Merchant Taylors' School, Northwood
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| Merchant Taylors' School, Northwood | |
|---|---|
| Name | Merchant Taylors' School |
| Motto | Concordia Parvae Res Crescunt, (Small things grow in harmony) |
| Established | 0 1561 |
| Founder | Sir Thomas White, Worshipful Company of Merchant Taylors |
| Type | Independent day school |
| Head | Simon Everson |
| City | Northwood |
| County | Greater London |
| Country | England |
| Postcode | HA6 2HT |
| Urn | 102245 |
| Gender | Boys |
| Age | 11–18 |
| Enrolment | 900~ (approx.) |
| Colours | Navy, sky blue, silver |
| Publication | The Taylorian |
| Free label 1 | Former pupils |
| Free 1 | Old Merchant Taylors |
| Website | https://www.mtsn.org.uk/ |
Merchant Taylors' School, Northwood. It is a leading independent day school for boys, founded in the City of London in 1561 and relocated to its present site in 1933. The school is governed by the Worshipful Company of Merchant Taylors and maintains a strong academic tradition alongside a wide-ranging co-curricular programme. It is a member of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference and educates approximately 900 pupils aged 11 to 18.
History
The school was founded in 1561 by Sir Thomas White, a former Lord Mayor of London and prominent member of the Worshipful Company of Merchant Taylors. Its original location was in the parish of St Laurence Pountney in the City of London, where it remained for over 370 years. In 1875, the school moved to larger premises at Chamberlain's Green in Mile End, seeking space for expansion. The increasing urbanization of East London prompted a final relocation in 1933 to a purpose-built, expansive campus in the then-rural area of Northwood, within the historic county of Middlesex. The school's history is deeply intertwined with that of its founding Livery Company, and its archives contain significant records related to the English Reformation and the Great Fire of London.
Campus and facilities
The 250-acre campus is situated in the London Borough of Hillingdon, incorporating extensive playing fields, woodland, and a lake. The central Art Deco school building, designed by James Grey West, dates from the 1933 move and is a Grade II listed structure. Modern additions include the R. D. Blackmore Library, the Sir James Perowne Building for Mathematics and Computer Science, and the Christopherson Performing Arts Centre. Sports facilities are extensive, featuring an all-weather pitch, a multi-purpose sports hall, Fives courts, and a boathouse on the River Colne. The grounds also house the Chapel of St John the Baptist.
Academic profile
The school follows a selective admissions process, with entry based on competitive examinations at 11+, 13+, and 16+. The curriculum leads to GCSE and A-Level examinations, with a very high proportion of pupils proceeding to Russell Group universities, including Oxford and Cambridge. Departments are notably strong in the Sciences, Classics, and Modern languages, with many pupils participating in national competitions such as the British Mathematical Olympiad and the UK Chemistry Olympiad. The school consistently ranks highly in national league tables for independent schools.
Extracurricular activities
A broad programme exists beyond the classroom, with over 100 clubs and societies. The Combined Cadet Force has a long-standing presence, and the school holds an annual Field Day for military exercises. Music is prominent, with several orchestras, choirs, and bands performing at venues like St John's, Smith Square. Drama productions are staged in the Christopherson Centre, and the school participates in the Shakespeare Schools Festival. Sporting prowess is demonstrated in rugby, cricket, and rowing, with regular fixtures against schools like St Paul's and Harrow School. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme is also widely supported.
Notable alumni
Known as Old Merchant Taylors, alumni have achieved distinction across many fields. In Politics, they include former Home Secretary Michael Howard and Speaker John Bercow. Literary figures include the poet Edmund Spenser and novelist R. D. Blackmore. In Science and Medicine, notable figures are Nobel laureate Peter Medawar and the physician who described Addison's disease, Thomas Addison. The arts are represented by actor Tim Brooke-Taylor and composer John Barry. Other distinguished Old Taylorians span the British Army, the Church of England, and public service.
Governance and ethos
The school is owned and its governors appointed by the Worshipful Company of Merchant Taylors, one of the Great Twelve City Livery Companies. Its ethos, encapsulated in the motto "Concordia Parvae Res Crescunt", emphasizes communal effort, intellectual curiosity, and service. The school maintains close links with its sister foundation, Merchant Taylors' Girls' School in Crosby, and with the school of the same name in Liverpool. Charity and outreach work are integral, with partnerships supporting local state schools and international projects. The school magazine, The Taylorian, has been published since the 19th century.
Category:Educational institutions established in the 1560s Category:Member schools of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference Category:Boys' schools in the London Borough of Hillingdon