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Pastoral Care

At Merchant Taylors’ we believe that boys should not be moulded into a stereotype, but that they should be guided and encouraged to discover their individual abilities. We appreciate them for what they are and for what they do; they all matter equally to us, and they all contribute in various ways.

The Tutor System
The guidance and encouragement that boys need as they develop as individuals is provided by the tutor system. Every boy at Merchant Taylors ’ is supported by a tutor who oversees his entire passage through the School, discussing his academic progress and strengths and weaknesses at frequent intervals, helping him to choose a rich, rewarding life outside the classroom, and taking a particular interest in all he does. Tutors report to parents regularly, and are always available for informal consultation. Parents feel secure that one teacher knows their son thoroughly, and has the task of helping him to become a confident, balanced, successful individual.

Houses
Tutors operate within a house system that, for a day school, is particularly vigorous and lively. Here there are many opportunities to discover new strengths and interests, to enjoy yourself and to win some recognition in inter-house competitions, for example in sports, drama, music, debating and maths, or to help write House newspapers. The Head of House acts as a further source of advice and support for boys and is also available for parents to consult.

Assembly
Houses meet for assembly once a week, which is often organised by boys, and which further encourages a sense of community and belonging. At other times in the week the whole School gathers in the Great Hall. Here, irrespective of any difference of faith, boys are drawn together in spiritual worship and in celebration of those communal values with which all feel comfortable. From time to time religious leaders from different faiths are invited to address the whole school. The Chaplain organises assemblies and is a further pastoral support for the boys.

Discipline
Discipline at Merchant Taylors’ means, above all, self-discipline . The atmosphere is positive, not punitive. If boys are to become responsible and happy adults, they must be helped to learn for themselves the appropriate way to behave, and they need to exercise increasing levels of responsibility while they are at School.

The School Rules are, intentionally, as simple as possible. Boys are treated fairly and consistently. They are encouraged to show kindness, common sense, good manners and respect in their day-to-day behaviour.

Out of School uniform they are expected to behave in exactly the same fashion. Unacceptable behaviour is swiftly dealt with, and good behaviour is warmly encouraged. Above all, high standards of behaviour are expected, in the well-founded belief that we are then more likely to achieve them.

Needless to say, parents who choose Merchant Taylors’ School commit themselves to its rules, and we expect them to support the reasonable authority of the School.

How Parents Play a Part
Our aim is to underpin all that the boys do with a system of support and encouragement. Boys who feel happy, secure and valued will do far better than miserable ones. Perhaps the essential relationship is therefore between parents and School, who form the twin pillars of support for the pupil, leaving him free to mature in a confident, untroubled way.

This relationship has to be one of mutual trust. Merchant Taylors’ does not operate behind closed doors. Parents are encouraged to feel a vital part of the School, and that they are welcome whenever it is convenient to discuss their sons’ futures with us, and to share their concerns.