Merchant Taylors' Schools' Prospects 2017/18

MERCHANT TAYLORS’ SCHOOLS Prospectus 17/18 For Boys and Girls aged 4 to 18 years

With a consistent 100% pass rate at A Level and over two thirds of all grades at A* to B, our academic reputation is the best in the area

We are proud of our family of schools Academic Excellence • Excellent GCSE results and best A Level results in the area • Single-sex education • Small class sizes • Highly qualified and experienced staff • Gifted and Talented provision

• Bespoke Oxbridge, medical, legal and dentistry preparation • Students achieving apprenticeships with blue chip company schemes • Excellent success rate in local and national competitions – both academic and extra curricular

Quality Pastoral Care For students to thrive at school they need to feel safe and secure. Recent feedback from the Independent Schools Inspectorate highlights the strong relationship between staff and students at Merchants Taylors’. We are dedicated to nurturing and caring for our students in small class sizes with an absolute commitment to the individual needs of each child.

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Outstanding Sport & Extra-Curricular Education is not just about what goes on in the classroom. Our programme of sport and extracurricular activities provides our girls and boys with self-reliance. Under the watchful eye of fully qualified coaches and teachers, the students at Merchant Taylors’ excel on the stage and in the concert hall, on the sports pitch or on a mountainside!

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Combined Cadet Force (CCF) Sefton athletics champions Joint musical productions Choirs, orchestras, jazz band, wind band Duke of Edinburgh Awards Subject tours, music tours and expeditions Charitable work and ‘Merchants in the community’ projects

My children have flourished and are happy to go to school each morning.

(Parent Satisfaction Survey)

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1620

John Harrison (Merchant Taylor) founded Merchant Taylors’ School, Crosby on current Senior Girls’ School site

1880

First sports day held

1878

Boys’ School moved to present site

Our Heritage

1890

Old Boys’ Association founded. School Song adopted

1888

Girls’ School founded on 1620 site

1910

1944

Local Board of Governors takes over administration from Merchant Taylors’

1892

The first boarding house for boys opened in Rossett Road by J H Milton

School takes on Direct Grant status

1915

Cadet Corps formally constituted

The Schools were founded in 1620 by John Harrison, citizen and Merchant Taylor of London. The Guild of Merchant Taylors in London is one of the twelve great City Livery Companies that have survived from medieval times.

The Merchant Taylors’ Company was originally an association of citizens controlling the craft of tailoring; over the years members’ interests spread into commerce and philanthropy.

Merchant Taylors’ Schools are proud of their historical links to the Company, and still welcome visitors from the Company every year. We are a famous School with an enviable reputation. We are determined to remain true to the guiding principles of our founder: to provide an academic education to pupils from the surrounding area.

Some Notable Old Boys Charles James Matthews Stage Comedian of renown William Watson Rutherford Lord Mayor of Liverpool John Rutherford Lord Mayor of Bootle John Lawson Walton Appointed Attorney General 1905 George Edward von Worm Kruger Designer of the Collar of the Order of the British Empire and silver coinage Arthur and Frank Witty Founders of Barcelona FC Lord Robert Alexander Kennedy Runcie Archbishop of Canterbury 1979 Nigel Rees Author and Broadcaster James Allen Formula 1 and BBC Commentator Ben Kay International Rugby Player

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Simon Jack BBC News Business Correspondent Arif Ansari BBC Chief Political Correspondent Eddie Clein Lord Mayor of Liverpool in the Millennium Year Alfred James Costain Member of Costain building dynasty Sam Roukin Actor Patrick Snell CNN Presenter Guy De Launey Freelance Broadcast Journalist Sir Robin Mountfield Eminent Civil Servant who became permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Office. Also brought Nissan to the UK in the 80s Barrie Wells Sport loving Philanthropist and successful Financial Services Entrepreneur

1976

End of Direct Grant; Schools return to Independent status

1956

Memorial Gymnasium opened Stanfield established.

2008

Liverpool 08 Capital of Culture Year celebrations.

Senior Girls’ School 120th birthday and Old Girls’ Association 75th anniversary

1988

Girls’ School celebrates 100 years since foundation.

Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson visit School.

2011

Ian Robinson Sports Centre opened

2010/11

Schools receive ‘Outstanding’ ISI reports’

2015 2014

Royal Celebration of 100 years of Schools’ Combined Cadet Force

Completion of the multi-million pound redevelopment of Primary School, Stanfield

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Some Notable Old Girls Professor Janet Finch Vice-Chancellor Keele University Victoire Tillemont-Thomason Became the first female vet student allowed to study non-small animals by the Ministry Of Agriculture Jane Greenwood-Edwards Tony award winning costume designer.

Romily Menzies BBC Producer Joy Swift MBE Creator of the original murder mystery weekends

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Alicia Drake Commissioning editor for Paris Vogue and two novels published Dame Beryl Bainbridge Award winning novelist Jane Garvey BBC Radio presenter Kelly Cates (nee Dalglish) Sky Sports news presenter Anna Louise and Caroline Mason Award winning swimmers who represented Great Britain Beverley Bell Senior Traffic Commissioner for Great Britain Dani Sinha BBC World News Correspondent

Dr Penelope Allisy-Roberts OBE Eminent Physicist specialising in radiological protection Jennifer Johnston Opera Singer Opposite Page Top Left: Early Boys’ School Top Right: Stanfield Building 1940s Bottom Left: Stanfield Girls 1956 Bottom Right: Royal visit for CCF Centenary in 2015 Right: Boys’ School circa 1940s Middle left: Miss Martin.

Domestic Science Teacher with students (right front row) Middle Right: Original 1620 Building, pictured 1880s Bottom Left: 1977 Silver Jubilee Celebrations Bottom Right: Opening of Centenary Hall February 1988

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With a consistent 100% pass rate at A Level and over two thirds of all grades at A* to B, our academic reputation is the best in the area As a family of schools, we know every child. The individual is important and each pupil is unique. The first impressions are the warm, friendly atmosphere and the confidence of the boys and girls.

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Educating the whole person Whilst the academic work is of prime importance what happens in the classroom is only one aspect of a Merchants Taylors’ education. We are determined to educate the ‘whole’ person and a great deal of time and effort is spent by pupils in a wide range of extra-curricular activities – each child will find something in which to become involved, and to enjoy.

Single Sex Education

Pastoral Care

From Year 3 onwards we have a curriculum tailored to single-sex education, whilst at the same time ensuring close links between our Schools. There are many opportunities for boys and girls to enjoy each other’s company without distractions in the classroom.

Each and every boy and girl has a strong, supportive network of skilled and experienced staff to turn to for guidance and advice, who provide a high level of care and support. Wellplanned PSHEE programmes ensure that their concerns, at whatever age, are met.

The Best Education for Life

Leadership and Participation

Our girls and boys love their school, and they are proud that they belong and are part of such a strong tradition of success. From the classroom to the sports pitch, from the stage to the arts studio, on overseas visits or supporting local community projects, our children experience life to the full.

At every stage of a pupil’s education there is a multitude of enriching experiences to develop the tools necessary for life in the twenty-first century.

All the Schools provide opportunities to practise leadership skills and to participate across a wide range of activities at all levels.

Individuals that matter Our aim is to educate all pupils to maximise their academic and personal potential, so that they leave us, as rounded, confident, balanced young people, able to cope with the demands of further education, their future careers and ready to take their place in society.

Merchants’ pupils are characteristically selfeffacing yet confident, with a strong moral sense of what is right and wrong and willing to do their best in all circumstances.

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Achievements Academic Excellence With class sizes much lower than the national average, we offer a balanced curriculum, combining traditional and new subjects, which successfully prepares our pupils to enter the best universities.

The very brightest are stretched through a schedule of enriching activities, whilst those who need it are offered individual support.

Constant investment in our educational provision enables teaching at its best and with focused monitoring, we aim to sustain the Schools’ reputation among the North West’s top academic schools.

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Sporting

Extra Curricular

At National, County or Club level, our boys and girls excel, with some going on to compete professionally. Many enjoy sport for the sheer pleasure of taking part. We participate in a wide range of sports and have numerous teams across the Schools.

Our many extra-curricular activities develop confidence and team work, and help prepare our pupils for adulthood. It is our hope that all pupils can find something in which to become involved, and to enjoy. Numerous educational visits, to Greece, France, Italy, China and Australia, are offered to pupils.

The Arts From music or drama, debating or dance, our pupils benefit from a wide range of activities.

Pupils can find their niche and participate either through performance or by helping to support and manage behind the scenes. We have over ten bands and choirs. Recent major joint school productions have included Les Miserables, Cabaret and Grease.

University and Career Over 90% of our leavers secure their first choice university, the majority to Russell Group universities, including some each year to Oxford and Cambridge.

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MERCHANT TAYLORS’ PRIMARY SCHOOL, STANFIELD GIRLS & BOYS (4-7) GIRLS (7-11)

MIXED INFANTS Number of Boys & Girls: 162 Average Class Size: 17 Age Range: 4-7 years old JUNIOR GIRLS Number of Girls: 137 Average Class Size: 16 Age Range: 7-11 years old

At Merchant Taylors’ Primary School (MTPS) we focus on each individual achieving his or her full potential. We stimulate curiosity and provide the knowledge and skills for each child to become an independent learner. We respect pupils as partners in their education. We believe by working with them they make a positive contribution to the School ethos and atmosphere.

Growth and Development The infant section is co-educational. Boys and girls are often at different stages of learning and development; with the small class sizes in the infant section, each child’s needs can be individually addressed. The children move into single-sex classes when they join the junior sections of the Schools in Year 3. The curriculum encompasses all subjects relating to Key Stage 2 of the National Curriculum, usually reaching well beyond its basic requirements.

Caring for the Individual Time is always available for those children who need a little more support and ‘challenge’ days are planned to keep lively young minds active and alert!

“This is a happy and friendly place with a positive and tangible energy of its very own. Children are encouraged to explore the world around them and to make the most of the many opportunities available. We value their different characters and personalities and firmly believe that every child has talents.

It is our job to give them self-belief and confidence to take their place in the world as responsible and thoughtful young people. Our philosophy is simple – be brave, do your best and seize the moment!”

Miss Julie Yardley Head of MTPS

Our child is treated as an individual within a clear learning and social framework. It’s been a joy to watch his progress 14 Primary School, Stanfield

Primary School, Stanfield 15

The teachers make the lessons really good fun and help us learn and to understand our work really well

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Primary School, Stanfield 17

Independent Learning As they progress through the School, the children become sufficiently self-assured to push the boundaries for themselves and respond positively to the pace of learning set by the teachers.

Excellent resources support well planned teaching, delivered with imagination and allow for a wide range of learning styles.

Opportunities to Perform Performing Arts are a strength of the school.

Specialist music lessons, and a variety of peripatetic instrumental teaching, enable regular concerts and high calibre productions to take place throughout the year.

Opportunities to Compete Similarly, pupils are able to reach high standards in a wide range of sports, with weekly lunchtime and after-school practices. The children compete in local, regional and national competitions.

Development of Leadership The flourishing House System, extending to the very youngest pupils, encourages good discipline and work habits. The weekly House Assemblies, give leadership opportunities for the older girls and award achievements with merit badges and special achievement certificates..

The School Council adds to the sense of personal and shared responsibility, by involving the pupils in decision-making, developing and maintaining the shared high standards of behaviour.

Through our Eco Council, the children participate actively in a range of environmental projects.

These initiatives encourage our pupils to take their place in society as responsible citizens.

MTPS has provided a fantastic and welcoming environment for our daughter who has settled beautifully into her class 18 Primary School, Stanfield

“The overall achievements of the pupils are excellent.

From the EYFS onwards, pupils are high achievers.

They receive an excellent education in line with the school’s aim to enable all pupils to realise their academic and personal potential.”

Independent Schools Inspection

Primary School, Stanfield 19

Life at Merchant Taylors’ Primary School, Stanfield At MTPS, we combine traditional teaching methods with a forward-looking and innovative approach to challenge and inspire young minds, by encouraging creativity and independent thinking. With assistant teaching staff working alongside the class teachers, we are able to provide personalised support to enhance pupils’ learning.

We encourage all children to try new things.

Through an extensive extra-curricular programme we open as many doors as possible for all our pupils, coaxing even the most reluctant children to have a go! It is good to push forward the boundaries, whilst working within a safe and secure environment; this is how we grow as individuals.

We teach to National Curriculum objectives whilst enjoying, as an independent school, freedom to develop our own schemes of work appropriate to our pupils’ needs. We invite visitors, guests and speakers into school and the children enjoy a programme of school visits which help to bring learning to life.

Whilst academic rigour is important, we equally value the development of young people who have the necessary life skills to take their place successfully and responsibly in society.

Fundraising plays a part in school life and encourages children to think about others less fortunate than themselves. This is particularly relevant in a world where there is a tendency for individuals only to see things from their own perspective.

There is nothing quite as wonderful as a child’s expression when he or she grasps a new concept for the first time, or experiences a moment of awe and wonder.

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Teaching Rooms & Learning Areas Class sizes are small and the completion of our £5 million re-development has resulted in the provision of new state-of-the-art teaching rooms and facilities.

Specialist rooms include a new Art, Design & Science room, and a new Music and Drama Studio.

In addition to our large playground and spacious hall, off-site the children will continue to use the joints Schools’ facilities of the swimming pool and the multi-million pound Ian Robinson Sports Centre situated at the Boys’ School. We also use the AstroTurf at the local Northern Club.

Primary School, Stanfield 21

MERCHANT TAYLORS’ JUNIOR BOYS (7-11)

JUNIOR BOYS Number of Boys: 160 Average Class Size: 16 Age Range: 7-11 years old

Education of the whole child is our aim and outstanding academic results provide the foundations of what we achieve. Staff are experienced and their dedication to and understanding of individual boys, ensures the best atmosphere for them to grow.

Academic Excellence The Junior Boys’ School excels at teaching the basic skills combined with a breadth of learning.

The boys are educated to have an enquiring mind and to be self-motivated.

We believe in the correct balance between work and play – the boys are stretched but not stressed.

Dr Abigail Norfleet James, world-renowned teacher and expert on gender-based learning, spent two days at Merchant Taylors’ Boys’ Schools meeting pupils, staff and parents. This was her view of the Schools:

“The Junior Boys’ School is a happy, hardworking environment where boys are carefully nurtured to achieve their potential. Many opportunities are available for boys to work together to achieve success, both individually and as part of a team.

From the day boys arrive, they are encouraged to be confident, find activities to enjoy and develop a high level of self-esteem and a sense of fun. We are proud that the Junior Boys’ School gives every boy the best start in life.”

Mrs Janet Thomas Head of Junior Boys’ School

“Merchant Taylors’ Senior and Junior Boys’ Schools are successful because they are using interactive and exciting learning strategies designed to meet boys’ needs. The boys are so lucky to have teachers who understand how they learn”.

Results of other standardised tests together with a scrutiny of work and lesson observations indicate that pupils’ attainment in English and Mathematics is judged to be above age-related expectations.

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Independent Schools Inspection

In the Junior School academic standards are excellent.

The pupils feel valued and respected, and there is a marked family atmosphere. The School is committed to developing critical thinking skills, independent learning and supporting all children to achieve their potential.

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I love all our trips out and we have had some brilliant visitors in school to help with our learning

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Junior Boys’ School 25

One of the best decisions we ever made was to send our son to Merchant Taylors’

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A Passion for Learning

One of the Family

Merchant Taylors’ Junior Boys’ School offers an excellent academic education in a caring and supportive environment. Boys are encouraged to develop their individual talents and have a love of life. We want our boys to have a passion for learning which goes far beyond the classroom so we offer them opportunities within our bespoke curriculum for creative thinking, individual learning and adventure.

Located within the Senior Boys’ site, our boys benefit from a huge range of resources and facilities, including swimming pool, sports centre, Williams Hall, dining room and tennis courts.

Boys leading their School

The Junior Boys’ School maintains close relationships with both Primary School and the Senior Boys’ School to ensure a smooth progression for boys from 4 to 18. We are a vibrant part of the Merchants’ family.

The boys themselves have written the school rules which we currently follow, and cheerful good manners and consideration for others is the norm at our school.

The school council provides a platform for the boys to develop social skills, gain self-confidence and express their views. The class forums are where “EVERY pupil’s opinion matters and will be heard.” This enables the boys to learn the skills to become active citizens.

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Sport and Extra-Curricular Our strong extra curricular programme links with Merchant Taylors’ Primary School in areas such as joint chess and Mandarin clubs. Swimming is important aspect of the sport provision in the Junior Boys and our team has remained unbeaten for the last 14 years reaching the national finals each year for the same length of time.

Rugby is an important winter sport played regularly on the school field. We have enjoyed considerable success over the years regularly reaching regional and national finals. The rugby teams play all over the North West from Blackpool to Shrewsbury and over the last few of years have been NW Independent Schools’ Sevens and twelve-a-side champions. Boys can enjoy many other sports and activities as part of our extensive extra curricular programme - including football clubs, Mandarin Chinese, chess, tennis, badminton, golf and cross country.

In the summer the boys play cricket and take part in athletics. We have ‘A’ and ‘B’ teams in cricket, meaning that as many boys as possible can represent the school, and net practices after school are hugely popular.

Our multi-million pound sports centre - opened September 2011 - provides a fantastic facility for all our PE lessons and many extra-curricular activities.

The enthusiastic choir attracts many boys from Year 4 upwards to regular rehearsals. They perform regularly to the local community. They have taken part in the Christmas lights occasion in Crosby and performed at hospitals and care homes. In addition, we plan to continue offering free music tuition to all boys in Year 3. The Junior Brass Band goes from strength to strength with over 20 boys playing instruments from cornet down to E flat bass! The Choir have also joined with the Senior Schools to perform at the Philharmonic Hall.

Boys throughout the school are taught MFL by staff from the Senior School and they can also attend a French Club before school and during lunchtime.

Our child is challenged and motivated by his school work. He has been drawn into a supportive social environment

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MERCHANT TAYLORS’ GIRLS’ SCHOOL (11-18)

SENIOR GIRLS Number of Girls: 476 Average Class Size: 21 Lower School 19 Upper School 13 Sixth Form Age Range: 11-18 years old

Academic Excellence This School has an extraordinary warmth which comes from the good relationships that dedicated staff and motivated girls have with each other.

A single-sex environment encourages girls to express themselves, to seek help when they need it, to practise leadership roles and to reach for the top. Our achievements in external examinations indicate the highest academic standards. In this pursuit of academic excellence, we give our girls the encouragement they need to develop essential life skills: independent learning, teamwork, determination, intellectual curiosity, flexibility and problem solving.

“Our School is a real hidden gem. Inside the doors we allow our girls to sparkle and shine with their accomplishments and achievements. Our focus is unashamedly female. We value kindness, friendliness and generosity, and believe that every girl should be able to make a worthwhile contribution to the community.”

Mrs Louise Robinson Headmistress

“The overall achievements of the pupils are excellent.

Pupils are high achievers. They receive an excellent education in line with the school’s aim to enable all pupils to realise their academic and personal potential.”

Independent Schools Inspection

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Merchant Taylors’ is like a little college where my daughter is thriving in her education

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In 2017 over two thirds of the year group, at both the Boys’ and Girls’ Schools, have achieved A* to B grades.

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Extensive Enrichment Our enrichment programme is extensive and impressive. We have an exciting calendar of dramatic and musical events. Joint productions within the family of Merchant Taylors’ Schools, a Drama Festival, Art Exhibitions as well as Choral Concerts, Recitals and Master Classes: all creating opportunities for talented and skilled performers to give of their best.

A motivational PE department enthuses girls to participate and excel in a range of individual and team sports. We dominate the local leagues and provide competitors at county and national levels in many sports. Merchants’ girls are renowned for their wholehearted participation in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme with many progressing to Gold. Some combine their involvement with activities.

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Merchant Taylors’ offers a unique yet traditional experience for an education like no other school

We believe education should offer opportunities for life, so we provide a broad, balanced curriculum to maximise our girls’ potential, extending choice for as long as possible. We support our girls through tailored careers advice, enabling them to make informed choices about their career aspirations.

All-round activities are designed to develop wellrounded individuals – caring, confident citizens who ‘learn by doing’ and in doing so – have fun!

We strive to balance tried and tested principles with current trends in educational thinking.

Marrying the needs of tomorrow’s workplace with today’s educational provision, creating a school ready and able to embrace the challenges of a technological, global village – helping our girls find their successful place in it.

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The School aims to create a happy, caring environment within which pupils are educated to the fullest sense so as to realise their full potential What you need to know…

When education is enjoyable, the girls learn more, they give more and in return achieve more. A rich and diverse programme of events are arranged on a regular basis and provide some of the highlights of school life: field trips, productions, performances, competitions, sports fixtures, educational visits, master-classes, workshops, lectures and charity events to name but a few.

These activities complement the usual curriculum for Year 7 girls: English, maths, French, German or Spanish, physics, chemistry, biology, religious studies, history, geography, classical civilisation, drama, ICT, art, technology and PE. In Years 8 and 9 the curriculum widens to include a second modern foreign language and also Latin. In Y10 & 11, the girls opt for their GCSE choices following advice sessions by the Careers Department and subject staff. There is an additional general course for all which includes ICT, politics, citizenship, health, business and personal finance. Throughout Key Stages 3 & 4, the form tutor plays an important role in supporting a student through the trials and tribulations of teenage life.

At A Level the option choices for students includes all GCSE subjects plus psychology and business studies, as well as more personalised careers advice through a structured university applications programme.

High achieving students at sixth form level are given the option of joining the Harrison Group which gives them the opportunity to widen their horizons and to enrich their knowledge through additional educational visits, debates, lectures and responsibilities. Sport at MTGS is also a major feature of the school.

As well as delivering the core areas outlined in the National Curriculum such as invasion games, gymnastics and dance, pupils are taught swimming, tennis and athletics in years 7 & 8.

As they progress through the school, pupils are introduced to more diverse activities such as lacrosse, badminton and volleyball and the year

ISI Inspection

10 to 11 options programme offers them activities such as step aerobics and basic pilates, which is complemented by the excellent fitness suite and multi-million pound joint Schools’ Sports Centre.

Our school teams maintain consistent standards of excellence and many of our pupils achieve recognition at various levels – from local and county sides to national teams in several sports.

The standard of the Performing Arts at MTGS is outstanding. Four choirs, various ensemble groups and two orchestras ensure that the Christmas and Summer Concerts are unmissable. Annual theatrical productions are the highlight of the School year and regularly attract full houses.

We actively look for ways to engage and excite the girls, so that they will look back on their childhood and remember it with great love and affection. Key events such as charity concerts, joint productions, fashion shows, local and national competitions, help to ensure that school days will be memorable.

Career Development The School is committed to offering full support for parents and students and as such has developed an online resource that can be used around the clock. www.merchanttaylors.com/careers provides support and advice for students, and their parents, from Year 9 to Sixth Form. Whilst our students are always keen to follow traditional careers such as Law and Medicine the School recognises the need to promote other professions with which students may not be too familiar.

To help students make an informed decision we have numerous activities from an Annual Joint Careers Fair, working careers lunches and dinners, questionnaires and careers visits to employability sessions. We also have guest speakers who discuss specific careers and other options such as a gap year, apprenticeships and studying in Higher Education abroad. We are keen to involve our alumni and current parents in this process and to make good use of the wider Merchant Taylors’ community.

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MERCHANT TAYLORS’ BOYS’ SCHOOL (11-18)

SENIOR BOYS Number of Boys: 576 Average Class Size: 22 Lower School 19 Upper School 6 Sixth Form Age Range: 11-18 years old

Our aim is to produce well-educated and well-rounded young men. The curriculum is broad but also offers the chance to study subjects in depth. We expect pupils to work hard, believing a good education is a voyage of discovery to be enjoyed. Above all, the relationship between boys and staff is friendly and professional.

All our boys are bright but they have different academic needs: some are gifted mathematicians and go on to distinguish themselves in national competitions; others are talented linguists or classicists. Many love science and go on to become doctors or engineers; others love reading and writing, expressing themselves elegantly in poems and essays. Some like the cut and thrust of debate in history and law, whilst others like to work creatively or collaboratively in ICT, art, music and drama.

Curiosity is the key, together with a desire to regularly go the extra mile. By the time they leave our boys should be independent learners, ready for almost anything!

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“Merchants’ boys work hard and get good results.

A positive work ethic, talented teachers and small classes combine with high expectations from parents and staff to produce success year on year.

However, the Senior Boys’ School is much more than just about success in the classroom. Our School is a happy, vibrant place, full of energy; ultimately it is the staff and boys who make this a great School.”

Mr Deiniol Williams Acting Headmaster

A ‘welcoming and friendly community’ where the pupils benefit from ‘specialist subject teaching’ and ‘reach the highest possible levels of personal achievement and academic attainment, inside and outside the classroom’.

ISI Inspection Report (March 2016)

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In 2017 over two thirds of the year group, at both the Boys’ and Girls’ Schools, have achieved A* to B grades.

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Boys will be boys...

In general, boys like to be adventurous and active in their learning. They love spontaneity and the opportunity to express an opinion. In science they cannot wait to do practical work. In art and drama they can be wonderfully imaginative and creative.

Whatever the subject, they are eager to ask questions and to take risks. We teach in ways that suit boys. Our boys respond maturely whether its understanding literature, singing in the choir, acting on stage, reading a poem in an assembly or playing for the 1st XV rugby team.

Outside the classroom our boys benefit enormously from the close links with Merchant Taylors’ Girls’ School. Many travel on the same bus and see brothers, sisters and friends throughout the week at the various combined activities.

A lot of our drama and music productions are combined. Our CCF meets weekly, with some 250 girls and boys working and learning together, and our Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme takes boys and girls on adventure training in the UK and overseas.

So, our boys have the best of both worlds!

Being a good sport Sport is a strength at Merchant Taylors’. With expert coaching and excellent facilities, boys thrive on the opportunities to compete and develop their talents in team and individual sports.

We enjoy a national reputation for rugby and hockey and our rowing goes from strength to strength. Summer sports include cricket, athletics and tennis. Football is offered in the Spring Term with several fixtures against strong opposition.

Being a good sportsman, in every sense, is the philosophy that underpins our games. Not all boys are naturally good at sport but we cater for everyone. We offer a wide range of opportunities including hiking, climbing and orienteering which ensures that all boys can take part and feel a sense of achievement.

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Merchant Taylors’ has surpassed our expectations with our son growing in confidence and academic ability

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What you need to know…

Curriculum MTBS has a dynamic and creative curriculum ensuring that our boys are prepared for the challenges of the twenty first century. We have maintained our high standards in the ‘hard sciences’, maths and English, but have made progress in the whole area of personalised learning. Increasingly we want our boys to develop an ownership of their own progress and learning; being honest and candid about their performance, and reluctant to accept mediocrity.

Unobtrusive & Strong Pastoral Care Pastoral care is a priority and all boys are well supported by their Tutor and the Head of Year.

New boys are helped to settle in quickly.

Success breeds success If stories in the national media are to believed, the education of boys is in crisis. Nothing could be further from the truth at Merchant Taylors’! Our boys consistently produce some of the strongest results in Merseyside, and in the North West. At GCSE, our year by year results put us squarely amongst the best schools in the country; at A Level our boys continue to excel.

Career Development The School is committed to offering full support for parents and students and as such has developed an online resource that can be used around the clock. www.merchanttaylors.com/ careers provides support and advice for students, and their parents, from Year 9 to Sixth Form.

Whilst our students are always keen to follow traditional careers such as Law and Medicine the School recognises the need to promote other professions with which students may not be too familiar.

The MTBS environment seems to nurture the boys as they develop, and it is a pleasure to watch them flourish To help students make an informed decision we have numerous activities from an Annual Joint Careers Fair, working careers lunches and dinners, questionnaires and careers visits to employability sessions. We also have guest speakers to discuss specific careers and other options such as a Gap Year, apprenticeships and studying in Higher Education abroad.

We are keen to involve our alumni and parents in this process to make good use of the wider Merchant Taylors’ community.

GTX: Gifted & Talented eXtension Standing for Gifted, Talented and eXtension; GTX is MTBS’s Friday afternoon enrichment programme. Many leading UK schools are investing time and resources in enrichment activities. GTX is designed to stretch our student beyond the confines of exam specifications.

Whilst we will continue to focus well over 90% precious curriculum time on the core business of examination preparation, we believe there are huge potential gains in offering a portfolio of activities which can develop “soft” skills such as leadership, problem-solving and creativity.

Initially in the Lower School only, students opt into three 10-week GTX sessions a year ranging from activities as diverse as Scuba-Diving to Advanced Physics. Students will learn new skills and hopefully unlock latent talents which might otherwise remain dormant in more traditional settings.

Crucially, we hope that many will develop transferable learning skills such as stickability and resourcefulness which will trickle down into the academic curriculum. GTX is meant to be a fun way to finish on a Friday. However, at its best, it may well be the most intensive couple of hours in a busy working week!

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MERCHANT TAYLORS’ SIXTH FORM (16-18) Each of the Boys’ and Girls’ Schools have their own Sixth Form, based on separate sites, with an average of 290 pupils across both Schools.

We aim to provide a broad, balanced and challenging curriculum, in a caring single-sex environment where pastoral care is at the forefront of our small tutor group engagement. Outside of the classroom there are lots of opportunities for the schools to come together through extra-curricular activities such as drama, music and CCF. A Sixth Form education at Merchant Taylors’ Schools brings together everything that is best about post-16 education. There is an extensive range of opportunities: academic, extra-curricular and social.

A Level study is a rigorous, challenging and fulfilling experience, and never has there been a better time to be a Sixth Former at Merchant Taylors’. Whether already part of the school community or seeking to enter our Sixth Form from elsewhere, we are pleased to welcome hungry minds and independent learners and can offer, in turn, the very best academic experience and an impressive history of achievement.

Our A*-B rate remains unrivalled on Merseyside with over two thirds of students from last year’s cohort achieving these grades in between three and five subjects, you can be assured of high quality teaching from enthusiastic subject specialists in small class sizes, as well as bespoke UCAS preparation, with Russell Group at the forefront of applications. Oxbridge preparation for those with the credentials to pursue their passion for courses at Oxford or Cambridge is meticulous and the schools have an impressive track record of placing its students in leading Higher Education institutions.

46 Sixth Form Girls & Boys

The Schools’ Sixth Forms are not vast, impersonal institutions; parents can expect regular communication and students are continually held accountable for their work rate and attitude.

The high quality of teaching here is exacting, knowledgeable and personal; the warmth of student teacher relationships is not at the expense of academic rigour or challenge. The atmosphere in classrooms is calm, friendly and disciplined.

Academically, students will be encouraged to stretch themselves, whilst having the chance to develop and excel in many other ways. We will not allow our A Level students to become ‘lost’ when confronted with greater freedoms, but we do treat them with respect while demanding a degree of adult maturity – smart business dress is the order of the day and there is a Sixth Form Common Room and other freedoms to mark the distinction between life in the Sixth Form and in the rest of the School.

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Not just term time...

Wraparound Care Merchant Taylors’ provides daily out of hours care for Infant and Junior pupils attending Stanfield and the Junior Boys’ School.

• After School Care After School Care runs from 3:30pm – 6pm daily.

Cost is £8 per session per child, regardless of the duration of any given session. Fees are payable in advance each half term.

• Breakfast Club Breakfast Club is £5 for the morning 7:30am until the beginning of school (8:20am).

We provide breakfast with a range of activities including games, arts & crafts, Lego, and free play.

Holiday Activities Clubs The Schools run a number of activities during the holidays. One is located at the Boys’ school and is open for both boys and girls aged 4 – 11 years With all the clubs we aim to provide an out of school service, offering convenience for parents, which is a safe, caring, fun environment within which all children who attend can relax, develop and learn as they play and have fun.

4-11 Holiday Care Club The 4-11 holiday club aims to provide child care 50 weeks of the year. It is open to Merchants’ boys and girls aged 4-11 years. It will be open during all holidays (except Christmas and Bank Holidays) with care from 8am to 6pm. The cost is £30 per day including breakfast, lunch and snacks, with a sibling discounted to £25 per day.

48 Merchant Taylors’ Schools

Sporting Land is a children’s sports holiday programme that is open to all children aged 4-11 years of age. Dedicated, enthusiastic and energetic sports coaches deliver a range of recognised sports

and a variety of play and recreation activities within our indoor sports hall and dance studio, outside on our tennis courts and grass pitches and in our private swimming pool.

Crescendo - Music School (term time only) Crescendo! is for boys and girls, from Years 5–9, wishing to excel in music. We aim to give young musicians the opportunity to make music in a fun and dynamic environment. Our team of highly trained professional staff offer workshops and training to suit all musical tastes and abilities, giving opportunities for musicians of all standards to perform in small groups and large ensembles.

We also aim to raise students’ standard of achievement in examinations. Academic lessons taught in a fun and dynamic environment will raise attainment in all areas of musicianship.

Saturday Smarties Saturday Smarties is held once per term on a Saturday for pupils in Years 5 & 6 to experience challenging topics which will stretch and enthuse pupils, whilst having fun.

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Joining the Schools...

There is no need to wait for an Open Day at Merchant Taylors’. We are happy to welcome parents all year round. Just contact one of our Admissions Team who will be delighted to tell you more and arrange a tour of the Schools.

Everyday is Open Day

50 Merchant Taylors’ Schools

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The Admissions Team 0151 949 9366

The Admissions Team are available throughout the year to deal with your enquiries by providing admissions information, arranging visits and overseeing your child’s journey into joining Merchant Taylors’ Schools.

Please feel free to email one of the Admissions Team below or telephone 0151 949 9366.

Boys’ Schools Mrs Phyllis Saffer p.saffer@merchanttaylors.com

Girls’ School Primary School Mrs Sue Barrington Mrs Marie Langham s.barrington@merchanttaylors.com m.langham@merchanttaylors.com

Key Dates 17/18 Open Evening

Thursday 5th October 2017

Open Morning

Saturday 7th October 2017

Sixth Form Open Evening

Tuesday 17th October 2017

Visiting Morning

Friday 19th January 2018

Entrance Examination

Monday 29th January 2018

Year 5 Taster Day

Friday 29th June 2018

Please check our website and our social media for more details: @MerchantsCrosby /merchanttaylorscrosby www.merchanttaylors.com

52 Merchant Taylors’ Schools

Fee information for the academic year 17/18

School Assisted Places Scheme

Senior School and Sixth Form tuition fees: £11,169 annually

Each year the Governors provide a limited number of Assisted Places at the Senior Schools to parents who could not otherwise afford full fees and whose children do exceptionally well in the 11+ Entrance Examination.

Junior Girls’ and Junior Boys’ Schools’ tuition fees: £8,349 annually Infant School’s tuition fees: £8,103 annually There is a sibling discount of 10% for the 2nd and 3rd child, then 20% for the 4th child and each child thereafter.

Fees are payable in advance by the start of term.

Fees paid by Direct Debit are payable termly or by 3 equal monthly instalments each term. Details available from the Bursar’s Office.

Fees have to be paid before the first day of each term, unless paid by monthly direct debit.

Accepting a place When a place is accepted, a deposit of £300 is payable.

All applications for Assisted Places are subject to an in-depth financial assessment, which will include a compulsory home visit. The Schools utilise the services of an independent company called Bursary Administration Limited who carry out this assessment on our behalf. For more information please contact the Admissions team.

School Dinners The Senior Schools and Junior Boys’ School charge is currently set at £196 per term for a 5 day week and is itemised separately on the fee statement. Merchant Taylors’ Primary School charges £175 per term for a 5 day week.

A charge for half a term’s dinner fees will be available to those pupils in Year 11 and Upper Sixth, sitting external examinations in the Summer term.

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With a consistent 100% pass rate at A Level over two thirds of all grades at A* to B, our academic reputation is the best in the area

Admissions Policy Merchant Taylors’ are a unique family of schools offering independent education to pupils aged 4-18 years. The infants are co-educational, after which the junior and senior schools offer the benefits of single-sex education from 7-18 years.

Each senior school has a dedicated Sixth Form tailored to the specific needs of the students.

Our aim is to educate every pupil in the fullest sense so that they realise their academic and personal potential. The schools have all the benefits of single-sex education, in happy and caring communities where girls and boys feel valued and can develop self-confidence and independence. When they leave school they are fully equipped to face the challenges of life that lie ahead.

The Schools’ ethos is based on high standards and the values which parents and pupils must recognise and agree to uphold. It welcomes applications from pupils from all social or cultural backgrounds who will profit from an academic and values-based education, and who will contribute fully and enthusiastically to, and benefit from, the wider life of the School.

In the selection process, every reasonable step will be taken to accommodate the needs of those with a specific learning difficulty or disability (LDD), any physical difficulties and those pupils for whom English is an additional language. Individual cases will be given further consideration before selection and may be interviewed.

Entry into the schools can be at any age from 4 years to 17 years but the most common entry points are Year 3, Year 7 and the Lower Sixth Form.

A perfect environment for a child to develop both socially & academically 54 Merchant Taylors’ Schools

Admissions Mixed Infants (4 – 7 years) Entry into our infant school is for boys and girls in the academic year following their fourth birthday.

Assessments usually take place in the spring term in a relaxed and happy environment. No formal skills are required but we are looking to assess their readiness to listen and to adapt to school life.

We understand that some children may choose not to cooperate on a particular day, but we will always give a child a second chance! The girls and boys will have the opportunity to spend some time in Merchant Taylors’ Primary School (MTPS) before they start in September. This is always a more worrying time for mums and dads than for the children!

Junior Boys & Girls (Entry into Year 3) At the end of Year 2, the boys move to the Junior Boys’ School, whilst the girls remain at MTPS. As the children get a little older, they benefit from being together in one gender group. As a result of this move, there are usually places available in Year 3. The girls are invited in for assessment and are required to complete a series of short tests in English and Mathematics. These tests are based on key elements from the Key Stage 1 curriculum.

All MTPS children automatically move through to the juniors. There is no assessment required for these pupils.

Admissions’ Procedure 11+ Entry to Year 7 is by competitive examination, which comprises English, Mathematics, a verbal reasoning test and a confidential report from each pupil’s current junior school. Following an initial enquiry by telephone or email, the Schools’ prospectus, registration form and related information will be sent to parents.

This information may also be obtained at the annual Year 5 Taster Day, Open Events or in person at any other time. In addition to planned Open Events, the Headteachers welcome personal visits from prospective parents for individual tours during a normal school day.

The registration form should be completed and returned to the Admissions Officer of either the boys’ or girls’ school with the registration fee of £50, ideally before Christmas, although registration will be accepted into the new year.

Details of the School Assisted Places Scheme will be sent to the parents of all applicants before Christmas.

An information pack giving details of the examination day and results procedure will be sent to parents at the beginning of January of the year of entry. Offers of places for September of that year will be made to those pupils who reach the academic standard required. The possible results will be: • The offer of a full fee-paying place • The offer of a Discretionary Award or Scholarship • The offer of a School Assisted Place • The offer to go on a waiting list for a full fee-paying place or assisted place • No offer.

Admission to Years 7 - 11 years The procedure is similar to the 11+, that is entry is dependent upon the required academic standard being reached in English, Mathematics and a Reasoning test.

Admission to the Sixth Form Both the boys’ and girls’ senior schools have Sixth Forms on site. Pupils are welcome to enter Merchant Taylors’ from other secondary schools.

Our Sixth Form achievements are second to none in the area with outstanding results.

The Sixth Form provides students with an unmatched opportunity to not only rise to the challenges of advanced academic study, but through the duties and responsibilities expected of them, they will play, for the first time, a real and stimulating part in running the school.

In addition, the wide range of extra-curricular activities offered at this stage will enable students to develop those essential personal and social skills that, together with high academic achievement will give them such an advantage over their contemporaries when they apply to, and enter, Higher Education or the world of work.

It is a unique benefit of belonging to a traditional single-sex Sixth Form. Almost all of our sixth form students go onto Higher Education, winning places at Oxford, Cambridge, Russell Group Universities and other good institutions and medical schools.

An Open Evening is held to which pupils and parents are invited to consult all subject teachers and discuss A2 options and career prospects.

Pupils meet with Heads of Department of their chosen subjects, Head of Sixth Form, Head of Careers and the Headmistress or Headmaster.

Conditional offers are made dependent upon GCSE grades. Sixth Form entry criteria and the subjects offered are sent to students’ parents upon request. Parents should contact the appropriate Admissions Officer for more details.

Many of our leavers say their sixth form years were the best at School. They enjoy the freedom of the sixth form centre and the responsibility of sharing in the day-to-day running of the School.

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External Candidates Applications for all ages are to be made through the admissions team. Once you are on our mailing list, candidates will be invited to open events and will be kept up to date with the admission procedures.

Internal Candidates Students who are already in the Merchants’ family of schools will be informed of key dates at stages of transfer, and information sessions will be arranged to keep parents appraised of the process.

School Bus Service If your son or daughter requires a place on the school buses, please inform the admissions team and they will give you the appropriate contact details and information for you to make the arrangements.

Scholarships Scholarships may be considered for outstanding achievements in the areas of science, sport, music and academic success. A discretionary contribution may be awarded. There may be an opportunity to apply for scholarship into the sixth form.

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Overseas Students The policy for overseas students is available on the website or from the Admissions team.

Staff children Pupils of staff in the Merchant Taylors’ Schools will be subjected to the same selection process as siblings of current senior school pupils. They will be admitted, provided they do sufficiently well and can demonstrate that they will benefit from a place in the school.

This policy may be amended at any meeting of the governing body, in which case the revised policy would operate from the start of the following academic year.

What Happens Next?

From October 2017 If you haven’t already received a registration form please pick one up today and return it to your Admissions Officer.

January 2018 - Entrance Exam Procedure Within the week following the entrance exam you may be called in for an interview regarding School Assisted Places or your child’s exam performance.

From November 2017 Mailings will be sent out including an information pack. For entry into Year 7 past papers will be available along with the details of the School Assisted Places Scheme..

Offer letters detailing fee-paying or assisted places, or informing candidates that they have not been successful, will be sent out. Confirmation of acceptances will need to be received by the school within a specified time limit.

From December 2017 If applying for Year 7 entry you will receive a letter with information about the Entrance Exam.

•

From January 2018 An opportunity see any of the Schools during a normal working morning.

•

Visiting Morning: Friday 19th January 2018.

Entrance Exam: Monday 29th January 2018.

June 2018 Across the Schools various new starter’s parents’ evenings will be held. You will receive information about these.

There will be a Year 5 Taster Day on Friday 29th June 2018 for children considering entry into Year 7 in September 2018.

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The Ian Robinson Sports Centre is a 5.5m multi-sports complex used by all sections of Merchant Taylors’ Schools as well as the general public during evenings, weekends and school holidays.

The state of the art facility provides an eco-friendly, stylish and safe environment that enables pupils to participate in a wide range of sports and activities including badminton, basketball, cricket, football, hockey, netball, tennis, trampolining, volleyball, dance, drama, climbing and fitness training.

As well as a multi-purpose sports hall, measuring 35m x 20m, with a ground floor and upstairs viewing area, the sports centre has several other facilities and features: • Peter Little Fitness Suite (memberships include fitness classes) • Margaret Mann Dance Studio • Outdoor climbing wall • Two modern spacious classrooms • Interactive SMART Boards • Computer connections • Integrated sound systems • Function room and catering facilities • Automatic ventilation systems • Solar panels producing sufficient energy to feed all the hot water in the showers

58 Merchant Taylors’ Schools

For more information, please contact: Mr Joe Coombes Sports Centre Manager Email: j.coombes@merchanttaylors.com www.merchanttaylors.com/ian-robinson

Merchant Taylors’ Schools 59

Policies & Procedures The following policies are particular to each of the Schools and therefore if you wish to view the policy, please contact a member of the Admissions team on 0151 949 9366. The following policies can also be downloaded from the school website, www.merchanttaylors.com or sent to parents on request.

• Safeguarding Children and Child Protection Policy • Admissions Policy • Policy for pupils with Learning Difficulties and Disabilities • Health and Safety Policy for Education Visits • The Complaints Procedure • Discipline and Exclusions Policy • Curriculum Policy • Policy for the Prevention of Bullying • Rewards and Sanctions Policy • The record of registration complaints under the formal procedure

60 Merchant Taylors’ Schools

For the following information, please visit the relevant sections of the website: www.merchanttaylors.com • Academic Performance Record • Staff Register and Summary of Qualifications The Chairman of Governors of Merchant Taylors’ Schools is Mrs Beverley Bell. She can be contacted via the Bursar’s Office, Merchant Taylors’ Schools, Crosby, Liverpool L23 0QP or via email: b.bell@merchanttaylors.com

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How to find Merchant Taylors’ Schools From Switch Island From the end of the M57, M58 and Junction of the A59 (called Switch Island) follow the A5036 to Seaforth,Bootle and All Docks for appropriately 3 miles. At Seaforth follow A565 Crosby and Southport.

Continue along the A565 for 1.5 miles.

The Senior and Junior Boys’ School is situated on the left of Liverpool Road after the fourth set of traffic lights, not including pedestrian crossings. The Primary School is about 500 yards further along the road, on the left. The Girls’ School is another 500 yards on, also on the left.

School Buses The School runs 18 different bus and coach services each morning and afternoon from a wide catchment area ranging from Wigan, Warrington, Widnes and South Liverpool up to Parbold, Ormskirk, Formby and Southport.

A number of the buses cater for Infants and Juniors only.

Full details of each route, along with an interactive map, can be found on the website or obtained from the a member of the Admissions Team 0151 949 9366.

From the North (Lancaster, Blackburn, Preston, Carlisle) Take the M6. Continue along the M6 southbound until Junction 26 and then take the M58 to Switch Island.

From the East (Hull, Manchester, Leeds, Bradford and Macclesfield).

Take the M62 to Liverpool. Exit the M62 at Junction 6 and follow M57 Southport.

Continue along the M57 to Switch Island.

From the South (London and the Midlands).

Take the M1and M6, and M62 to Liverpool.

Exit the M62 at Junction 6 and follow M57 Southport. Continue along the M57 to Switch Island.

From the Wirral, Chester and North Wales Take the M53 to Wallasey and the tunnel to Liverpool. Keep left at the Kingsway tunnel exit. Follow A565 Southport for approximately 7 miles.

From Southport, Formby and North via A565 Follow the A565 south to the traffic lights in the centre of Crosby. Turn left.

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62 Merchant Taylors’ Schools

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The Best Education for Life

The Merchant Taylors’ Schools Liverpool Road, Crosby, Liverpool L23 0QP Admissions Team 0151 949 9366 Primary School, Stanfield 0151 924 1506 Senior & Junior Boys’ School 0151 949 9333 Senior Girls’ School 0151 932 2414

@MerchantsCrosby /merchanttaylorscrosby www.merchanttaylors.com