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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

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We warmly invite you to Merchant Taylors’ for ou We warmly invite you to Merchant Taylors’ for our 2025 Open Morning, which takes place on Saturday 11th October between 9.30am and 12.30pm.

Merchant Taylors’ gives your child the platform to broaden their horizons, harness their ambition and take the first steps to a successful, happy life.

Join us at our Open Morning to get a taste of life at Merchant Taylors’, discover our excellent facilities and meet our wonderful pupils and dedicated staff. Parents and children will have an opportunity to tour our schools, take part in engaging activities and hear more about our exciting plans for the future of our historic school.

Find out more and register to attend via the link in our bio ✏️
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. 🏫✨
Join us for an action-packed Cricket Camp at Merch Join us for an action-packed Cricket Camp at Merchant Taylors' this August! 🏏

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!
A proud moment for our Year 2 pupils as they celeb A proud moment for our Year 2 pupils as they celebrated their achievements and looked ahead to their exciting next chapter in the Juniors.

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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.
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