Writes Tilly Scott, Development Manager
Merchant Taylors’ School was founded on philanthropy, and it still maintains its place at the heart of our activities. Last Sunday, we were delighted to welcome many of our core supporters and volunteers to a special reception to celebrate all of the wonderful work that has been made possible with thanks to their generosity. Their contributions have been transformational in enhancing the exceptional education we provide at Taylors’ and expanding access to talented pupils, irrespective of their financial background.
During the event which took place before the Carol Service, guests enjoyed a wonderfully accomplished short performance of a Bach gigue on violin by music scholar Kian C. (L6th), before the Head Master formally welcomed everyone and gave some words of thanks for the extraordinary support given by each guest in the room.
The generosity of our benefactors this year has spanned a wide variety of causes, including contributions to our bursary programme, allowing boys to join Merchant Taylors’ School who ordinarily would be unable to do so due to financial circumstances. In his speech, the Head Master gave thanks to those who donated to the Julian Hill Cricket Centre, which almost two years after opening its doors, has now provided three boys with 100% bursaries from the proceeds and given them the incredible gift of opportunity.
Also in attendance were representatives from some of the clubs and societies whose activities have been enhanced through support to the Head Master’s Discretionary Fund, including the Medicine and Dentistry Society, Aviation Club (who attended with their flight simulator), Subbuteo, and Taylors’ Football Academy, among others. The boys greatly enjoyed sharing their activities with guests, and it was a wonderful opportunity to be able to thank them in person for their support.
During his speech, the Head Master was particularly grateful to the volunteers who have given their time and expertise to the School over the last year. Speaking about the Careers programme, he said:
Our careers programme is a great example of something that the School can be really proud of, but which simply couldn’t exist at the level is does without your support. It is only as good as the quality, and the breadth of experience, of the volunteers who come back and guide our boys. Thank you to our volunteers.
The support given by our benefactors, both financial and of time and experience is incredibly powerful, and we are delighted to be able to take this moment each year to thank them personally for everything they do for the School.
If you would like to find out more about supporting the School either financially or with your time, please contact our Development Team at development@mtsn.org.uk.
