Merchant Taylors' Boys' School

Merchant Taylors’ Boys’ School, located in Crosby, north of Liverpool, is an independent day school for male pupils, founded in 1620 by John Harrison. The school is part of a family of institutions that includes a co-educational preparatory school and a senior school for female pupils. The governing body oversees all three schools, led by an executive head. Since the last inspection, the junior section has integrated into the preparatory school, and there have been changes in leadership, with a new chair of governors appointed in September 2019 and a new headmaster in September 2022.

The school aims to provide a nurturing and adaptable environment that is central to the community, preparing pupils for the evolving landscape of education and work. It aspires to instill a passion for learning, ensuring that every pupil strives for excellence and reaches their potential across all areas of education. The pupil demographic is diverse, with students coming from various professional and business backgrounds. The school reports that the ability profile of its pupils is above the national average, with a significant number receiving support for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and English as an additional language (EAL).

The inspection report highlights key findings from the regulatory compliance inspection, indicating that the school does not meet all required standards. The quality of education provided is generally good, with evidence showing that teaching enables pupils to make good progress. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans, covering the necessary breadth of material. Pupils receive relationships education, and the standards related to the quality of education are met.

However, the report identifies concerns regarding the spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils. While the school promotes British values and encourages respect for others, there are issues with the implementation of the behavior policy, leading to a minority of pupils not taking responsibility for their actions. The report emphasizes the need for the school to actively promote principles that encourage respect for all individuals, particularly concerning the protected characteristics outlined in the Equality Act.

In terms of welfare, health, and safety, the school has appropriate policies in place, but there are concerns about the safety of pupils in certain areas due to inappropriate behavior from older students. The behavior policy is not consistently enforced, leading to issues with pupil conduct. The report indicates that while the school meets many standards related to health and safety, it must ensure a safe environment for all pupils and effectively implement its behavior policy.

The inspection also assessed the suitability of staff, confirming that appropriate checks are made to ensure the safety of those in contact with pupils. The premises and accommodation meet the required standards, providing suitable facilities for pupils’ needs. The school publishes a range of information for parents and handles complaints effectively through a structured process.

Leadership and management were found to be areas needing improvement. The report states that the leadership team has not consistently demonstrated the skills necessary to promote appropriate behavior and ensure that all standards are met. The school must ensure that those in leadership positions fulfill their responsibilities effectively and actively promote the well-being of pupils.

The educational quality inspection focused on the achievement of pupils and their personal development. The report concludes that the quality of pupils’ academic achievements is good, with strong progress noted across the school. Pupils are articulate, numerate, and effective communicators, achieving significant success in extracurricular activities. However, there is a need for younger pupils to develop their analytical and synthesis skills further.

Pupils’ personal development is also rated as good, with a strong social awareness and support for one another. They demonstrate sensitivity to different cultures and work effectively in collaboration. However, a minority of pupils do not fully take responsibility for their behavior, which the school needs to address.

The report recommends that the school improve the ability of younger pupils to hypothesize and analyze by providing consistent challenges in lessons. It also emphasizes the importance of ensuring that all pupils take responsibility for their behavior and are supported in meeting the school’s expectations.

Overall, the inspection highlights the strengths of Merchant Taylors’ Boys’ School in providing a good quality of education and fostering personal development among its pupils. However, it also identifies critical areas for improvement, particularly in behavior management, leadership effectiveness, and the promotion of respect and responsibility among pupils. The school is encouraged to take immediate action to address these deficiencies to ensure that it meets all required standards and continues to provide a safe and nurturing environment for its students.