Private School News

College Speech Day Farewell to Dr Giles Mercer

Longest serving senior school Catholic Headmaster retires after 24 years

Trustees, governors, parents, pupil, staff – old and new, gathered together at the College’s traditional Speech Day to bid farewell to Dr Giles Mercer, after 13 years as Headmaster at Prior Park.

The principal celebrant at Mass was the Rt Revd Christopher Jamison, Abbot of Worth Abbey.

Following refreshments in the magnificent grounds, guests, staff and pupils gathered in the giant marquee for the presentation of prizes by Sister Frances Orchard, Vicar General of the Congregation of Jesus. The Headmaster spoke warmly of his time at the College. The mood was emotional at times, euphoric at others, and a true reflection of the huge respect that staff, pupils and parents felt for Giles Mercer. The Head Boy and Head Girl paid tribute to an exceptional Headmaster who knows everyone in the school, not just by name. Standing ovations were the order of the day.

Sister Jane Livesey, Chair of Governors commented “It has been a fantastic and memorable Speech Day and a very fitting one to mark the departure of such a distinguished Head. Giles has been a hugely respected as well as a popular Headmaster and this has been endorsed not only by the enormous attendance today, including many former pupils, but also by his bulging social diary this summer term, when he has been guest of honour at numerous receptions and dinners in his honour. Everyone, from past and present parents and pupils to educational bodies and individuals wanted to express their sincere thanks and best wishes for his retirement in Bath.”

Mr Richard Wells, Head of Science, one of the longest serving members of staff at the College, commented “Prior Park College is fantastic place to learn, with its magnificent grounds and history. Giles has contributed much to the school, with his remarkable thoroughness, his true integrity and genuine support to ALL staff. ”

Giles Mercer will hand over the custodianship of the College to Mr James Murphy O’Connor, who explained “I have been working closely with Giles and meeting with the staff at the College in the last few months to ensure a smooth transition. Pupil numbers are at their highest ever, with outstanding results achieved year on year, and this is due to the dedication of Giles and his team. I know that he will be greatly missed and I look forward to carrying on his work.”

Giles Mercer said “I became a teacher nearly 40 years ago because of my fundamental interest in teaching young people and in learning from them. This has remained my central focus and the rewards of seeing young people mature, find direction and a sense of community are deep, lasting and immeasurable. I have always believed that a school is judged, above all, by the quality of its community life, by the values which are practised by its members, and by the attitudes and principles of its leavers. In this essential respect we can at Prior Park take great pride, without ever slipping into easy self-congratulation. We believe that each member of the College has an equal right to happiness, to the range of our opportunities (ever widening) and to a steady encouragement to meet the highest goals which he or she sets.”

He added “After all my years at Prior, I have countless teaching and support staff to thank for their unstinting hard work and dedication to encouraging our pupils to develop and blossom. And of course, I owe an immeasurable debt to my wife, Caroline, without her support I doubt I would have lasted 24 hours as a head, let alone 24 years! I am delighted that the Governors have appointed James Murphy-O’Connor as my successor. I wish him, his family and the College every possible success in the next phase of development. Everyone has been so kind and supportive to Caroline and myself, through what has been, for us, a most happy period in this thriving community and beautiful place. “