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Women’s Suffrage Centenary

Today marks 100 years since British women were first given the right to vote, through the Representation of the People Act in 1918, which was the starting block for women’s rights and the eventual universal women’s suffrage in Britain.

With this in mind, we thought we would share a little bit of history surrounding Merchant Taylors’ Girls’ School and how the School, along with Merchant Taylors’ Company, contributed towards empowering girls and young women through education around this period.

Merchant Taylors’ Girls’ School was established in 1888, having inherited the buildings from the Boys’ School that had moved less than a mile away in 1874. The then governing body was slow in providing for the ‘new’ school and it was due to the insistence and perseverance of James Fenning, the Master of the Worshipful Company of Merchant Taylors, that the Girls’ School was started and was consequently the first in the area to offer education to girls.

At the School’s opening all of the female staff were graduates; an impressive feat considering that at the time only four universities granted degrees to women. In June 1888 twelve pupils attended the school, by the 1920s it had grown to 300, even continuously increasing in numbers throughout the First World War.

The Headmistress in 1918 was Miss Shackleton, who was highly educated with a Dublin Master of Arts degree and a Licentiate of the College of Preceptors. She now seems a modern Headmistress for her time, explaining that to help the country during war effort, the girls must remain in school. Miss Shackleton believed women must acquire an education so that the country did not suffer post war due to lack of ‘skilled or intelligent labour’, but she also told the girls that they must varnish the soles of their shoes to make them last longer and ‘learn to mend their own bicycles’!

The Governors at the time were also generous in their offerings, interest and support of the Girls’ School, bringing the school to the forefront of girls’ education at the time. Miss Shackleton thanked the Governors stating; “in every way they have considered the welfare of the scholars… Probably no other girls’ school with similar advantages exists.” Mr Oliver Jones, one of the most generous benefactors at the time said, “In all probability, what had been done would lead to the school being one of the finest institutions in Lancashire.”

Merchant Taylors’ Girls’ School Headmistress, Mrs L. Robinson said, “In the last hundred years, Merchant Taylors’ has been essential to the education and enablement of young women and most importantly, equality. We are a proud ‘family of schools’ who work together to empower both girls and boys to achieve their potential. We have the Suffragettes, Suffragists and women of the early 20th century to thank for their efforts and pains that they endured in order to provide women with both opportunities and our democratic rights to vote. Ultimately, their sacrifices put Britain on the road to a nation of gender equality.”

 

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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
Crosby
Liverpool
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