Merchant Taylors’ Celebrates Speech Day 2025 at Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

The Merchant Taylors’ community came together on Tuesday 25 June at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Hall for Speech Day 2025, an event celebrating the achievements, talents and spirit of pupils across the Senior Schools.

The ceremony opened with a welcome from Mr Philip Marshall KC, Chair of Governors, who shared details of the School’s newly launched Strategic Direction 2025–2030. He outlined ambitious plans for the years ahead, including a full refurbishment of the School’s swimming pool, part of a broader commitment to investment in facilities and pupil experience.

Executive Head Dr Michael Alderson delivered a thoughtful and encouraging address, reflecting on the values of a Merchant Taylors’ education and urging pupils to embrace challenge, personal growth and service to others. The audience then heard from Deputy Head Boys, Jude and George, who shared highlights and personal reflections from across the academic year at MTBS. Their speech captured the humour, hard work and spirit that defined their time in the School.

A musical interlude followed, with a powerful performance of Pueri Hebraeorum by Randall Thompson, delivered by the Senior Choir, Middle School Choir and Cambiata Choir. The performance was a striking showcase of the musical talent nurtured at Merchant Taylors’. Representing the Girls’ School, Deputy Head Girls, Claudia and Serenne, took to the stage to recount key moments from the year at MTGS. They celebrated the pupils’ academic and co-curricular achievements, as well as the warmth and community that characterise life at the School.

A lively performance from the Merchant Taylors’ Theatre Company added a dramatic flourish to the afternoon, as pupils delivered a joyful rendition of “I’d Do Anything” from Oliver!, delighting the audience with their energy and stagecraft.

The ceremony also included the presentation of the Distinguished Alumnus of the Year Award, which recognises outstanding contributions from former pupils. This year’s recipient was Barrie Wells, an Old Crosbeian, successful entrepreneur, and founder of the Barrie Wells Trust. Through initiatives such as Box4Kids, Barrie has made a lasting impact on the lives of seriously ill and disabled children, offering them VIP experiences at major events around the UK. His achievements and philanthropy reflect the values of generosity, ambition and service that the School seeks to inspire.

This year’s guest speaker was Dr Iain Buchan, W.H. Duncan Professor of Public Health Systems at the University of Liverpool, Associate Pro Vice Chancellor for Innovation, and an Old Crosbeian. Dr Buchan spoke with warmth about his time at Merchant Taylors’, sharing the lessons and experiences that shaped his path. He encouraged pupils to remain curious, take intellectual risks, and use their talents for the greater good, a message that resonated with pupils and parents alike.

The event drew to a close with a warm and heartfelt vote of thanks from Head Boy Kevin and Head Girl Atiyah, before the hall resonated with a rousing performance of the School Song and the National Anthem, a fitting end to a memorable celebration.

Speech Day 2025 was a celebration not only of academic achievement, but of character, creativity and community, the qualities that continue to define Merchant Taylors’ and its pupils.