Merchant Taylors' School

Sandy Lodge, Northwood, HA6 2HT

Pupils

945

Ages

10 - 18

Gender

Boys

Type

Secondary

Head Teacher

Mr Simon Everson

Boarding / Day

Day

Fees

£7,867

ISC Associations

HMC, AGBIS, ISBA

Religion

Church of England

Bursaries

Available

Bookmark this school Compare Schools Discuss this school Return to Search

About Merchant Taylors' School

Located in Northwood, Merchant Taylors’ School is a distinguished independent school for boys aged 10 to 18. With a Church of England ethos, the school provides a nurturing environment that balances academic excellence with personal development. The school is a day school, meaning students return home at the end of each day, which can be a significant factor for families considering the balance between school life and home life.

The academic performance of the school is noteworthy, with impressive rankings in national examinations. It holds a Times National Rank of 49, an A-level Rank of 53, and a GCSE Rank of 47=. These rankings reflect the school’s commitment to high academic standards and its ability to prepare students effectively for further education. The A-level results are particularly commendable, with 32.8% of students achieving an A* grade, and 70% securing A*/A grades. This level of achievement is indicative of the school’s rigorous academic programme and the dedication of both students and staff.

The GCSE results are equally impressive, with 68.3% of students achieving A*/9/8 grades, and 86.2% securing A*/A/9/8/7 grades. These results demonstrate the school’s strong emphasis on academic achievement from an early age, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the challenges of A-levels and beyond. The school’s performance in these examinations is a testament to its effective teaching methods and the supportive learning environment it fosters.

Beyond academics, the school offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities that cater to diverse interests. These activities are designed to complement the academic curriculum and provide students with opportunities to develop skills outside the classroom. Whether it’s sports, music, drama, or other clubs, students are encouraged to explore their passions and develop a well-rounded character. This holistic approach to education ensures that students not only excel academically but also grow personally and socially.

The school places a strong emphasis on pastoral care, ensuring the wellbeing of its students is a top priority. The supportive environment is underpinned by a dedicated team of staff, including a Head of Learning Support, who work tirelessly to ensure that each student’s individual needs are met. This focus on wellbeing is crucial in helping students navigate the pressures of academic life and develop resilience and confidence.

The school’s Church of England ethos is reflected in its values and community spirit. While it is a faith-based school, it welcomes students of all faiths, promoting an inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated. This inclusive approach helps foster a sense of belonging and community among students, preparing them for life in a multicultural society.

In terms of facilities, the school is well-equipped to support both academic and extra-curricular pursuits. Modern classrooms, science laboratories, sports facilities, and arts spaces provide students with the resources they need to excel in their chosen fields. The investment in facilities underscores the school’s commitment to providing a comprehensive education that meets the needs of its students.

Overall, Merchant Taylors’ School offers a robust educational experience that combines academic rigour with personal development. Its strong exam results, wide range of extra-curricular activities, and focus on student wellbeing make it a compelling choice for families seeking a high-quality education for their sons. The school’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals is evident in its approach to education, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the future.

To receive updates about this school including exam results, senior staff changes and open days please bookmark it using the button at the end of this review.

Bookmark this school Compare Schools Discuss this school Return to Search

ISI Review

Merchant Taylors' School is a prestigious day school for boys, founded in 1561 by the Merchant Taylors' Company. Located approximately 15 miles north of central London, the school occupies a sprawling 250-acre site, which includes 60 acres of playing fields. The school is governed by the Merchant Taylors' Educational Trust, a registered charity that ensures proper oversight through two principal committees reporting to the main board. The school aims to create a strong learning community that values both academic success and personal development, fostering self-discipline, moral values, and leadership among its pupils.

Since the last inspection in October 2008, the school has seen significant changes, including the appointment of a new headmaster in September 2013 and a new chairman of governors. The school has expanded its curriculum and enhanced its local and international links, introducing the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and constructing a second all-weather pitch. The school also emphasizes a humane and civilized environment where breadth of education is as important as high-level success.

The school has a total of 884 pupils, with an age range from 11 to 18 years. The ability profile of the student body is well above the national average, with a significant proportion of pupils demonstrating exceptional academic capabilities. The school serves a diverse, multi-faith community, reflecting the ethnic variety of the surrounding area. While most pupils come from business and professional backgrounds, a bursary scheme is in place to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The school identifies 78 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), with 30 receiving additional support. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of all pupils, including those with SEND and English as an additional language (EAL). The school employs the National Curriculum nomenclature for year groups, ensuring clarity in its educational structure.

Merchant Taylors' School excels in achieving its educational aims, with exceptional overall achievement levels. Pupils demonstrate high performance in public examinations, making good progress to GCSE and excellent progress to A level. The broad curriculum meets the diverse needs of pupils, offering a wide range of subjects and extracurricular activities. The school fosters excellent learning qualities among its pupils, who are articulate, motivated, and confident in using information and communication technology (ICT). The quality of teaching is consistently high, characterized by strong subject knowledge, enthusiasm, and effective rapport between teachers and pupils.

The personal development of pupils is also a significant strength of the school. Pupils are friendly, self-reflective, and demonstrate social and community awareness. The school promotes healthy living and actively seeks pupils' views through the school council. The quality of care provided is excellent, with exemplary behavior observed throughout the school. The school has robust policies and procedures in place to ensure the welfare, health, and safety of its pupils.

Governance at Merchant Taylors' School is highly effective, with governors playing a strategic role in shaping the school's development and ensuring pupil safeguarding. The senior leadership team is strong, and while there have been some inconsistencies in recruitment procedures, appropriate measures have been taken to address these issues. The school has made improvements in monitoring the quality of pastoral care since the previous inspection, and links with parents are excellent, as evidenced by positive feedback from the pre-inspection questionnaire.

The school's curriculum is extensive and well-rounded, fulfilling its aims to provide a rigorous educational program. The emphasis on matching provision to individual pupil needs ensures that all students, including those with SEND and EAL, receive appropriate support. The curriculum has been broadened to include new subjects and the EPQ, which has been well-received by pupils. The extra-curricular program is exceptional, with numerous opportunities for pupils to develop their interests and talents, including leadership roles in various activities.

Pupils' achievements extend beyond academics, with many participating in competitions and extracurricular activities that foster personal growth and community involvement. The school has strong links with local primary schools and engages in charitable work, enhancing pupils' social responsibility and awareness of societal needs. Parents express high levels of satisfaction with the school's provision, highlighting the positive impact of the curriculum and extracurricular offerings.

The spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils is excellent, supporting the school's aim to cultivate caring and confident individuals. Pupils demonstrate a strong sense of right and wrong, with exemplary behavior and a commitment to community service. The school celebrates cultural diversity and provides opportunities for pupils to engage with various cultural experiences, fostering respect and understanding among different backgrounds.

Pastoral care at Merchant Taylors' School is outstanding, with staff providing exceptional support and guidance. The school has implemented effective monitoring systems for pastoral care, ensuring that pupils receive the necessary support throughout their educational journey. Relationships among staff and pupils are positive and respectful, contributing to a nurturing environment where pupils feel safe and valued.

The school's arrangements for welfare, health, and safety are robust, with comprehensive policies in place to safeguard pupils. While there were some gaps in staff checks prior to appointment, the school took immediate action to rectify these issues, ensuring that all necessary checks were completed. The school promotes healthy lifestyles through nutritious meals and extensive opportunities for physical activity, contributing to the overall well-being of its pupils.

In summary, Merchant Taylors' School is a highly successful institution that excels in academic achievement, personal development, and community engagement. The school's commitment to fostering a supportive and enriching environment enables pupils to thrive academically and socially, preparing them for future success in higher education and beyond. The strong governance, effective leadership, and dedicated staff contribute to the school's reputation as a leading educational establishment, making it a desirable choice for families seeking a well-rounded education for their sons.

Read full review