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New Heads Appointed for 2018

The Board of Governors is delighted to announce the appointment of two new Heads to lead the Boys’ and Girls’ Senior Schools in 2018.

Mrs Claire Tao, who is currently Deputy Head at the City of London School for Girls (CLSG), will take over as Headmistress from Mrs Louise Robinson when she leaves at Easter 2018.  Mr David Wickes will join Merchant Taylors’ Boys’ School as Headmaster in September 2018. David is currently the Deputy Headmaster at Warwick School.

Claire started her career in industry and following the completion of an MSc in Personnel Management and Industrial Relations at the London School of Economics in 1993 and a PGCE at Roehampton University in 2004 moved into education working for the Old Palace School of John Whitgift as a Biology Teacher & Head of House. She then went to Dulwich College Preparatory School as a Chemistry Teacher and Housemistress before moving to CSLG where she has been for 10 years.  Claire’s interests include the theatre and hosting social events and she is also looking forward to continuing her love of cycling in the Northern hills.

Upon the appointment Claire commented, “I am delighted to be joining Merchant Taylors’ Girls’ School at this exciting time in their development. I have been hugely impressed by members of the School community who I have encountered on my visits to the School. I am looking forward to joining you after Easter and the prospect of working collaboratively with the staff and the other Heads to ensure the girls’ learning experience is positive, fun and rewarding for them.”

After achieving a Master of Arts degree at Oxford in History and a further Master of Arts from King’s College, London David pursued a teaching career at Dulwich College and then Abingdon School. He enjoys travelling in Europe, visiting the theatre and watching most sports including following the ups and downs of Southampton FC.


David said, “I am honoured to have been appointed Head of Merchant Taylors’ Boys’ School, one of the most prestigious schools in the north of England. It has a strong tradition and wonderful values and I am thrilled to be taking over at such an exciting time in its history. From the moment I visited the school, I was struck by the warmth of the welcome and the tremendous community spirit. Over the coming months I am greatly looking forward to getting to know the schools’ staff, parents, alumni and, most especially, the boys. I am also looking forward to working alongside Mrs Thomas, Miss Yardley and, of course, Mrs Tao to ensure that our family of schools continues to offer the best education in the area.”

These key appointments will lead the Schools into the next important stage of their development as top North West independent day schools.  Working closely together the new Heads will guide these historic establishments through an exciting period of celebration and change as they move toward the 400th anniversary of its foundation in 2020.

The Chair of Governors, Mrs Beverley Bell, CBE, who worked with a number of her colleagues, assisted by Saxton Bampfylde, to recruit Claire and David said, “We were impressed by the calibre and number of applicants the posts attracted.  Both are highly qualified for the roles and are experts in male and female pedagogy which is crucial for the Schools’ single sex education focus.  In addition, they will work closely together, along with the Heads of the Primary and Junior Schools, Janet Thomas and Julie Yardley, to maximise the opportunities for all our pupils to mix together outside the classroom – one of the key unique benefits of our 4-18 family of schools set up. In the meantime, the Board of Governors would like to express its sincere gratitude to Louise Robinson for her dedication and commitment to her role as Headmistress at the Senior Girls’ School and the Primary School for so many years and to Deiniol Williams for taking up the post of Acting Head at the Boys’ School following David Cook’s move to a new Headship. In ensuring the smooth running of the school Deiniol has shown the highest levels of professionalism and commitment. We are all extremely grateful to him.”

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🌟 Sixth Form Open Evening 2025 🌟 Thinking a 🌟 Sixth Form Open Evening 2025 🌟

Thinking about your next step after GCSEs? Come and see what makes Merchant Taylors’ Sixth Form such a special place to learn, grow and thrive.

📅 Tuesday 14th October 2025
🕠 5:30pm – 7:30pm

Join us to:
✨ Explore our wide range of A Level subjects
✨ Meet our inspiring teachers
✨ Hear from current Sixth Formers about their experiences
✨ Discover the outstanding support and opportunities that prepare pupils for top universities and careers

Book your place today via the link in our bio 🔗
This morning, our Reception pupils enjoyed their u This morning, our Reception pupils enjoyed their usual morning snack - but this time in a very special setting!

They visited Headmaster Mr Dearden in his office at the Senior School, where each child received a commemorative badge to mark the beginning of co-education from ages 4–18 at Merchant Taylors’.

The children asked Mr Dearden lots of questions, before tucking into toast, fruit and drinks, finishing their visit with a round of high fives! 👏

It was a memorable morning that helped our youngest pupils feel part of the wider school community and this exciting new chapter.
To mark the first week of co-education at Merchant To mark the first week of co-education at Merchant Taylors’ Senior School, we were pleased to welcome Mr Matthew King, one of our governors, into school on Thursday to see daily life in action.

Across the day, Matthew visited a variety of lessons, including Geography, Computer Science, Biology, Maths and History. He also joined pupils for lunch and enjoyed the buzz of the Dance Auditions in Williams Hall.

Reflecting on his visit, Matthew said:

“It's been a very encouraging day. I have shadowed a Year 9 class in their lessons and I've been able to observe their learning with a variety of hats on: as a governor; as a teacher myself, and also as an Old Crosbeian.

"It was an absolute privilege to spend time alongside pupils and staff in this landmark week for the school. The enthusiasm, focus and energy I witnessed were inspiring, and it was wonderful to see how quickly and confidently our pupils are embracing co-education.

"I was sat there today thinking about what 15-year-old Matthew King would have thought of this and I think today marks the start of a very positive, new chapter in Merchant Taylors' history.”

We are grateful to Matthew for his ongoing commitment as a governor and for supporting our vision to create the very best environment for every pupil to flourish.
A royal treat for Year 6! 👑🚁 After Her Roya A royal treat for Year 6! 👑🚁

After Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal arrived by helicopter on our Senior School field yesterday, our Year 6 pupils were given the rare chance to step up close to the impressive Leonardo AW139.

The pilots kindly took the time to chat with them, answering their many questions and making it an experience they’ll never forget. 💫
We were honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness The We were honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to Merchant Taylors’ this afternoon.

Princess Anne arrived by helicopter on our Senior School field as she travelled to Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, where she attended the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce’s 175th Anniversary celebrations.

It was a privilege for our school community to host her arrival.
Lost luggage. Cancelled flights. Endless delays ✈️

That was just the beginning of Headmaster Mr Dearden’s holiday nightmare, which he shared at our very first co-educational assembly this morning. Thankfully, the trip turned out wonderfully in the end, and from it came an important reminder for our pupils.

Just like at school, the journey won’t always go to plan. But if you’re prepared and organised, accept help when it’s offered, and have the courage to be adventurous and take a risk, you’ll always get where you’re meant to be.

A brilliant message as we begin this exciting new chapter together. 💫
On Friday, Merchant Taylors’ marked the beginnin On Friday, Merchant Taylors’ marked the beginning of a new chapter as we welcomed our very first co-educational Senior School pupils.

From roll call on the Parade Ground, where our new Headmaster Mr Phil Dearden and Chair of Governors Mr Philip Marshall KC addressed pupils from Prep and Seniors, to the presentation of commemorative badges, it was a morning filled with pride and anticipation for the future.

The day ended with pupils gathering on the school field to spell out MTS – a striking start to this exciting new chapter in our history.

Here’s to a future shaped by ambition, character and excellence.
We’re sorry to share the news that former Head o We’re sorry to share the news that former Head of Maths at Merchant Taylors' Boys’ School, Clare Peacock, passed away last week after a short illness.

Clare was a much-valued member of staff at school from 2006–2021. We send our condolences to Clare's loved ones; her funeral will take place on Wednesday 17th September at 2pm at Southport Crematorium.

In accordance with the family’s wishes, flowers will be from close family members only. Donations in Clare’s memory can be made to Queenscourt Hospice.

We are happy to pass any messages or memories that you wish to share with Clare's family. Please email devoffice@merchanttaylors.com.
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