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Sheila Clayton MTGS 1945 – 1952 In Memoriam

Sheila was born in Scarborough with extended family living near her. Her father, who had been in the Merchant Navy, gained employment with a firm who became part of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Company. The family moved to Crosby, and Sheila became a pupil at Merchant Taylors’ School in 1945. The School had a massive impact on her life, not just for her education, but in forming lifelong friendships. She has always been particularly close to the Leigh family (Joyce Ewbank).

Academically she excelled; she also loved singing in the school choir, and was keen on sports – especially cricket. MTGS with its wonderful ethos meant much to Sheila, and her schooldays were always remembered with pleasure, gratitude and affection. Whilst at school, her heart remained in Yorkshire, and each summer she returned to Scarborough.

In 1952 she went to Gypsy Hill College. After training, she taught for a short time in Liverpool, but then relocated to London. She had met Pat at college, and whilst living together in Streatham, they worked in a variety of schools in the area. Sheila’s qualities as a natural leader soon became apparent, and she eventually became headteacher of a large school in Brixton which had huge social issues. She dealt with them confidently and with great skill.

After many years of working in London, Sheila and Pat decided to relocate to Yorkshire in 1974. Pat became headteacher of a school in Bridlington and Sheila headteacher of the Flamborough School. Their journeys to school were a vast contrast to those in London. They bought the beautiful St Mary’s Cottage, which was in need of much renovation. Sheila lived there for the rest of her life.

Very sadly, in 1979 Pat died unexpectedly. This was a difficult time, but Sheila was supported by new friends in Ebberston. Some years later Sheila was forced to take early retirement on health grounds. She then began (on a small scale) to breed cattle, at first Friesians and then Limousins. This became a big part of her life for many years. Fortunately, she sold her last cows before the devastating foot and mouth epidemic in 2001.

There were so many aspects to Sheila’s life. She was devoted to St Mary’s Church, where she served for many years as Churchwarden. Recently, she was responsible for liaising with surveyors and craftsmen when developments and renovations took place at the church. The result is a fitting memorial to her vision and devotion. She served as lay chair for the deanery and was a member of the diocesan synod for many years. Her involvement with the local Conservative party included more committee work, electioneering and fundraising with friends. She loved theatre and music (Opera North and Ryedale Festival), lectures and tours with NADFAS, RSPB, John Lewis, gardening and growing many fruits and vegetables. The Archers and Any Questions were among her favourite radio programmes, listened to probably with a glass of malt whiskey in her hand.

Her mother lived in her own home near Scarborough until she was 99 years old. She died only shortly before her 100th birthday. One or two years later Sheila’s brother Stuart died from cancer. It was with great sadness that she realised she had no living relatives.

Sheila was always fully committed to all she did. She could be forthright and independent but was also passionate, thoughtful, very caring and generous. Her faith was resolute and trusting – she bravely faced the devastating news of her cancer. Her demeanour was a shining Christian example to us all. Sheila was hugely loyal to all her friends who have been privileged to have known and loved her. We are left with so many happy memories.

Barbara Guest (Shoesmith)

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🔥 LAST CHANCE TO BOOK – FINAL SUMMER DATES! 🔥

Wrap up the holidays with a brilliant day of football fun with Bobby Grant!

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Congratulations once again to our pupils on yester Congratulations once again to our pupils on yesterday’s GCSE results! 

Here’s what our new Headmaster, Mr Phil Dearden, had to say about their success. 📚✨
Dedication. Commitment. Success. Our pupils’ GC Dedication. Commitment. Success.

Our pupils’ GCSE results say it all.

Take a look at the headline stats from Results Day 2025 and join us in celebrating their achievements! 🎉📚
Congratulations to all our GCSE pupils who receive Congratulations to all our GCSE pupils who received their results today! ✨

Well done to you all - from remarkable individual achievements to shared success across so many subjects, we couldn’t be prouder.

Full gallery of images available via our Facebook page 📸
🌟 Merchant Taylors’ pupils are celebrating af 🌟 Merchant Taylors’ pupils are celebrating after achieving excellent GCSE results once again. 🌟

This year’s cohort has been rewarded for their hard work and commitment, with results that reflect both individual success stories and collective achievement. 

11% of all grades awarded were at the top grade 9, and almost a quarter (24%) were at grades 9–8, underlining the ambition and academic strength of this year’s pupils. 

In addition, 45% of all grades achieved were at 9–7, while 14 pupils achieved a full set of grades solely between 9 and 7, a remarkable accomplishment.

Read more via the link in our bio ⤴️
We wish our wonderful GCSE pupils the very best of We wish our wonderful GCSE pupils the very best of luck as they collect their results tomorrow. 

You have shown real resilience and determination, and we are immensely proud of everything you have accomplished.

This day is a well-earned opportunity to acknowledge your hard work and achievements. 🌟
After last week’s fantastic A Level results day, After last week’s fantastic A Level results day, we’re now looking forward to celebrating with our GCSE pupils on Thursday! 📚✨ 

It’s always a special day filled with excitement and pride. Here’s a look back at some moments from previous years as we prepare to mark another milestone for our pupils.

Good luck to all of our GCSE candidates, we can’t wait to celebrate your achievements! 🙌
Through community partnerships, we foster empathy, Through community partnerships, we foster empathy, service, and social responsibility, making Merchant Taylors' a force for educational good. 

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