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Old Boy goes live on BBC Breakfast

Hrishi Vankatesh, a former ESB learner and Old Boy of Merchant Taylors, spoke about how he has become a confident communicator through his ESB assessments. He also shared his top tips for people who are nervous of speaking in public.

He also spoke about his personal journey since being diagnosed on the Autistic Spectrum, and how ESB has helped him to grow in confidence and communicate well with others.

ESB’s Chief Executive, Tina Renshaw accompanied Hrishi to the BBC studios, and says,

“We enjoyed an exciting morning taking part in a topical dialogue on the importance of oracy. Hrishi spoke eloquently to the BBC audience of over 1.5 million viewers. It was very supportive of presenter Dan Walker to take such a personal interest in the issue by tweeting to his 515,000 followers about the value of public speaking”.

On the programme, Hrishi said: “When I started with English Speaking Board, it really helped to boost my confidence and just made me feel like people wanted to hear what I wanted to say”.

Tina added: “Hrishi’s performance on BBC Breakfast follows his recent appearance at the Houses of Parliament speaking on ESB’s behalf on the subject of oracy. He is also joining us at our Young Speaker of the Year event in November, as a worthy winner of our ESB Ambassador award”.

On his time at School, Deputy Headmaster Bob Simpson said: “Joining the school in 2010, it did not take Hrishi long to make a significant contribution to Debating at MTBS. Within weeks he was a pivotal presence in GTX Debating and as a Year 7 was a regular contributor to the Grensted Debating Society, often pitting his wits against Sixth Formers. As time went on, Hrishi featured in a number of external competitions, including the Schools’ Mace as a Year 10 student, and his love of general knowledge, current affairs and politics ensured that Hrishi was a lively and well-informed debater all the way through his Sixth Form career”.

“It comes as no surprise that he continues to champion this most vital of skills. Indeed, Hrishi’s legacy to the school is that debating is firmly embedded in our curriculum as well as being a popular extra-curricular option”.

For further information on ESB please contact:

Debbie Bassett, Communications Officer
01695 573439 (ext.212) [email protected]

ESB is a national awarding body with a mission to promote clear, effective communication at all levels by providing high quality products and services domestically and internationally, recognising and encouraging the potential of all. With over 65 years’ experience in giving young people a voice, oracy skills and a recognised qualification, ESB supports schools, young people’s groups, colleges and universities to build confidence in communicating.

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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.
A whole school moment, captured in three letters: A whole school moment, captured in three letters: MTS ❤️
Today marked a historic moment in the history of M Today marked a historic moment in the history of Merchant Taylors’ as we officially began our journey as a fully co-educational school.

Pupils from the Prep and Senior Schools came together for a roll call on the Parade Ground, where they heard from our new Headmaster, Mr Phil Dearden, and the Chair of Governors, Mr Philip Marshall KC, before receiving commemorative badges to mark the occasion.

As a finale, pupils joined together on the school field to shape the letters MTS, celebrating the start of this exciting new era.
All set for a new era ✨ All set for a new era ✨
What a wonderful day at Merchant Taylors’ as we What a wonderful day at Merchant Taylors’ as we welcomed our very first co-educational Year 7 cohort! 🎉

Our new pupils were greeted by Headmaster Mr Dearden before getting to know one another through fun ice-breaker activities with help from some our Sixth Form leadership team. 

Pupils shared their first lunch together, enjoyed a tour of their new school, and were thrilled to receive their very own 1:1 learning devices.

We are so proud of the way they embraced their first day and can’t wait to see them grow, flourish and make their mark in the years ahead. 🌟
✨ Welcome to Merchant Taylors’ Prep ✨ What ✨ Welcome to Merchant Taylors’ Prep ✨

What a wonderful day as we greeted our brand new Reception pupils for their very first day at school! 🎉

They threw themselves into the adventure with smiles and energy - exploring their classrooms, making new friends, enjoying lunch together, and having plenty of fun on the playground.

We’re so proud of how confidently they’ve started their journey and we’re excited for all the discoveries and achievements that lie ahead this year. 🌟
The new school year is just around the corner, and The new school year is just around the corner, and we’re looking forward to seeing everyone back at Merchant Taylors' following the summer break. 🌟

📆 Thursday 4th September: First day for Reception, Year 7 and Year 12
📅 Friday 5th September: First day for all other pupils

See you very soon! 🎉
Not long to go now… Not long to go now…
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Liverpool Road
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