Parents' Groups | Merchant Taylors' School

The School is committed to building on the fantastic support it receives from the various parent association groups, known as the ‘Friends Groups’. These groups organise a host of events throughout the year which builds a community and raises funds for various projects and charitable causes.

Over the years, the Friends’ Groups have evolved into an important part of the Merchant Taylors’ experience – helping out at school functions, organising an array of amazing social events, and raising funds for great causes.

This model has proved to be highly successful historically, with Dinner Dances, Quizzes, Ceilidhs, Wine Tasting, Jazz evenings, Christmas Fairs and many more.

Find out more about the Friends' Groups at Taylors'

The Footlighters

The Footlighters are a friendly group of parents who support the Drama Department at Merchant Taylors’. They are involved with both senior and junior Drama productions, as well as events like the joint musical with St Helen’s and the House Drama Competition. They often organise and sell pre-show and interval refreshments, and contribute to the ‘front of house’ welcome.

The Footlighters are also involved in organising Friends’ events during the school year, providing opportunities for parents to meet and socialise, regardless of their son’s involvement in drama.

The Footlighters also enjoy social gatherings, including regular dinners and West End theatre trips. Recent outings have included ‘Witness for the Prosecution’ and ‘Come from Away’.

The Footlighters are always welcoming new members. If you would like to join the mailing list or get more actively involved, please do get in touch.

Please contact: footlighters@mtsn.org.uk

The Ladies Association

Founded over 100 years ago by Miss Wilmet Baker, the Headmaster’s daughter, the Ladies Association began with the aim of involving women connected to the School in local charity work. While the name remains, the events are open to all, not just ladies. The Association continues this mission by raising funds for school-nominated charities, including PHAB.

Recent efforts have supported The Children’s Society, Watford Workshop and Tom’s Trust, the Mount Vernon Cancer Care Centre, and the Northwood Live at Home scheme, through several events, including an afternoon tea and a Charity Wine tasting evening.

Used Uniform Sale

The Association holds second-hand uniform sales on selected Saturdays throughout the academic year. The “shop” is located on the first floor, next to the Great Hall (signposted from Reception on opening days) and is run by Committee Members.

Sale dates are listed in the School calendar and advertised in Scissorum. In June, the Association also holds its Annual Sale during the New Boys’ Induction Day.

Any outgrown or unwanted uniform can be donated at Reception. The Ladies’ Association retains 50% or 100% of the selling price, depending on the donor’s preference, with proceeds supporting their chosen charities.

The Longstops

The Longstops is the parent group that supports cricket at Merchant Taylors’. Their goal is to enhance the cricket experience for both parents and boys by fostering a supportive community at matches and occasionally raising funds through social events.

The Longstops also field their own cricket team made up of current and past parents, providing an opportunity to socialise and enjoy some cricket, whether as a player or spectator. The team meets regularly for nets at School and plays a number of games against teams, such as the teachers’ ‘Trumpers’ and the OMTs. This is open to all parents, regardless of skill or experience, and new members are always welcome.

At the end of the summer term, the Longstops holds an annual Cricket Awards Event, well-attended by families and staff. They are always keen to welcome new members.

Please contact longstops@mtsn.org.uk

The Scrummers

The Scrummers are the parent committee that supports rugby and the rugby community at Taylors’ and beyond.

Committee members are often found on the touchline on match days or at coffee mornings. Traditionally, the Scrummers organise the Friends Dinner Dance each year in the Autumn Term. This black-tie event features a four-course meal served by the senior rugby team, along with an auction, bar, raffles, and dancing to a live band. It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet other parents and enjoy a well-deserved fun evening out. Everyone is welcome!

The Scrummers are a friendly group, and whether or not you are a great rugby player makes little difference. They simply want to welcome people who enjoy the sport and want to help the boys get the most out of their rugby experiences at Taylors’.

Please contact scrummers@mtsn.org.uk

The Serenaders

Merchant Taylors’ has a vibrant music tradition, and the Serenaders’ Committee is passionate about supporting the Music Department. If you enjoy attending concerts, both formal and informal, are keen to support the Music Department as they provide sensational music opportunities for the boys, or would like to meet parents of boys active in the Music Department, then the Serenaders’ is for you!

They are a cheerful group of volunteer parents who help to promote music in the School, help organise a couple of annual social events, and assist the Music Department when required. In recent times, events have included Quiz Nights and a Jazz Night.

The Parents Choir

The Parents’ Choir is a choir for parents with sons at Merchant Taylors’ or daughters at St Helen’s, and their friends. Such is its appeal that many parents of alumni continue to sing in the choir long after their sons have left School! They perform all year round at major School events, including the Carol Service in December and the Joint Merchant Taylors’ and St Helen’s Concert in March.

No audition is required. If you enjoy singing, just come along and make new friends. Rehearsals take place on Tuesday evenings at 8pm in the Music Department Recital Hall, beginning after the autumn half term for the Carol Service in the Great Hall in December. Look out for more details in Scissorum.

Please contact serenaders@mtsn.org.uk

The Strikers

The Strikers are the Parents Support Group for School hockey, dedicated to fostering parent involvement and commitment, which in turn inspires the boys to develop their hockey skills.

They are often found pitch side, serving teas and coffees while parents watch their sons play. The Strikers also have strong links with the OMT Hockey Club, providing an excellent opportunity for boys to continue enjoying hockey as part of the ‘Hockey Family’.

A highlight of this partnership is the annual OMT Cup, a highly competitive event that marks the end of the season. The School and OMT Hockey Club take turns hosting the match, and over the years it has become a well-supported occasion for both OMTs and parents.

Please contact: strikers@mtsn.org.uk

The Yardarms

In recent years, boys at Taylors’ have had increasing opportunities to engage in Outdoor Education, including sailing, ski racing, mountain biking, climbing, shooting, rowing, kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up-paddleboarding!

The School is fortunate to have several staff members qualified as canoe, kayak, and SUP instructors. Consequently, we are able to train and certify our own students in these disciplines. There are numerous opportunities for boys in all years to get involved with trips at the weekends or in the School holidays.

The Yardarms is the parent support group dedicated to these activities and has traditionally helped organise various Friends’ Events such as ceilidhs and BBQs by the lake.

Please contact: yardarms@mtsn.org.uk

Parents’ Groups