Coaching

At Merchant Taylors', our coaching culture is fundamental to who we are and what we do.

Coaching is important because it empowers every member of our community to think reflectively, act independently, and approach challenges with creativity.

It encourages individuals to clarify their values, commit to self-improvement, and equips pupils with the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Since 2017, over 250 staff, pupils, and parents have undertaken advanced training and certification in coaching, embedding this culture at the heart of our pastoral care and educational practice.

250
Coaches trained across the School community
COACHING AT TAYLORS' COACHING AT TAYLORS' COACHING AT TAYLORS'
"Coaching helps us understand each boy as an individual - not only how he learns, but how he thinks, relates to others, and responds to challenges. It also gives parents confidence that their son is in an environment where his voice will be heard, his potential recognised, and his personal development actively supported."
Laura Smith
Deputy Head Staff Development

At the heart of our school is a teaching and learning process that aims to help our pupils learn and grow in all aspects of their lives. Coaching provides a structure for nurturing and challenging both pupils and staff in a way that is free of judgement or pressure.

This mutual coaching culture helps further develop effective relationships between pupils and teachers, building connection and trust while allowing students to become independent thinkers, practiced in finding their own solutions.

This approach extends beyond the classroom, permeating the entire school community. By fostering a climate of reflective practice and collaborative problem-solving, we empower our pupils to not only excel academically but also to develop essential life skills. They learn to articulate their needs, embrace challenges with resilience, and navigate complex situations with confidence. This ultimately prepares them to become responsible, empathetic, and adaptable individuals, ready to thrive in an ever-evolving world.

Coaching for the Whole Community

We provide the opportunity for all members of the Merchant Taylors' community to benefit from and be involved in coaching.

Coaching for Pupils

Coaching for Parents

Coaching for Staff

Meet the Coaching Team

Our coaching team is accredited by the ICF (International Coaching Federation.) and have years of experience both as practicing coaches and as coaching trainers.

Laura Smith, M.A., ACC

Deputy Head (Staff Development)

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Laura Smith, M.A., ACC

Deputy Head (Staff Development)

Laura Smith is Deputy Head, Staff Development at Merchant Taylors’. She joined the school in 2008 after spending four years at Queen Elizabeth’s Boys’ School. Throughout her tenure, Laura has embraced a variety of roles, including English Teacher, Second in English, Head of House for six years, Director of Teaching & Learning & Coaching, and Assistant Head of Teaching, Learning & Innovation.

Laura is deeply passionate about fostering continuous professional development for staff at every stage of their teaching careers. She firmly believes in a strong culture of lifelong learning for both staff and pupils. Laura holds a Master’s degree in English Literature and is a CTI-trained coach at ACC level.

Under her leadership, a robust Teaching & Learning culture has flourished at Merchant Taylors’ with research-based enquiry and instructional coaching partnerships at the centre. In addition, Laura and her coaching team have trained over 300 staff members across the prep and senior schools to become coaches.

Outside of her professional life, Laura is married with two children and is a keen triathlete. When she’s not looking after her children, cooking, reading or walking the dog, she’s training for her third Ironman.

Sally Hale

Assistant Coaching Lead

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Sally Hale

Assistant Coaching Lead

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