Merchant Taylors’ is renowned for its outstanding academic education, but what truly sets a Taylors’ education apart is our focus on unlocking each pupil’s individual potential. We create an environment where students thrive by nurturing their unique passions, interests and aspirations.
The school has enjoyed a distinguished history since its foundation by the Merchant Taylors’ Company in 1561. It was one of the nine original “Clarendon” public schools and its pupils have achieved distinction throughout its history. In 1933 the school moved from central London to its present superb, rural setting of 280 acres at Sandy Lodge, Northwood. We are within easy reach of parents in Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Middlesex and North-West London by car, train or school coach service, as well as a mere half hour by tube from Baker Street.
Merchant Taylors’ senior school has approximately 950 pupils aged from 11–18.
Admission. Entry to the senior school at 11+ is by the School’s own Entrance Examinations, together with an interview; for entry to the Prep school, see Merchant Taylors’ Prep entry in the IAPS section. Offers at 16+ are made following exams and interviews in Year 11.
Term of entry. September unless there are very special circumstances.
Scholarships and Bursaries. There are no separate Scholarship papers in the Entrance Examinations. We make awards to boys who perform exceptionally well in these examinations and at a separate interview; we consider information received from the boy’s current school.
11+ entry: Entrance Scholarships are awarded, each up to a maximum value of 50% of the School fees.
16+ entry: Entrance Scholarships are available up to a maximum value of 50% of the School fees.
Music Scholarships: Scholarships of up to 25% of the School fees are available. A Scholarship includes free instrumental and/or singing tuition on two instruments (or instrument and voice). Additional awards of free tuition may be made if there are boys of sufficient merit.
Practical Scholarships: Practical Scholarships recognise outstanding ability and potential in a particular field. Art; Drama; Design, Engineering and Technology; Music and Sports scholarships are available to boys joining us in Year 7. These scholarships need to be applied for once you have registered your son.
Bursaries: Our bursary programme provides financial support up to 100% of the fees and in some circumstances may also cover uniform, coaches, and other costs to enable pupils to take full advantage of the broad spectrum of activities here at Merchant Taylors’.
Curriculum and Organisation. The curriculum in years 7, 8 and 9 is a broad one: Art and Design, Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Design Technology, Drama, English, French, Geography, History, Latin, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Physics, PSHCE, and Religious Studies. Greek, German, or Spanish are started in Year 9. All boys take nine or ten GCSEs, chosen from the subjects above. At A-Level all boys initially study four subjects to A Level, with most certifying three and some four. An extensive choice of super-curricular options is available, including the EPQ, Thinking and Study skills and Careers Preparation.
Music. All orchestral and band instruments, piano, organ, percussion and guitar are taught to boys throughout the school. Choirs, orchestras, bands and chamber groups give frequent concerts throughout the year.
Games and Physical Education. Magnificent playing fields include over 55 acres dedicated to rugby, cricket, football and hockey. There are squash and tennis courts; an athletics track and two floodlit, all-weather pitches. The Sports Hall accommodates four badminton courts, a multi-gym, a climbing wall, a fencing salle. The new Julian Hill Cricket Centre is one of the best school cricket facilities in the country. The new five-lane indoor training centre ensures year-round training opportunities. Middlesex CCC use the indoor facility to train, and the school regularly hosts professional cricket fixtures.
The school’s lakes offer a marvellous facility for sailing, canoeing and windsurfing. There is an indoor swimming pool and all pupils learn to swim.
Service Sections. The school has a Contingent of the Combined Cadet Force with RN, Army, and RAF Sections. The CCF includes girls from St Helen’s School, Northwood. There is a rifle range for the use of the Contingent (and we send a team to Bisley every year). The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme allows boys to achieve Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards, and the Community Service programme provides an opportunity for a wide range of activities in the local area. All boys in Years 10 and 11 take part in the CCF, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme or Community Service teams.
The school places great emphasis on charitable endeavour and the boys run a great many societies to support good causes. A special feature of the school’s charity work is Phab, a week-long residential holiday for handicapped children held every Easter and organised by Sixth Form boys together with the girls of St Helen’s School.
School Societies. Over 100 societies and clubs run every term covering a wide field of interests and activities.
Careers. There is an outstanding Careers Advisory Service, which organises annual Careers and Higher Education Conventions at the school and a range of work experience.
House and Tutorial Systems. The school is divided into eight Houses. Each House is under the care of a Head of House and a team of tutors, who are responsible for the pastoral care of boys in that House.
Fees per term (2024–2025). £8,922. Fees cover not only tuition, games, and lunch but also a lifetime alumnus subscription (OMT). There is a non-refundable registration fee of £150 and on acceptance of a place the deposit is £1,050. See the website for latest information.
Merchant Taylors’ Prep, the Preparatory school to Merchant Taylors’, adjoins the senior school.
Charitable status. Merchant Taylors’ School Charitable Trust is a Registered Charity, number 1063740. It exists to provide a first-class all-round education for boys, irrespective of their background.
Governors & Staff:
The Governors of the School:
Chairman: Commodore A. Cree, CBE
Ms P. Barefoot
Mr M. Bond
Mr G. B. du Parc Braham
Mr S. Eggs
Mr D. Haria
Mrs S. A. Morgan
The Hon R. H. E. Newall
Mr J. C. Oram
Ms L. E. Orr
Mr V. Paul
Mrs J. Redman
Mr J. Twining
Mr C. Williams
Clerk to the Governors: E Valletta
Head Master: S J Everson, MA
Bursar: I D Williams, MBA, CMgr, GCMI, MAPM, MCIL
Second Master: Mr M.C. Husbands, MA
Deputy Head (Academic): Dr R.J. Evans, Ph.D
Deputy Head (Pastoral): Dr C.L. Harrison, BSc, PhD
Deputy Head (Co-Curricular): Mr T.C.H. Greenway, BSc
Senior Master: Dr A.R.H. Clarke, MA, DPhil
Director of Studies: Mr D.J. Spikings, BA, MEng
Assistant Head, Teaching and Learning and innovation: Mrs L.V. Smith, MA, ACC
Development Director: Mr N.J. Latham, LLB Law
Director of Marketing and Admissions: Mrs A.J. Brackin, BA
School Chaplain: The Reverend J.T. Fields, MA, STM
Head of Upper School: Mr M.T. Herring, BA
Head of Middle School: Mr J.D. Manley, MA
Head of Lower School: Dr R.B.C.B. Hesketh, MA, PhD
Head Master’s PA: Mrs J. Jolliff
Registrar: Mr G. McCann
Admissions Officer: Mrs N. Naz-Sadiq
Bursar’s Secretary: Mrs A. Johnson
Merchant Taylors’ Prep:
Head of School: Mr M. Chester
Senior Deputy Head: Mr A. McConnell, MA Hons, PGCE, FHA
Deputy Head: Mr A. Crook, BA Hons, PGCE