Founded in 1620, Merchant Taylors' has been the academic anchor of Crosby for four centuries. For most of that history, the Boys' School stood as a distinct entity, separated from the Girls' School by playing fields and tradition. September 2025 marked the end of that era and the beginning of a new one. The two senior schools have merged to form a single, co-educational Merchant Taylors' School, located on the historic Boys' School site.
While the red-brick Victorian facade and the motto Concordia Parvae Res Crescunt (Small Things Grow in Harmony) remain, the internal dynamic has shifted fundamental. Families joining now are entering a co-educational environment that combines the heritage of the Harrison foundation with a modernised, single-campus structure.
The Grade II listed main building, with its turreted clock tower, still dominates Liverpool Road. The atmosphere, once defined by a traditional all-boys robustness, is evolving. The arrival of the girls has brought a new energy to the corridors, though the school retains its commitment to "character education."
Mr Philip Dearden took the helm as Head in 2025, returning to his Merseyside roots to lead this significant transition. His mandate is to forge a unified identity from two proud histories. The "House" system remains central to school life, fostering loyalty and competition that now spans genders.
Despite the suburban location, the school feels expansive. The 160 acres of playing fields (shared with the Prep) provide a "green lung" that few Liverpool schools can match.
The results data below reflects the historic Boys' School cohort (2024), prior to the co-educational merger.
Academic performance is consistently strong. In 2024, the boys achieved GCSE results that placed the school in the top 13% of schools in England (FindMySchool ranking). Specifically, 41% of grades were 9-7 (A*-A equivalent), and the school ranks 4th among all secondary providers in Liverpool.
At A-level, the picture is equally solid. In 2024, 51% of grades were A*-B. The school ranks 1,058th in England for A-level outcomes, placing it in line with the middle 35% of schools in England (national typical band). While not an "exam factory," it provides a reliable pathway to university for the majority of students.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
50.66%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
40.81%
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The merger has allowed for a broader curriculum, particularly in the Sixth Form where subject options have expanded. Teaching follows a structured, subject-specialist model from Year 7. The Ian Robinson Sports Centre, which includes classrooms, exemplifies the blend of academic and co-curricular facilities.
Expectations are high. Homework is regular, and the pace of lessons assumes a high level of engagement. The school has historically been strong in Mathematics and Sciences, a legacy that the new co-educational STEM departments aim to enhance.
The majority of leavers progress to university, with a significant proportion attending Russell Group institutions in the North and Midlands. In 2024, 67% of the cohort moved on to degree courses.
The Oxbridge pathway exists but is select; in 2024, there was one successful offer from eight applications. Interestingly, 13% of leavers moved directly into employment, a higher figure than many independent peers, reflecting a pragmatic and career-focused streak in the student body. The alumni network (Old Crosbeians) is active and influential in Liverpool's business community.
Total Offers
1
Offer Success Rate: 12.5%
Cambridge
1
Offers
Oxford
0
Offers
Admissions are now for the co-educational Merchant Taylors' School.
Entry is academically selective. The main entry point is Year 7, with candidates sitting the school's own entrance examination in January of Year 6. The assessment covers English, Mathematics, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. With the combined intake, competition for places is robust.
For 2026 entry, the registration deadline was in November 2025. Families considering 2027 entry should plan to register by the preceding November.
The merger prompted a complete review of pastoral provision. The school operates a House system which provides the primary layer of support. Form Tutors and Heads of Year monitor academic and social progress.
Wellbeing support has been strengthened to manage the co-educational transition. A dedicated team supports students with everything from anxiety to organisation. The PSHE curriculum addresses modern issues directly, including digital safety and mental health.
Sport is a serious endeavour here. The grounds at Hall Road are extensive and hosting fixtures is a point of pride. Rugby and cricket have been the traditional staples of the boys' side; the new co-educational programme places equal weight on hockey and netball. The shared use of the sports centre and pitches aims to lift the standard across all disciplines.
Music is a key pillar, with the Williams Hall hosting regular concerts. The swing band and choirs tour locally and abroad. Drama is ambitious, with productions now benefiting from a larger, mixed cast. The Combined Cadet Force (CCF) remains a popular option on Friday afternoons, offering Army and RAF sections that build leadership skills outside the classroom.
For the 2025-2026 academic year, fees for Senior School (Year 7 to Sixth Form) are £17,775 per year (£5,925 per term).
Lunch is charged separately at £320 per term. Uniform, trips, and public examination fees are additional.
The school offers means-tested bursaries to eligible families, which can cover up to 100% of fees. These are highly competitive and dependent on financial circumstances and academic performance.
Academic Scholarships are awarded based on performance in the entrance assessment. There are also Harrison Scholarships for exceptional candidates, alongside awards for Music and Sport.
Fees data coming soon.
The school is located on Liverpool Road, Crosby. It is well-connected by Merseyrail, with Hall Road and Blundell Sands & Crosby stations nearby. A dedicated network of school buses serves Southport, Ormskirk, Warrington, Widnes, and South Liverpool.
The Merger: The shift to co-education is recent (September 2025). While facilities have been upgraded, the culture is still settling. Families joining now are pioneers in this new chapter.
Fees vs Grammar: Crosby and the surrounding area have strong state grammar schools (e.g. St Mary's is independent but nearby state options exist in the Wirral/Liverpool area). Parents often weigh the fees here against the free grammar provision elsewhere.
Class Sizes: While generally small, the combined school is larger than the separate schools were. This offers more social breadth but changes the "small school" feel that some preferred.
Merchant Taylors' is an institution reinventing itself from a position of strength. It offers a grounded, high-quality education with standout sporting facilities and a deep connection to the region. Best suited to students who want a traditional independent school experience with the new dynamic of co-education, and who will throw themselves into the extracurricular life on offer.
Yes. In 2024, the boys' cohort ranked in the top 13% of schools in England for GCSE results. The school is the leading independent co-educational day school in Sefton, known for its sporting pedigree and historic character.
For the 2025-2026 academic year, senior school fees are £17,775 per year, charged at £5,925 per term. Lunch is an additional £320 per term.
Yes. From September 2025, the Boys' and Girls' Senior Schools merged to form a single co-educational school on the historic Boys' School site.
Applications are made directly to the school. Candidates sit an entrance examination in January of Year 6, testing English, Mathematics, and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
Yes. Means-tested bursaries are available and can cover up to 100% of fees. These are awarded based on performance in the entrance exam and financial need.
Get in touch with the school directly
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