• Homepage
  • Admissions
  • Strategy 2022-2027
  • Stanfield Prep
    • A Word From Our Headmistress
    • About Our Wonderful School
    • An Excellent Education
    • Unrivalled Facilities
    • Pastoral Care – Merchants’ Mindset
    • Endless Opportunities
    • Out Of Hours Care
    • Learning Support
    • Key Information
  • Senior Boys
    • A Word From Our Headmaster
    • About Our School
    • Departments & Curriculum
    • Co-Curricular & Enrichment
    • Pastoral Care
    • Learning Support
    • Key Information
  • Senior Girls
    • About Our School
    • Departments & Curriculum
    • Co-Curricular & Enrichment
    • Pastoral Care
    • Learning Support
    • Key Information
  • Sixth Form
    • About Our Sixth Form
    • Boys’ Sixth Form
    • Girls’ Sixth Form
    • Academic Excellence
    • Leadership Opportunities
    • Co-Curricular & Enrichment
    • Extended Project Qualification
    • Pastoral Care
    • Careers
    • University Applications
  • Merchants+ Facility Hire and Children’s Activities
  • Calendar
  • Events
  • Latest News
  • Contact Us
  • Job Vacancies
  • Alumni & Development
  • SOCS Sports
  • Our Family
  • Stanfield Prep
  • Senior Boys
  • Menu Spacer ALWAYS KEEP IN MIDDLE
  • Senior Girls
  • Sixth Form
  • Admissions

MENU

Jeremy Le Poidevin

Born August 16th 1954 – Died November 13th 2016, age 62

MTBS 1980 – 1986

jeremy-photo

Although his tenure at MTBS was relatively short, “J Le P” is well and fondly remembered by colleagues and pupils alike as an inspiring and dedicated English teacher, hockey coach and producer of some outstanding school plays.  In the words of one of his brothers “He was a warm-hearted, generous, enthusiastic and insanely active person” and from a member of staff “One of the most valued colleagues I ever had”.

In 1980 he was convalescing after knee surgery and arrived at school a few weeks into the term.  He was walking on crutches, unfortunately billeted on the top floor of the boarding house, but immediately threw himself into life at MTBS.

He will be particularly remembered for the plays and musicals he produced, including:

The Ghost Train – a comedy suspense thriller with eerie sound effects

Hamp – a gripping and compelling drama set during WWI; Jeremy himself took the lead role of Private John Hamp, a shell shocked and trusting young man from Lancashire who is court-martialled for desertion

Smike – a pop musical with a time-travelling theme, an adaptation of an extract from Charles Dickens‘ Nicholas Nickleby

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat – memorable for the choreographic workouts, given to the cast by Margaret Mann, said to be more exhausting that a 1st XV training session; and for the gold painted Sinclair C5 electric three-wheeler used as the chariot in the finale and test driven by Jeremy up and down the main corridor in the dead of night.

He also inaugurated the Staff Revue persuading colleagues to take part in a surprise performance of various comedy sketches to an audience of the whole school.  Jeremy performed in a sketch in which he shaved, using a cut-throat razor, accompanied by the accelerating music of “In the Hall of The Mountain King” and ever increasing volumes of theatrical blood.

Jeremy was born in Derby, raised in Uttoxeter and educated at Smallwood Manor Prep School and Repton before reading English at the University of York.

Prior to joining MTBS he taught for three years at Colston’s School in Bristol and from MTBS went on to Silcoates in Wakefield.  He met his future wife Cheryl while in Crosby and conducted a long distance courtship from Wakefield before proposing and marrying in 1991.

Towards the end of each stage of his teaching career he would get “itchy feet” and look for new challenges beyond teaching.  In 1995, Jeremy finally realised this long held desire for a new adventure.  He and Cheryl bought a small and run down business called Practical Magic; essentially a mail order business supplying props to children’s entertainers, in reality a name and a garage full of plastic accessories.

Sixteen years ago, after starring in the BBC’s Escape to the Country, he and Cheryl moved to Gadlas, near Ellesmere in Shropshire.  From here they built Practical Magic into a premier dealership for children’s entertainers worldwide, designing and manufacturing many unique tricks and effects. They travelled throughout the UK and ventured to Europe and the USA to attend and lecture at trade shows and conventions.  His video demonstrations of products and routines have been invaluable to both aspiring and experienced magicians and along with his hilarious Fireside Chats are still available to view by following the videos link on the menu bar of the website www.practical-magic.com.

To try to sum up Jeremy’s all too short time with us is difficult. Teacher and Magic Dealer … this is not even the tip of the iceberg.  Polymath is a label that sits comfortably upon Jeremy, for he truly was a man of wide knowledge and learning. He had interests in stamp and coin collecting, literature, art, the natural world, football (as a lifelong Stoke supporter) and  music – notably Bob Dylan, The Beatles, Leonard Cohen and Thea Gilmore along with Gregorian chant and the more standard classical repertoire; in the last few years he had become a competent guitar player, accompanying himself to his favourite songs.

Gone too soon and sadly missed, but those of us who knew Jeremy are all better off for having known him and he will certainly live on through our memories.

Stephen J Williams

MTBS, Mathematics and Computing, 1979 – 2008

SHARE:

Previous Post All News Next Post

Latest News

  • Merchant Taylors’ Pupils Champion Student Wellbeing at London Conference
  • Merchant Taylors’ Pupils Shine at Alderley Edge Festival
  • Seven Pupils Offered Coveted Places with National Youth Theatre
  • Economics Pupils Secure Prestigious CISI Qualification
  • A Legacy in Song: Merchant Taylors’ Hosts Spectacular Gala
View All News

Upcoming Events

  • May Holiday Club 2025 on May 27, 2025 8:00 am
  • May Holiday Club 2025 on May 28, 2025 8:00 am
  • May Football Camp on May 28, 2025 9:30 am
  • May Holiday Club 2025 on May 29, 2025 8:00 am
  • May Football Camp on May 29, 2025 9:30 am
View All Events

Join our family

admissions information sign up to our newsletter

SHARE:

Back to top

Instagram Feed

Congratulations to Claudia, David, Jude and Ruby w Congratulations to Claudia, David, Jude and Ruby who had the privilege of attending the annual wellbeing conference at the @merchant_taylors Hall in London, where this year’s theme centred around safe spaces and belonging.

As part of the event, they were invited to present to delegates on how our TENDO programme helps foster a strong sense of belonging and creates safe, supportive spaces within our School community.

Their presentation was met with great enthusiasm, earning praise for its thoughtfulness, clarity, and confidence.
Train like a pro this May Half Term! ⚽ Our Foot Train like a pro this May Half Term! ⚽

Our Football Camp is led by Marine FC Manager and UEFA licensed coach Bobby Grant, giving young players the chance to sharpen their skills, grow in confidence and enjoy a brilliant day of football.

Places are limited - book now via the link in our bio! ⤴️
We were delighted to welcome world-class baritone We were delighted to welcome world-class baritone @rwoodbaritone to work with our Cambiata Choir last week 🎶

The boys thoroughly enjoyed the session, which focused on developing changing voices and building stage presence. 

It was a fantastic opportunity to learn from a professional singer of such high calibre, and we’re very grateful to Roland for sharing his expertise and enthusiasm.
Harry and Jude from our Eco Committee share how th Harry and Jude from our Eco Committee share how the Recycle 4 School BoxDrop initiative is helping us support sustainability at Merchant Taylors’.

Three textile recycling boxes are now in place across the school, perfect for any pre-loved items you no longer need.

A big thank you to our Eco Committee for driving this initiative and inspiring positive change across our community. ♻️
Pupils from Years 7 to 10 delivered outstanding pe Pupils from Years 7 to 10 delivered outstanding performances at the recent Alderley Edge Festival, earning multiple 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishes across a range of drama categories including Acting Through Song, Shakespearean Text, and Duologues.

A highlight of the weekend was being awarded the prestigious William Roache Cup for Outstanding Drama Performance, recognising the school’s exceptional contribution to the festival.

Read more and see the full list of winners via the link in our bio ⤴️
On Thursday, the Year 5 Drama Club enjoyed a speci On Thursday, the Year 5 Drama Club enjoyed a special visit from Dr John Gill, former Head of Drama at Merchant Taylors’. Dr Gill kindly returned to support the pupils as they prepare for their upcoming performance next week.

His wealth of experience and encouraging guidance provided a valuable boost to the group, who thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to rehearse under his direction.

We are grateful to Dr Gill for giving his time so generously and look forward to seeing the pupils bring their hard work to life on stage.
On Day two of their residential, Year 4 had a bril On Day two of their residential, Year 4 had a brilliant time canoeing and paddleboarding - with Mr Roberts “accidentally” taking a splash! 💦

In the evening, pupils headed out on a nature walk linked to their Science topic Habitats, gathering natural materials to create their own mini habitats.

To round off the day: bushcraft, fire-lighting, and toasted marshmallows under the trees. A fabulous end to a fabulous day!
📣 We’re hiring! The Ian Robinson Sports Cent 📣 We’re hiring!

The Ian Robinson Sports Centre at Merchant Taylors’ is looking for a Casual Holiday Club/Leisure Assistant to join the team.

If you’re enthusiastic, sporty, and great with children, this is a fantastic opportunity to help deliver fun, high-quality activities and inspire young people to get active! 🏀⚽🎾

Click the link in our bio to find out more ⤴️
Merchant Taylors' image

ADDITIONAL INFO
Disclaimer
Privacy
Cookie Usage
Terms & Conditions
Website Credits

LINKS
Intranet
iSAMS – Staff Portal
iSAMS – Student Portal
iSAMS – Parent Portal
SOCS Login
SOCS Calendar
Library

 
Contact
Join Our Team
Policies
Events
Governance

Admissions: 0151 949 9366
Primary School: 0151 924 1506
Senior Girls: 0151 924 3140
Senior Boys: 0151 928 3308
Sports Centre: 0151 949 9355

The Merchant Taylors’ School
Liverpool Road
Crosby
Liverpool
L23 0QP

Our social links

© The Merchant Taylors’ Schools, Crosby
Company No: 6654276
Registered Charity No: 1125485

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT