Staff Spotlight: Gregg McCann, Registrar

When did you join Merchant Taylors'? 

I joined as Music Administrator in October 2011 and in May 2013 moved across the road to become Admissions Officer. 

What do you do at Taylors’? What excites you about it? How did you get into it? 

From September 2023 I took on the role of Registrar, and as such am responsible for Admissions to the school. Having spent 10 years in the Admissions Office, I had an in depth understanding of the Admissions process, but it is quite different being responsible for it. I really enjoy meeting candidates who will become the future boys of the school. The transition to senior school can be a stressful time for candidates and their families, I hope that myself and my team add a human touch that helps to guide and reassure. 

Prior to working at Merchant Taylors’ I worked in the Film and Television industry working at the BBC, Warner Bros. and CTV Outside Broadcasts. Whilst a completely different environment, here, I realised that communication skills (and the ability to work effectively within a team and how to manage one) were critical for a successful working life. 

The great thing about working within a school environment is the opportunity to get involved and be part of a genuine community. I have been fortunate enough to sing with the choir in St Paul’s Cathedral, play in the band for school productions and also support PHAB with fundraising events with my band. 

What are you most proud of outside of your work at school? 

When I went to university the first time, I obtained an HND in Video Production from Bournemouth University. Some 20 years later, I completed a degree in Business Practice with the Open University and in 2022 became a Chartered Manager. Studying with a young family and working full-time was a challenge. I hope that I can be an example to my children and to others that hard work and determination does pay off. A career path is not always clear nor defined, sometimes what you are good at helps dictates your direction rather than having a specific destination in mind. 

What did you study at A-Level? 

English Literature, Music, Geography and General Studies (yes that was a thing). 

What piece of media would you recommend and why? 

My all-time favourite film is Gosford Park (dir. Robert Altman, writ. Julian Fellowes). Fantastic performances throughout from a stellar cast. A whodunnit that becomes a who cares whodunnit, people and their interactions are far more important. I have always been a fan of Maggie Smith and she, as always, was outstanding in this film. I was fortunate enough to later work on Downton Abbey for a day and fulfil a lifelong dream of meeting the lady herself.