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Old Girl Sian ‘Wins her Wish List’

Old girl Sian Stephens (nee Evans) 1980-87 was sitting at her desk one Monday morning opening emails to the busy careers enquiries mailboxes she managed as the national Recruitment Manager for a UK luxury boutique hotel chain when an email from a TV Company caught her eye. Looking for lively couples to apply for a TV quiz show to win their dream wish list by answering general knowledge questions on a range of topics against the clock and is hosted by Shane Ritchie on the BBC Lottery show on Saturday night. Sian saw this as an excellent opportunity to try and win their dream holiday to visit their best friends who had moved to Perth in Australia and as both her and her husband enjoy quizzes and know their general knowledge and trivia so Sian applied. A few weeks later Sian had forgotten all about the show until she got a phone call from one of the show’s producers who invited her to audition there and then over the phone. Sian’s husband Phil also received a phone call which was somewhat of a surprise as Sian had forgotten to tell him! However they both passed the initial audition and were then invited to a live audition with 6 other couples in Manchester. We were very nervous and I made a few comical errors Sian recalls, but managed to win over the producers who selected them for the show.

In August 2015 the couple along with 5 of their friends who were invited to come and watch for support, travelled up to the BBC studios in Glasgow to film the show in front of a live studio audience.  It was very nerve racking but Shane Ritchie was lovely and really made us feel at ease Sian remembers and we overcame our nerves to win an amazing 6 out of our 7 prizes which totalled £35,000 including our dream holiday to Thailand and Australia, a festival in our garden with live band, DJ and Hogroast, room makeover, a man cave for Phil and a spa weekend by answering all our questions correctly beating the clock to even get some as an instant win. Sian’s topics included nature and popular culture and has credited her Merchants education as helping to give her the thirst for knowledge and keeping up to date with current affairs – I knew my General Studies A Level would come in useful one day she states!

The couple had become somewhat celebrities after appearing in the local paper twice so decided to organise an evening for friends and family at a local tennis club when the show was aired to help raise money by holding a raffle for their friends charity Believe Organ donation (believe-ods-org.uk) started by the widow of local boy Stuart Bates who was tragically killed with his young son by a speeding driver last Christmas as they walked home from a family party. They continued their fundraising by collecting donations for the charity at their recent festival in their garden.  Sian is a keen athlete and charity fundraiser and with her previous company Lloyd’s Register EMEA (marine surveyors) was chosen by the CEO as one of the runners in an international team from offices around the world to compete in the gruelling 250,000 anniversary Athens marathon in 2010 raising over 40k for various marine charities. In 2010 Sian also started a charity project called the Breakfast Club for local homeless shelter the Whitechapel Centre in Liverpool which involved volunteers from her office serving breakfasts to the Homeless on a weekly basis which launched the volunteer programme still going today.

After Sian left school she attended Surrey University achieving a Joint Honours in English and Sociology then continued living and working in London in Health Club Management for over 13 years. She then moved back to Crosby in 2002 and married childhood sweetheart Phil Stephens whose sister Elizabeth was deputy Head Girl in 1986/7 and eventually buying her childhood home which she shares with Phil and their 3 children.

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Yesterday, our brilliant Year 4 pupils took to the Yesterday, our brilliant Year 4 pupils took to the stage for their end-of-year production of Mystery at Magpie Manor, and what a show it was! 🎭✨

Set in the roaring 1920s and filled with mystery, mischief and marvellous characters, the children brought the story to life with energy, confidence and plenty of joy. We are incredibly proud of every single performer for their hard work and enthusiasm.

A huge well done to all involved! 👏🎩🔍

Full gallery available via our Facebook page 📸
Yesterday, our Junior pupils enjoyed a special vis Yesterday, our Junior pupils enjoyed a special visit from the @rnli, who delivered an engaging and informative assembly.

Pupils learned about the history of the RNLI, the vital role it plays in saving lives at sea, and the importance of staying safe at the beach, including how to recognise the different flags and what they mean.

A big thank you to the RNLI team for helping our pupils stay safe and informed ahead of the summer holidays! 👏
Senior Sports Day 2025 brought a full day of energ Senior Sports Day 2025 brought a full day of energy, effort and outstanding performances from our pupils and what a day it was! 🏆🔥 

From sprints and relays to field events and house spirit, our Senior pupils gave it their all, and we couldn’t be prouder of their enthusiasm, teamwork and sportsmanship throughout. 💪👏

We’re so grateful to our parents for coming along to support, and especially to those who took part in the parents’ race - always a highlight! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🎉

A huge thank you also to our brilliant Sports staff for their hard work behind the scenes and on the day, ensuring everything ran smoothly and making the event such a memorable experience for everyone. 🙌
After a brilliant morning with our Infants, the fu After a brilliant morning with our Infants, the fun continued yesterday afternoon with our Junior Sports Day! 🏃‍♂️🎉

Well done to all our Year 3 to Year 6 pupils for showing such determination, enthusiasm and team spirit in every event 💪👏

A big thank you to all the families who came along to support and cheer from the sidelines and to the parents who joined in the races, keeping the energy high right to the end!
What a fantastic morning at our Infant Sports Day! What a fantastic morning at our Infant Sports Day! 🏅

Well done to all our Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 pupils who gave it their all with smiles, teamwork and brilliant energy throughout every race and activity.

A huge thank you to our wonderful parents for coming along to cheer everyone on, especially to those who took part in the parents’ race! 👏

And not forgetting our amazing staff who joined in the fun with the staff race, thank you for helping make the day such a memorable one.
Yesterday, our Lower Sixth pupils enjoyed a brilli Yesterday, our Lower Sixth pupils enjoyed a brilliant day at the Concordia Connects Conference, featuring a range of expert guest speakers, including some of our inspiring alumni.

From exploring purpose and squiggly careers to mastering presentation skills, workplace behaviours, and digital networking, the day was packed with practical advice and meaningful conversations.

Concordia Connects is our alumni mentoring programme, run by the Old Boys’ and Old Girls’ Associations, supporting pupils and alumni alike - whether it’s internships, mock interviews, life coaching or career advice.

A huge thank you to all our mentors who gave their time to support the next generation yesterday. Your guidance is invaluable. 👏
Earlier today, our Year 1 pupils visited the Harri Earlier today, our Year 1 pupils visited the Harrison Site for a fascinating introduction to the history of Merchant Taylors’.

As part of their learning, the children explored key areas around the school site, discovering how it has changed over time and the role it has played in our community for over 400 years. 

A particular highlight was the chance to study our newly installed school timeline, which helped bring the story of Merchant Taylors’ to life through important dates, events and figures from the past.

To round off the visit, pupils even got to try on some old school blazers from the archives, a fun and memorable way to step back in time!
Yesterday, our Year 2 and Year 3 pupils enjoyed so Yesterday, our Year 2 and Year 3 pupils enjoyed some extra playtime together as part of Year 2’s transition into the Juniors.

It was lovely to see new friendships forming and plenty of smiles as they played, explored and got to know each other better. 

A small step that makes a big difference in helping our younger pupils feel confident and excited about the move up! 😊👏
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