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Charlie Byrne (2006 Leaver) – Fashion Writer for The Times

I remember reading articles written by alumni when I was still a pupil at Merchant Taylors’ Girls’ School. The smiles of successful doctors, lawyers and vets beamed out from the pages of the school magazine. Their careers were impressive, but they weren’t pathways I aspired to. I hated (and I mean absolutely despised with a vehement passion) every single P.E. lesson I ever had, so I couldn’t relate to the women who had gone on to great sporting achievement either. I found out later that it didn’t matter – just because I wanted to do something that no one else had done before, didn’t mean it wasn’t possible.

My career in fashion journalism started in the classrooms of five teachers. Miss McWatt was happy for me to spend my lunchtimes sketching fashion illustrations in her studio. Mr Donnan taught me how to write news stories (I still have a piece I wrote age 13, pretending to be a reporter for The Sun newspaper, which is part of the News Corporation that I now work for!) Madame Mistry, Mrs Whalley and Mrs Doyle taught me French and Spanish, the languages I would go on to study at Durham University and still use today when dealing with foreign fashion houses. It was an amalgamation of their skills, and of their encouragement, that allowed me to forge a career that none of us had any experience of.

It wasn’t hard, however, to come by the experience I needed.  Fashion is an industry where you learn the ropes by shadowing as many people as possible, and enthusiasm will get you everywhere. I interned at magazines in my breaks from University term time, and it helps if you can write as much as possible on small platforms too – whether that’s a blog, a website, or contributing to independent magazines. My first paid writing job paid me just 1p per word! After leaving University I went on to obtain a Master’s degree in fashion journalism from London’s Central Saint Martins, whilst doing a full time one year internship at ELLE magazine. It took me a while to get a ‘proper job’ as a fashion writer at The Times, but persistence paid off.

The skills and values instilled at Merchants can be applied to any career – little things, no matter how unusual, do grow in harmony. At school, I wasn’t one of the cool kids; I certainly never imagined I would have the chance to sit front row at Milan fashion week. But that’s the great thing about growing up – who and what you become, is entirely up to you.

Charlie Byrne
(2006 Leaver)

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After reading The Little Red Hen Makes a Pizza, ou After reading The Little Red Hen Makes a Pizza, our Reception pupils rolled up their sleeves to make their very own delicious creations! 🍕

They mixed, kneaded and topped their pizzas with help from our fantastic catering team, who guided them every step of the way.

A wonderful, hands-on way to bring their story to life!
Huge thanks to everyone who joined us for Sixth Fo Huge thanks to everyone who joined us for Sixth Form Open Evening last night. 

It was brilliant to meet so many pupils and families, chat through subjects and next steps, and show you what life in our Sixth Form is all about.

Big shout-out to our pupils and staff for the tours, talks and tasters 👏

If you couldn’t join us, or have any further questions please drop our Admissions Team an email via admissions@merchanttaylors.com.
We’re sorry to share the news that former Head o We’re sorry to share the news that former Head of Stanfield, Karin Kelly, has passed away.

Karin was Head of Stanfield from 1997-2007, and shared the following memories with us just a couple of years ago:

"I have so many memories of my time at Stanfield, the shared commitment from all staff to parents, pupils and each other being the priority. Much joy and laughter around the school."

We are able to pass any messages or memories that you wish to share to Karin’s family. Please email devoffice@merchanttaylors.com.
We are delighted to share that our pupils have ach We are delighted to share that our pupils have achieved the Eco-Schools Green Flag Award, an international recognition for schools that empower young people to lead practical, pupil-driven environmental projects.

During their TENDO sessions, pupils worked through the programme’s seven-step framework, reviewing the school’s sustainability practices and implementing a range of initiatives to make our community more eco-friendly.

This award is a fantastic reflection of their hard work, creativity and commitment to caring for the planet, well done to everyone involved! ♻️👏
On Friday, our pupils and staff joined together in On Friday, our pupils and staff joined together in support of #HelloYellowDay, a nationwide campaign that shines a light on young people’s mental health.

By wearing something yellow, we showed our shared commitment to creating a school community where every child feels seen, heard and supported. Mental health matters every day, and small acts of kindness and understanding can make a real difference.

It was wonderful to see our corridors filled with colour, smiles and solidarity, a bright and positive way to end the week. 💛
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Open Morni Thank you to everyone who joined us for Open Morning today 🙌

It was wonderful to welcome so many families across our Prep and Senior Schools, exploring classrooms, meeting staff and pupils, and discovering what makes life at Merchant Taylors’ so special.

Our thanks also go to the staff and pupils who helped make the morning such a success 👏

Couldn’t make it this time? Book a personal tour and experience it for yourself - contact our Admissions Team via admissions@merchanttaylors.com
Earlier this week, our Year 4 pupils got hands-on Earlier this week, our Year 4 pupils got hands-on with a brilliantly messy science experiment - recreating the digestive system! 🧃🍌

From the mouth to the stomach (and beyond!), they explored each stage of digestion in a fun and memorable way, discovering exactly how our bodies break down food.

There was plenty of laughter along the way as this creative activity helped bring their classroom learning to life!
Our pupils have said it all! 🗓️ Saturday 11t Our pupils have said it all!

🗓️ Saturday 11th October 
🕘 9.30am - 12.30pm

OPEN DAY! 

We’re looking forward to welcoming families to visit our school.

We’d love to see you there, register via the link in our bio 🔗
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