As we welcome many new pupils to the school, it feels like the right moment to remind everyone in the Merchant Taylors’ community about this central part of life at Taylors’. Pastoral care sits at the heart of everything we do, ensuring every boy is known, supported and encouraged to thrive.
Each boy’s journey begins with his Tutor, the key point of contact for both pupils and parents. The Tutor keeps a close eye on progress and wellbeing, guiding boys through their years at the school. Tutor groups are small – usually 12–14 boys – and are deliberately mixed across the age range. This vertical structure allows younger pupils to learn from older peers, while older boys develop leadership skills and lasting friendships beyond their own year group. It is certainly not uncommon for friendships to extend far beyond the tutor group, with boys across year groups chatting to their fellow tutees in House events and across the site.
Tutors belong to one of the eight Houses, each led by a Head of House who takes a deep personal interest in every boy under their care. Heads of House also bring their communities together through assemblies, activities and a wide range of House events. The Houses – Andrewes, Hilles, Manor, Mulcaster, Raphael, Spenser, Walter and White – are a source of real pride and identity across the school.
In the words of one of our Tutors, “Being a Tutor is one of my favourite things about working at Taylors’. It is incredibly special to get to know a group of boys and to support them over so many years. I can’t think of another school that offers something comparable.”
Supporting this framework are the four Heads of Section (Upper School, Middle School, Lower School and Thirds) and their Assistants, who oversee progress year by year – from the Thirds through to the Upper Sixth. They not only monitor academic and behavioural development but also help each year group grow its own sense of identity through assemblies, trips and shared experiences.
Boys also benefit from a wide-ranging PSHCE programme, giving them space to discuss important issues about society and their own personal growth. In addition, two full-time School Counsellors are available to offer confidential support whenever needed.
At Merchant Taylors’, pastoral care is not an “add-on” – it is woven into daily life. Every member of staff shares in this responsibility, trained in safeguarding and committed to ensuring that boys feel supported at every stage of their development.
The pastoral system at Taylors’ is overseen by Dr. Clare Harrison, our Deputy Head of Pastoral. When asked about the priorities of the pastoral system here at Taylors’, she summarised it as follows:
“Pastoral care at Merchant Taylors’ is about making sure every boy feels seen, heard and valued. Our aim is to give them the confidence to flourish – academically, socially and personally – knowing that there is always someone they can turn to.”
