Private School News

MERCHANT TAYLORS’ young medics have proved that when the going gets tough, the tough get going.

This year seven young men, or nearly 10% of Year 13, have received offers to study what are now, more than ever before, the most competitive options for university admission.
Merchant Taylors’ Boys’ School Head of Biology, Mr Bonfante, said: “Medicine and dentistry have always been extremely competitive options, but now even more so than ever before, with some medical colleges only accepting one in 20 applications.”
“Above all these young men have shown tremendous commitment to their course work, but moreover they have demonstrated that they are rounded, responsible individuals.”
He added: “As medical schools know so many young people these days will achieve the necessary grades, they look more closely than ever at what they have done outside of class and their sense of social responsibility.”
Pictured from the front are Yasin Sheikh, who has an offer to study Dentistry at Manchester University. An award winning young rap artist with the band YBG, Yasin said: “High quality dentistry makes people feel more confident.”
Mrudul Bhatt has offers to study Medicine from University College London, Nottingham and Newcastle. The 2nd XI cricket captain, a qualified drum teacher and a Gold Crest Award winner for original scientific research, Mrudul wants to combine a career in academic research and consultant neurosurgery.
Mark Quigg has offers from Newcastle and Edinburgh to study Medicine. A gold medallist in the Biology Olympics and a Grade 8 saxophonist, Mark said: “Positive social interaction is a key part of medicine and something that really appeals.”
Matthew Cheung has an offer to read Dentistry at Liverpool University. A sergeant in Merchants’ CCF, Matthew wants to become a maxilliofacial surgeon.
Jack Hudson has offers to read Dentistry at Newcastle and Sheffield. A City of Liverpool swimmer and a Merchants’ cricketer and rugby player, Jack wants to use his “love of the sciences to help improve people’s self esteem.”
Abhinav Kishore has an offer to read Medicine from King’s College, London. Abhinav won a prestigious Nuffield science research bursary and wants to become a radiologist.
Mustafa Farooqi has offers to read Medicine at Imperial College London and Newcastle. Mustafa has a Duke of Edinburgh gold award and is Head of Merchants’ Naval CCF.
Headmaster Mr Cook said: “Our Community Service programme shows that boys have genuine commitment to community service and I believe this shines through at interview.”

MERCHANT TAYLORS’ pupil gains place at the prestigious University of London Institute in Paris.

Merchant Taylors’ Amber Anirah will be jetting off France in September having gained a place at the prestigious University of London Institute in Paris. Studying a three year BA in French, she will be based right in the heart of the cultural capital (with a view of the Eiffel Tower from her window) and will be able to enjoy world-class academic teaching alongside the best art galleries, museums and, of course, food, that Europe has to offer.

The University will provide Amber, who is also studying History and English for A-Level, with further insight into the language as well as critical approaches to literature and visual arts, and social, political and cultural issues. There will also be an opportunity to further specialize in her third year, which Amber may take in order to combine her love of French with some of her other interests such as video editing or writing.

Head of Modern Foreign Languages at Merchant Taylors’ Girls’ School, Yvonne Whalley said: “Amber is very talented and I’m delighted she has chosen to continue to study French. The London Institute is the ideal place for learning about French culture as well as the language and I have no doubt that she will flourish in such a challenging environment.”

Rejecting more traditional language career paths, the Sixth Former, who is originally from Bootle, cannot see herself going into teaching or translating. “I’d love to work in marketing or PR. A job that allowed me to travel would be amazing but after three years in Paris I think I’d like to return to Britain for a while.”

She said: “I’m really looking forward to immersing myself in French culture, meeting new people, eating amazing food and perfecting the language!”

Princess Cruises sponsor Merchant Taylor’s Sixth Form student

Merchant Taylors’ Sixth Former Philip Cave has won a place working as a Deck Cadet Officer for Princess Cruises, part of the Carnival Group, who will sponsor him through his 3 year degree in either Nautical Sciences or Marine Operations. After completing this he intends to study for a further six months to obtain his Masters Degree.
On completing his degree, he is guaranteed a job with the company as a fully qualified Third Officer (Navigator) having gained his Officer of the Watch qualification as part of his training.
Philip, who is currently studying Maths, English and Music A-Levels at the Crosby school, has battled it out with around 700 applicants since October 2009. He had an assessment day in Southampton and was chosen for one of the coveted nine available places in this year’s intake and was thrilled to receive the call in mid-March to offer him the position.
His degree, the location of which is yet to be confirmed, will be a sandwich course enabling him to learn the basics and theory in England, interspersed with months of going away to sea on one of the companies 80,000 ton plus luxury passenger liners for some more on-the-job experience.
It is anticipated that the sea time will be mainly in the Caribbean, America, Canada and Alaska.
Only last year Philip received a contribution from the Parents’ Association for 10 days traveling on the tall ships in order to help him consolidate his career choice, and said: “I feel privileged to have been chosen by Princess Cruises and greatly anticipate the responsibility and challenges that being a Deck Officer will bring. I look forward to learning the intricacies of navigation and I will work towards gaining command of my own ship in the future.”

New Sports Hall is Under Starters Orders

Merchant Taylors’ Schools are delighted to announce the building of a new £5.5 million sports centre, to be completed for the new school year starting September 2011. The Schools’ Governors gave the final go-ahead for the project last week and the contractor is due to begin work in April.

To mark the commencement of this exciting period of development an official ceremony was held on Wednesday 24th March. Ex-England rugby international World Cup star and Old Boy of Merchant Taylors’, Ben Kay MBE, joined us to cut the first sod.

Leo Coligan, Chairman of Governors, said: “This exciting build underlines our confidence in the future of Merchant Taylors’ Schools and their pursuit of excellence in all areas, academic and sporting, and our determination to provide the very best facilities for our boys and girls.”

Located at the Boys’ School site on Liverpool Road, this ambitious development designed by Buttress Fuller Alsop Williams Architects, will benefit all pupils from the family of Merchant Taylors’ Schools, and will include a dance studio, fitness suite and a large indoor facility equipped to provide state-of-the-art facilities for rugby training, football, hockey, tennis, badminton and many other sports.

Bardsley Construction, a £70m turnover business that specialises in such partnering contracts with the public sector, has been contracted by Merchant Taylors’ Schools to construct the sports centre.

Wayne Bardsley, the chairman of Bardsley Construction, said: “We’re delighted to be working with such a blue chip client as Merchant Taylors’ Schools on this excellent project that will help to enhance our reputation and presence on Merseyside and indeed throughout the wider North West.”

This important next step in the Schools’ development programme, following on from the award-winning Vitreum main entrance at the Girls’ School, will be underpinned by the two year ‘Sporting Start’ campaign of fund-raising and programme of activities.

New Sports Hall is Under Starters Orders

Merchant Taylors’ Schools are delighted to announce the building of a new £5.5 million sports centre, to be completed for the new school year starting September 2011. The Schools’ Governors gave the final go-ahead for the project last week and the contractor is due to begin work in April.

To mark the commencement of this exciting period of development an official ceremony was held on Wednesday 24th March. Ex-England rugby international World Cup star and Old Boy of Merchant Taylors’, Ben Kay MBE, joined us to cut the first sod.

Leo Coligan, Chairman of Governors, said: “This exciting build underlines our confidence in the future of Merchant Taylors’ Schools and their pursuit of excellence in all areas, academic and sporting, and our determination to provide the very best facilities for our boys and girls.”

Located at the Boys’ School site on Liverpool Road, this ambitious development designed by Buttress Fuller Alsop Williams Architects, will benefit all pupils from the family of Merchant Taylors’ Schools, and will include a dance studio, fitness suite and a large indoor facility equipped to provide state-of-the-art facilities for rugby training, football, hockey, tennis, badminton and many other sports.

Bardsley Construction, a £70m turnover business that specialises in such partnering contracts with the public sector, has been contracted by Merchant Taylors’ Schools to construct the sports centre.

Wayne Bardsley, the chairman of Bardsley Construction, said: “We’re delighted to be working with such a blue chip client as Merchant Taylors’ Schools on this excellent project that will help to enhance our reputation and presence on Merseyside and indeed throughout the wider North West.”

This important next step in the Schools’ development programme, following on from the award-winning Vitreum main entrance at the Girls’ School, will be underpinned by the two year ‘Sporting Start’ campaign of fund-raising and programme of activities.

Hymers Sevens Tournament in Hull

Report by Liam Hopkins in Year 9:
Merchant Taylors u14 Sevens Squad, won the Hymers Sevens Tournament in Hull. The team arrived, after a long bus journey, and were major underdogs to win the tournament. How wrong everybody was!
The first game Merchants played, was against Mount St. Mary’s, a tightly contested affair. Merchants went up after an early try, but conceded before half time, leaving the scores at 15-5 at the break. Merchants came out in the second half, all guns firing, and scored another two tries to level the scores at 15-15. The opposition once again took the lead 22-15. With two minutes to go, Merchants put another past Mount, but still needed a conversion. Curtis Bell converted, from a very difficult kick from a wide position, leveling the scores at 22-22.
After scraping through with a point from their first game, up next was Bradford Grammar School, who were defeated in their opening game. Merchants found the going easy and played well, running out eventual winners 36-7. A comfortable victory for the Merchants team. However the next game was against Ashville, who had won their first two matches comfortably.
Merchants went two tries down early on in the game, but showing awesome spirited to fight back to within 7 points. Unfortunately, there was little time left for Merchants to equalize, and eventually they lost the game 24-17. This now left them with a bit job to do in the final group game, again St. Peters of York, who looked a very strong side.
Merchants seemed to have been intimidated in the first five minutes, conceding two avoidable tries from some silly mistakes. Just before half time, they scored to pull themselves back into contention. The second half started with many attacked from Merchants, who inevitably scored. At 14-14, Merchants once again broke through the defense to score. Then another went past St. Peters to put the game beyond their reach. The final score was 26-14, and meant that Merchants had finished second in the group and were through to the semi-finals. They had exceeded everybody’s expectations.
The draw left Merchants to play the team that had finished top of the other group, which was Woodhouse Grove, who had won every match in their group. The boys started brilliantly and before they knew it Matthew Gilchrist had a hat-trick. A further two tries saw Merchants eventually win the game by five tries to Grove’s two. The underdogs were through to the final.
This set up a rematch between Merchant Taylors and Ashville Grove. The game started at a furious pace, and it wasn’t long before the first try was scored. It went to Merchants, through Ollie Noble, who scored from an intercepted pass. The game swung both ways, with Ashville scoring to equalize, then they went ahead but, once again, Merchants pulled back to level the scoring. At the end of normal time, the scores were tied at 17-17. The referee called for a ‘golden try’ situation, meaning the next score wins. Ashville won the toss, and bizarrely chose to receive from the kick off, meaning Merchants could put them under early pressure and could force a turn-over ball, which is exactly what happened. The kick came in from Ethan Allen looking for the winger Liam Hopkins, who was unmarked, but it rebounded off the opposition and fell for Alex Roberts who scored the try to secure the trophy.
Merchant Taylors, the team all the way from Liverpool, that nobody had ever heard of, had defeated all Yorkshire had to offer, coming away which their first piece of silverware this season.

Science made simple

Science was made simple by four talented Merchant Taylors’ Boys’ School physicists when they went to London?s world famous Royal Society for the finals of the SCICAST science awards.

The Crosby classmates were selected from hundreds of entries nationwide after submitting their own two-and-a-half minute film explaining laser technology.

“The object is to demystify science with an imaginative and ingenious brief explanation of a physics concept that would normally leave the layman scratching his head,” said Merchant Taylors’ Boys’ School Physics teacher Paul Cooper.

Alastair Houston, 15, from Formby explained: “Laser technology sounds daunting but in essence you fill a tube with helium, pass an electric current the tube to energise the atoms and then shine a light through the gas using reflective mirrors to intensify the beam.” Richard Kirkwood, 15, from Formby, added: “Many people are blinded by physics, but the subject is truly enlightening. It helps us to understand the way in the world works, from the smallest scale particles to the composition of the multi-universe and anything and everything in between.”

Pictured from left to right are Richard Kirkwood, William Devane, 15, from Crosby, Alastair Houston and Vansee Bheemireddy 15, from Crosby.

Sophia wins place at top performing arts school.

Merchant Taylors’ Girls’ School GCSE pupil Sophia Hinton Lever has beaten over 500 young hopefuls nationwide to win one of only 28 coveted places at the Arts Educational School in London.

Sophia, 16, will now study subjects such as acting, singing, dancing, body conditioning, tap, ballet and audition technique alongside her more traditional A Level choices of English Language and Literature, Classical Civilisation, Drama and Music when she starts in September.

Sophie, who wants to work in musical theatre, said: “The day starts at 8.30am and finishes at 8.30pm which is a little daunting, but it’s a fantastic opportunity.”

Enrolled at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts, Sophia has already enjoyed challenging roles both for Merchant Taylors’ and LIPA with productions including the Wiz at the Liverpool Empire, Little Shop of Horrors and Grease.

The Arts Educational School in Chiswick, London, has been a seed bed for Britain’s top talent. Dame Julie Andrews, Sarah Brightman, Darcey Bussell, Martin Clunes, Nigel Havers, Bonnie Langford, Cherie Lunghi, Jane Seymour, Michaela Strachan and Will Young are just a few of the alumni.

Mrs Louise Robinson said: “Merchant Taylors’ loss will be the Arts Educational School’s gain and ultimately we all hope to see Sophia’s name up in lights. She has been a hard-working, popular student and will be much missed.”

Merchant Taylors Girls’ School celebrates 120th Anniversary

Parisian fashion journalist and author Alicia Drake Reece returned to her alma mater as Merchant Taylors’ Girls’ School celebrated its 120th anniversary at a glittering annual Prize Giving ceremony in Liverpool’s prestigious Philharmonic Hall.

The distinguished guest speaker told a packed auditorium at one of England’s great pioneers of single sex girls’ education that she could not help but think that she had been asked back, “primarily to return my old library book of a Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Mrs Drake Reece joked with the current generation of girls that: “Thankfully the school agreed to waive the 20 years’ school library fines if I agreed to speak.”

A pupil at Merchant Taylors’ Girls School from 1979 to 1986, Alicia went on to read History and the History of Art at Newnham College, Cambridge and is a now a fashion journalist. Her book ‘The Beautiful Fall’ has been a worldwide critical success.

Likening her own experiences to the famous neighbouring statues on Crosby Beach; Alicia said: “Merchants’ encourages all its pupils, just like Anthony Gormley’s ‘Another Place’, to look beyond the immediate confines of location and contemplate life beyond the horizon. This school allows young women to define their own vision of success regardless of gender.”

At the centre of the Philharmonic stage was a macquette model of the Tony Evans bronze specially commissioned for the school’s 120th Anniversary. Headmistress Louise Robinson told the packed auditorium that the sculpture, entitled ‘Reaching for Success’ “ will be a permanent reminder of our goals and aspirations.” Mrs Robinson then outlined how those goals and aspirations had been realised both inside and outside the classroom during the preceding 12 months, specifically how the school has had the best results in the whole of Merseyside, with 58% of all the results being at Grade A for the second year running.
Mrs Robinson also pointed to the continued programme of improvements with a new school entrance off Liverpool Road to be opened in the New Year and the generous bursary of former Dr Joan Chappell-Matthias (nee Evans) not only supporting three young scientists to study at Liverpool University, but also financing the refurbishment of the school’s Upper Library.

Success for Merchant Taylors pupil Sean Shanahan

Sean Shanahan’s sensational smile is his secret to success at audition says the aspiring young Rufford actor.
The Merchant Taylors’ Boys’ School pupil is currently appearing in the Victorian Scouse tearjerker ‘Our Benny’ at the Empire as the child gang leader Spider.

One of only six main child parts, who alternate on successive nights, Sean modestly says he won the part against over 1000 hopefuls not because of his impressive acting range, though that clearly helps, but because, “I just keep smiling at the Director; it always seems to work.” Sean, 12, first started acting at the age of just six-years-old and under local drama teacher Alison Coates and so impressed judges last year that he was asked to perform at Southport Festival in front of the Mayor. He has, however, yet to act in any of the Merchant Taylors’ productions and is looking forward to the challenge.

“I’m a bit young yet for the school productions, as they obviously want to give the older boys and girls their opportunity, but I am looking forward to the chance later on in my school life.” Sean says he would love to follow in the footsteps of other Merchants’ actors, such as Southport film star Samuel Roukin and added: “I’d love to become an actor. It’s all that I have ever wanted to do and I cannot imagine doing anything else.”

Old girl’s generosity helps three budding scientists

An unexpected windfall has left three young students from Merchant Taylors’ Girls’ School singing the praises of an octogenarian now living in New Zealand.
Former pupil Joan Chappell-Mathias, (nee Evans) now aged 87, has made a living bequest to Merchant Taylors’ School, giving £20,000 for school development and a further £20,000 to help three students meet the cost of their university careers.
The three were in the right place at the right time to receive for £6,670 each, just weeks before they go to Liverpool University.
There is only one catch, the girls must make a similar provision when they are able or in their own wills for a future generation of young women, progressing from Merchants’ to Liverpool University to study medical related subjects.
“I am simply ecstatic,” said one girl from Ormskirk who is to read Bio Medical Sciences.
“Like all the girls, the first thing I have done is to write to Mrs Chappell-Mathias to thank her and I will be sending her updates on my progress and Christmas Cards every year from now on,” added another, who is study Medicine.
While the third, who is 18 and from Litherland, will go one better visiting her benefactor in Tauranga as she takes a gap year in Australasia, over the next nine months. “I can’t wait to meet her and give her a big hug and tell her how grateful we all are. I was lucky enough to get a Merchants’ bursary, so an additional boost when you need the money the most is just fantastic.”
Born in 1921, Joan Evans attended her local school in Crosby from 1932 to 1939 going up to Liverpool University, courtesy of a bursary programme at the start of the Second World War.
Speaking from her adopted home 12,000 miles away she said: “I was only able to go up to Liverpool University to study Medicine because of a generous bursary and I am delighted to offer the current generation a similar chance.”
She added: “Merchant Taylors’ was a wonderful school then and is a wonderful school now and without my education I would not have had the chance to travel the world, work in a area I love or meet my husband Norman Mathias.”
Merchant Taylors’ Girls’ School is to spend their £20,000 refurbishing and refitting their senior library.
Headmistress Mrs Louise Robinson said: “It’s a truly compassionate award that will set up a chain of giving through the generations. I am sure that in hundreds of years her generosity will still be appreciated by girls from Merchant Taylors’ aiming to study medicine and science at Liverpool University.”

Merchant Taylors’ A Level results

This year’s results were outstanding. Every single candidate passed (ie grade A – E) every single one of his chosen subjects.
A detailed breakdown can be found here.
But in summary (excluding General Studies):
- 73% of results were grade A or B
- 100% of results were grade A to E – in other words, every exam taken was passed
- 5 pupils gained 5 grade A results
- 6 gained 4 grade A results
- and a further 9 gained 3 grade A results, and including General Studies that figure rises to 12
- so a total of 23 pupils gained 3 or more grade As

All five of our Oxbridge hopefuls gained the grades they needed, and so will be able to take up their places (click here for details)
Pictured is Jonathan Andrews, who gained grade A in General Studies, Art, English Language & Literature, French and History. He is going to Emmanuel College, Cambridge to read History of Art

The vast majority of the pupils achieved the grades they needed and will be going to their first choice university.

The Headmaster said “we are delighted with this year’s exam results. Almost three quarters of our boys achieved a grade A or B, and all boys achieved grades A – E. These results are the culmination of seven years’ hard work and dedication by both boys and teaching staff and I congratulate them all”.

Merchant Taylors’ School GCSE – Another record year …

Thursday 24th August 2006
It’s not clear who was more nervous this morning – the pupils or those parents who came in with them! Several mums and dads arrived early, because their sons were away – and these were the most nervous, as they then had to ring and pass on the news. Of course, the anticipation is always far worse than the reality, particularly as this year’s results were very pleasing.

You could say they were pleased!

This year’s results were outstanding.

In summary:
- 57% of all results were grade A* or A, with 23% being the top A* grade
- 100% of results were grade A to G – in other words, every exam taken was passed – using the Government’s figures
- 96% of results were grade A to C – the more traditional “pass” grades
- 21 pupils gained straight grade A (or A*) results
- 3 of these gained an outstanding 9 straight A*s
- 4 gained 10 straight A*/As
- and there were a further 12 who gained 8 results at A* or A
- 2 boys’ marks were amongst the top five in the country

The Headmaster said, “We are once again very pleased with the GCSE results. Twenty of our boys achieved a set of straight A or A*s. In this age of concern over falling standards, I was delighted, for example, that all our boys passed Mathematics with grades A* – C”

We congratulate all the boys on their hard work and well-deserved successes. Hopefully they can enjoy the last few days of the summer, before returning to start on their A-level courses. We wish them all well with the next, and most exciting stage of their school careers