Our History

Founded in 1620 by John Harrison, a distinguished member of the Merchant Taylors’ Company of London, Merchant Taylors’ School, Crosby has a rich and enduring legacy. The Merchant Taylors’ Company, one of the twelve Great Livery Companies of the City of London, has played a vital role in shaping education, commerce, and philanthropy since medieval times.

Our historic connection to the Company remains strong today. We are proud to welcome representatives from the Merchant Taylors’ Company each year, celebrating a shared commitment to academic excellence and community service. These enduring ties reflect our founding mission to provide a high-quality, values-driven education to young people from across Merseyside and beyond.

As a fully coeducational independent day school for pupils aged 4 to 18, we continue to honour the vision of our founder by offering an exceptional academic experience within a nurturing and inclusive environment. Our reputation as one of the North West’s leading schools is built on centuries of tradition, innovation, and a steadfast belief in the transformative power of education.

Timeline

1620 – John Harrison (Merchant Taylor) founded Merchant Taylors’ School, Crosby on the current Senior Girls’ School site.

1878 – Boys’ school moves to present day site.

1880 – First Sports Day held.

1888 – Girls’ School founded on 1620 site.

1890 – Old Boys’ Association

1892 – The first boarding house for boys opened in Rossett Road by J H Milton

1899 – Former pupils Frederick & Ernest Witty help to found FC Barcelona and the colours of Merchant Taylors’ become the famous ‘blaugrana’

1915 – Cadet Corps formally constituted

1956 – Memorial Gymnasium opened, Stanfield established

1988 – Girls’ School celebrates 100 years since foundation.

2009 – Completion of the Vitreum Entrance and art gallery at the Senior Girls’ School.

2011 – Ian Robinson Sports Centre opened

2014 – Completion of the multi-million pound redevelopment of Stanfield, Merchant Taylors’.

2015 – Royal Celebration of 100 years of School’ Combined Cadet Force

2016/17 – Schools receive ‘Excellent’ ISI reports.

2020 – Merchant Taylors’ School 400th anniversary

2025 – Formation of new coeducational Senior School