Pastoral

At Merchant Taylors’ Prep School, we believe that a child’s wellbeing is the foundation for a flourishing life. In a world that is increasingly complex and fast-changing, we are committed to nurturing the skills, confidence and character that will empower our pupils to thrive, both now and in the future.

Rooted in over 400 years of educational excellence, our approach is both timeless and forward-thinking. We use a research-informed framework called the Merchants’ Mindset, which focuses on developing the whole child through five key pillars:

• Extra-curricular opportunities;
• Sport provision;
• Our curriculum;
• Our extraordinary staff;
• Safeguarding.

This framework is designed to instil the values of Ambition, Character, and Excellence, which underpin every aspect of life in the Prep and across the wider Merchant Taylors’ family.

There is a genuine sense of care and community among our pupils. Cheerful good manners, mutual respect, and consideration for others are the norm. Our children have even written the School rules themselves, reflecting their ownership of and pride in our shared values.

We offer a wide range of opportunities for children to collaborate, lead, and grow. From the School Council, where every voice is heard, to fundraising initiatives that foster empathy and global awareness, our pupils are encouraged to become active, thoughtful citizens.

Our Eco Council empowers children to take part in environmental projects, helping them understand their role in shaping a sustainable future. We are proud to have retained our Green Flag status, a testament to our pupils’ commitment to responsible citizenship.
The House system, which includes even our youngest pupils, promotes teamwork, leadership, and a healthy sense of competition. Weekly house assemblies provide older pupils with the chance to mentor and celebrate the achievements of their peers.

We also recognise that every child’s journey is unique. Our ‘Individual Care Time’ ensures that those who need extra support are always heard and helped, while our curriculum includes appropriate challenge to keep young minds engaged and inspired.

We are also proud to be a myHappymind Silver Accredited School, reflecting our deep commitment to mental health and emotional wellbeing. This programme, grounded in the latest neuroscience and psychology, helps children from Reception to Year 6 build resilience, confidence, and self-esteem.

Delivered through five engaging modules, the programme teaches children how their brains work, how to celebrate their individuality, and how to build strong relationships and meaningful goals. Parents are also invited to participate through the myHappymind app, creating a consistent and supportive environment at home and at school.