark recounted his less ‘conventional’ life story that saw him leaving a student pilot training programme with the Royal Air Force (a great regret) to working his way up from a trainee Accountant to Director of Accounting with Pirelli Tyres, a role that took him to America where he has lived for 20 years. In 1999 Mark acquired his pilot license and found his passion in racing motorcycles. However, in 2007, Mark suffered a motorcycle mechanical failure whilst approaching a corner at over 150mph and, with a failed front brake, he crashed through the corner and broke his spine, rendering him a paraplegic.

Mark survived and focused on prospering. Firstly, he went back to work and now he enjoys activities such as scuba diving, sky diving and takes recently paralysed young people flying in helicopters. He now lives in Alabama with his wife Samantha and is the Chief Financial Officer for a small and fast-growing cabinet manufacturer.

Mark told the boys: “It is never too early to start taking note of your dreams and working out how to turn them into reality. Make plans, see them through, but also know that life can make a mockery of your plans in an instant.”

The ceremonies also saw both the Headmistress, Headmaster, Head Girl Team, Head Boy Team and a number of Year 7 pupils talk about their own experiences at Merchant Taylors’ whilst audiences enjoyed musical and theatrical performances.

Claire Tao, Headmistress at the Girls’ School said: “Having the opportunity to address the whole school community at an event like this is incredible. The stories we share and the successes we celebrate together show what a warm, talented and nurturing community we have at our school.”

David Wickes, Headmaster at the Boys’ School added: “Our young men enjoyed some tremendous achievements last year and this was perfect occasion for the school to come together and celebrate what we are all about – hard work, happy boys and seizing opportunities.”

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Before the end of term, our Year 9 pupils explored Before the end of term, our Year 9 pupils explored the rich architectural heritage of both Merchant Taylors’ school sites, capturing their memories and experiences through art.

With the move to coeducation this September, it’s a wonderful way to celebrate the legacy of the MTGS site and reflect on the spaces that have shaped so many lives - while looking forward to the next exciting chapter in our story. 🏫✨
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We’re excited to welcome boys and girls aged 8–14 to our two-day Cricket Camp, led by Gary Yates (former Director of the Lancashire CC Academy) and Simon Sutcliffe (former Head of Cricket at Merchant Taylors’). 

Together, they bring years of top-level coaching experience to help young cricketers build their skills, confidence and enjoyment of the game.

🗓️ Thursday 14 & Friday 15 August 2025
🕤 9.30am - 3.30pm each day
📍 Merchant Taylors’ School, Harrison Site, L23 0QP
💷 £36 per day or £60 for both days

Throughout the camp, players will work on key aspects of the game, including:

✅ Seam and spin bowling techniques
✅ Batting drills and shot selection
✅ Fielding and catching skills
✅ Game awareness and match situations
✅ Small-sided games and match play

Whether your child is new to cricket or already playing regularly, this camp is a great opportunity to develop their technique, meet new friends and learn from two outstanding coaches.

📲 Places are limited – Book via the link in our bio.
We’re hiring! 📢 Merchant Taylors’ is seeki We’re hiring! 📢

Merchant Taylors’ is seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to join our team in the following roles:

🏑 Hockey Coach
🏐 Netball Coach
🎖️ CCF Contingent Commander

If you're committed to inspiring young people and want to be part of a vibrant, forward-thinking school community, we’d love to hear from you.

Find our more via the link in our bio ⤴️
Our Reception pupils marked the end of a fantastic Our Reception pupils marked the end of a fantastic year with a joyful celebration before the end of term.

It was a lovely opportunity to reflect on how far they’ve come - from those first few days in September to the confident, curious learners they are now. There were plenty of smiles, songs and proud moments as we celebrated their achievements together. 💛

We’re so excited to see all they’ll go on to do in Year 1!
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Our Year 2 Prize Giving was filled with smiles, memories and well-deserved recognition, marking the end of a wonderful journey in the Infants and the start of a new adventure beyond.

Well done, Year 2 - you’re more than ready for the next step! 🌟

Full gallery available via our Facebook page.
Join us this summer for the Sale Sharks Rugby Deve Join us this summer for the Sale Sharks Rugby Development Camp at Merchant Taylors’! 🏉

📅 Thursday 31 July & Friday 1 August
⏰ 9.00am – 3.30pm
🧒 For U7s to U12s
📍 Merchant Taylors’ School

Delivered by the award-winning @salesharksfoundation, this two-day camp is a fantastic opportunity for young players to sharpen their rugby skills with expert RFU-qualified coaches.

Each day features high-energy activities, adaptive games and core skill development – all built around the Sharks DNA coaching philosophy.

Expect a fun, challenging and inspiring rugby experience – find out more or book a place via the link in our bio ⤴️
Last week, we celebrated our Stanfield Prize Givin Last week, we celebrated our Stanfield Prize Giving, marking a proud moment for our Year 6 pupils.

We were honoured to welcome Deborah MacLaren, Managing Director of LoveReading and an Old Girl of the School, as our guest speaker. Her thoughtful and inspiring address encouraged pupils to stay curious, keep reading, and embrace the exciting journey ahead.

It was a joyful and memorable occasion for pupils, families and staff and a fitting celebration of all that our Year 6 pupils have achieved during their time at Stanfield.

Full gallery available via our Facebook page.
Join us for exciting Summer Holiday Football Camps Join us for exciting Summer Holiday Football Camps led by former professional footballer and UEFA licensed coach, @bobbygrantcoaching! Perfect for young football enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Bobby, who has played for clubs such as Accrington Stanley, Wrexham, Scunthorpe United, and Fleetwood United, brings his expertise and quality coaching to these camps.

As a UEFA licensed coach, Bobby ensures an unforgettable and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Find out more or book a place via the link in our bio ⤴️
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