Merchant Taylors' School
Handmade, For You.
Over 460 years of educating boys has taught us one thing above all: that no two are the same and that the education which changes a life is one that sees the individual clearly, and is built around him.
That is what ‘Handmade, for you’ means. A rigorous academic education, delivered by teachers who invest in knowing your son – his strengths, his interests, and where he needs support.
The culture is warm and purposeful: boys are kind to one another, staff are firmly on their side, and a pupil who feels known achieves that much more.
With 280 acres, 130 clubs, and outstanding Sport, Arts and DET, the question is never whether your son will find his place. It is which of these many places he will make his own.
Find out more about what life is like at Merchant Taylors’ below or sign up to attend our next Open Morning on Saturday 26 September to meet our boys, teachers and current families.
Discover More About Life at Taylors'
No two boy’s journeys are the same here, but every boy’s journey is fulfilling, broad and gives them the exposure to new opportunities to develop life long passions, interests and friendships.
Your Admissions Journey
At the heart of our admissions process is our friendly and experienced team who will be on hand to support and guide you through your son’s journey. They are available all year round and will be very happy to answer any questions you have to assist in your individual decision-making process. We accept boys at 11+ and 16+
Our entry assessments are designed to identify boys who are intellectually curious and capable of thriving in a fast-paced academic environment, as well as those who are eager to engage in the wide array of co-curricular opportunities on offer at Taylors’.
You can contact our admissions team via telephone or email:
- Telephone: 01923 845514
- Email: admissions@mtsn.org.uk
Academic Excellence
As pupils progress through the School, they move from breadth to depth, supported by a pastoral education that fosters self-knowledge and reflection, and values the insights gained from being part of a supportive, diverse, and respectful community.
The passion that teachers show for their subjects creates a joyful atmosphere both in and out of the classroom. Both pupils and teachers are open to new ideas and innovative learning approaches in all forms.
Pupils are encouraged to develop their individual academic interests with humility and confidence, appreciating the different forms inspiration can take, and developing skills and knowledge to become lifelong learners and scholarly contributors to their current and future communities.
The outcomes of this approach speak for themselves in both our exam results and the success boys go onto after their time at Taylors
Co-Curricular Opportunities
The co-curricular programme has the breadth and depth of offer to ensure that all boys find something to inspire them.
As well as Sport, Music and Drama, there is CCF, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, overseas trips, charitable activities and many clubs and societies catering for every interest. There is a hugely popular Vex Robotics club which has enjoyed much competition success in recent years. It is this wider enrichment which gives boys so much more than an academic education; it allows them to push their own limits.
Sport
Sport is integral to life at Taylors’, with a ‘sport for all’ ethos encouraging every pupil to participate and develop valuable life skills. The programme promotes athletic growth and an active, healthy lifestyle. In addition to the core sports of hockey, rugby, and cricket, the School offers over 20 other sports, helping pupils find their sporting passion.
Pupils have two games sessions weekly, with extra training for A Teams and Performance Pathway students. Teamwork and competitive sports are emphasized through matches and inter-House competitions.
Music
Pupils study music until Fourths (Year 9), after which they can choose it as an option for both GCSEs and A-Levels. We also encourage our pupils to get involved with music beyond the classroom.
More than a quarter of Taylors’ pupils take instrumental or singing lessons each week. The School works with a team of inspiring visiting specialist music teachers who offer one-on-one instrumental lessons.
Throughout the year, there are numerous performance opportunities, including informal evening concerts, competitions, open events, assembly performances and major formal concerts punctuating the department’s busy programme each term.
Drama
There are many ways for our boys to become involved with Drama, both as part of the curriculum and as through extra-curricular activities. Throughout the year, they have opportunities to act, direct or work backstage.
Every year, the Drama Department organises two major productions: The Junior Production and The Joint Senior Musical, in collaboration with St Helen’s Girls School in Northwood. These key performances are complemented by other exciting activities, including workshops, regular theatre trips to London’s West End, as well as various clubs such as the Technical Theatre Club.
Students are supported in applications to the National Youth Theatre and Drama Schools, with several securing places in prestigious programmes.
Clubs & Societies
A Taylors’ education is built on a holistic approach, and our wide-ranging Clubs and Societies programme inspires boys to explore new experiences, uncover fresh passions and develop diverse interests throughout their school years.
Every day during The Hour (afternoon break) pupils immerse themselves in over 100 clubs, societies and activities – strengthening friendships, developing skills and following their passions. The School actively encourages all boys to take part in as many opportunities as possible to make the most of their time here.
Run by both students and teachers who bring enthusiasm and expertise to each activity, our Clubs and Societies offer an extensive selection spanning academic, musical, artistic, dramatic, cultural, historical, literary, linguistic, journalistic, political, sporting and scientific fields.
With over 130 Clubs & Societies running every term, there will be something to enjoy whether returning to a well practiced skill or discovering something new.
The Tutor System at Taylors'
Our Tutor System is a cornerstone of pastoral care, fostering connections across all year groups and easing the transition into senior school.
From their very first day at Taylors’, pupils are welcomed into a Tutor group, each consisting of two students from every year group (years 7 – 13). These groups remain constant throughout their time at the School, creating a supportive network that grows alongside them.
Not only do these groups provide familiar faces and a sense of belonging for new students, but they also allow older pupils to develop leadership skills – coaching and guiding their younger peers as they navigate school life. The Tutor plays a key role in overseeing each boy’s academic progress, pastoral care and co-curricular involvement. They also serve as the primary contact for parents seeking to discuss any concerns about their son.
Our Coaching Culture
Coaching is important because it empowers every member of our community to think reflectively, act independently, and approach challenges with creativity.
It encourages individuals to clarify their values, commit to self-improvement, and equips pupils with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Since 2017, over 300 staff, pupils, and parents have undertaken advanced training and certification in coaching, embedding this culture at the heart of our pastoral care and educational practice.
This approach extends beyond the classroom, permeating the entire school community. By fostering a climate of reflective practice and collaborative problem-solving, we empower our pupils to not only excel academically but also to develop essential life skills. They learn to articulate their needs, embrace challenges with resilience, and navigate complex situations with confidence.
Hearing More from Taylors'
We share stories constantly about our boy’s successes, trips, talks, and the exciting things that happen every day at the School on our website. You can view and the latest news and bookmark the link below to stay up to date with life at Taylors’ below.
Getting to Merchant Taylors' School
Merchant Taylors’ School, Sandy Lodge Lane, Northwood, Middlesex HA6 2HT