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CCF Inspection Day 2024

On Friday 25 March 2024, our school community was abuzz with excitement as we proudly hosted the Annual Combined Cadet Force (CCF) Inspection Day. This significant event not only showcased the dedication and skills of our cadets but also provided a platform to welcome a distinguished guest: Commander Judith Barnes, who joined us as our Inspecting Officer.

Our CCF contingent, comprising nearly 250 officers and cadets, stands as a testament to our commitment to fostering leadership, discipline, and camaraderie. This number is set to grow even further, with an additional 100 cadets set to join the CCF’s ranks in Year 9 this coming September. As a result, we proudly claim one of the largest voluntary contingents in the entire country.

Contingent Commander, Lt Col Paul Ennis greets Inspection Day guests

Contingent Commander LT Col Paul Ennis set the tone for the day by warmly welcoming over 100 guests to the school. He provided a glimpse into the exciting world of our CCF cadets, sharing their adventures from the past twelve months. These included rigorous training weekends at Altcar, fascinating ship visits, and their commendable performance in various competitions—both within our region and on the national stage.

Younger pupils were delighted to visit several stands and activities during the morning to get a glimpse of what being a part of the CCF is all about, they enjoyed inspecting weaponry with the Duke of Lancaster’s regiment, attempting the inflatable obstacle course and discovering all of the interesting things that CCF Cadets participate in.


Just after lunch the Contingent undertook the first parade and the Inspection of the Guard was conducted by the Inspecting Officer, Commander Barnes. Commander Barnes joined the Royal Naval Reserve at HMS Eaglet in Liverpool in 1994, and spent the first five years of her Naval career as a Communications Rating. After passing the Admiralty Interview Board in 1999, and on completion of Junior Officer training, she returned to the Communications specialisation as a Sub-Lieutenant.

Mobilised to Op Herrick in 2010, she spent 6 months in Helmand Province in a Joint Information Management and Exploitation post. On return from Afghanistan, she spent time as Eaglet’s Initial Naval Training & Recruiting Officer before a second spell as Executive Officer. This was followed by her national appointment as SO2 Communications and Information Systems (Reserves) in February 2014 and then the SO1 post on promotion to Commander in 2017. Commander Barnes took command of HMS Eaglet in April 2022.

Commander Barnes inspects the Cadets

After the inspection, it was time for the big showdown with the army section facing off against the air force section in an epic tug of war. After a lot of hard work and effort, the army section prevailed and claimed victory!

The Army Section claimed victory in the tug of war

The final part of the day saw all the Cadets march on to the square with Inspecting Officer Commander Barnes addressing them. Commander Barnes spoke of how impressed she was with the cadets and how they could quite rightly be proud of their efforts and achievements.





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To mark the first week of co-education at Merchant To mark the first week of co-education at Merchant Taylors’ Senior School, we were pleased to welcome Mr Matthew King, one of our governors, into school on Thursday to see daily life in action.

Across the day, Matthew visited a variety of lessons, including Geography, Computer Science, Biology, Maths and History. He also joined pupils for lunch and enjoyed the buzz of the Dance Auditions in Williams Hall.

Reflecting on his visit, Matthew said:

“It's been a very encouraging day. I have shadowed a Year 9 class in their lessons and I've been able to observe their learning with a variety of hats on: as a governor; as a teacher myself, and also as an Old Crosbeian.

"It was an absolute privilege to spend time alongside pupils and staff in this landmark week for the school. The enthusiasm, focus and energy I witnessed were inspiring, and it was wonderful to see how quickly and confidently our pupils are embracing co-education.

"I was sat there today thinking about what 15-year-old Matthew King would have thought of this and I think today marks the start of a very positive, new chapter in Merchant Taylors' history.”

We are grateful to Matthew for his ongoing commitment as a governor and for supporting our vision to create the very best environment for every pupil to flourish.
A royal treat for Year 6! 👑🚁 After Her Roya A royal treat for Year 6! 👑🚁

After Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal arrived by helicopter on our Senior School field yesterday, our Year 6 pupils were given the rare chance to step up close to the impressive Leonardo AW139.

The pilots kindly took the time to chat with them, answering their many questions and making it an experience they’ll never forget. 💫
We were honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness The We were honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to Merchant Taylors’ this afternoon.

Princess Anne arrived by helicopter on our Senior School field as she travelled to Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, where she attended the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce’s 175th Anniversary celebrations.

It was a privilege for our school community to host her arrival.
Lost luggage. Cancelled flights. Endless delays ✈️

That was just the beginning of Headmaster Mr Dearden’s holiday nightmare, which he shared at our very first co-educational assembly this morning. Thankfully, the trip turned out wonderfully in the end, and from it came an important reminder for our pupils.

Just like at school, the journey won’t always go to plan. But if you’re prepared and organised, accept help when it’s offered, and have the courage to be adventurous and take a risk, you’ll always get where you’re meant to be.

A brilliant message as we begin this exciting new chapter together. 💫
On Friday, Merchant Taylors’ marked the beginnin On Friday, Merchant Taylors’ marked the beginning of a new chapter as we welcomed our very first co-educational Senior School pupils.

From roll call on the Parade Ground, where our new Headmaster Mr Phil Dearden and Chair of Governors Mr Philip Marshall KC addressed pupils from Prep and Seniors, to the presentation of commemorative badges, it was a morning filled with pride and anticipation for the future.

The day ended with pupils gathering on the school field to spell out MTS – a striking start to this exciting new chapter in our history.

Here’s to a future shaped by ambition, character and excellence.
We’re sorry to share the news that former Head o We’re sorry to share the news that former Head of Maths at Merchant Taylors' Boys’ School, Clare Peacock, passed away last week after a short illness.

Clare was a much-valued member of staff at school from 2006–2021. We send our condolences to Clare's loved ones; her funeral will take place on Wednesday 17th September at 2pm at Southport Crematorium.

In accordance with the family’s wishes, flowers will be from close family members only. Donations in Clare’s memory can be made to Queenscourt Hospice.

We are happy to pass any messages or memories that you wish to share with Clare's family. Please email devoffice@merchanttaylors.com.
A whole school moment, captured in three letters: A whole school moment, captured in three letters: MTS ❤️
Today marked a historic moment in the history of M Today marked a historic moment in the history of Merchant Taylors’ as we officially began our journey as a fully co-educational school.

Pupils from the Prep and Senior Schools came together for a roll call on the Parade Ground, where they heard from our new Headmaster, Mr Phil Dearden, and the Chair of Governors, Mr Philip Marshall KC, before receiving commemorative badges to mark the occasion.

As a finale, pupils joined together on the school field to shape the letters MTS, celebrating the start of this exciting new era.
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