Our Governing Body recently invited Mungo Dunnett Associates, a leading strategic and research company working in the UK independent school sector, to gather in-depth feedback from current parents. Over December 2025 and early January 2026, 220 parents were interviewed by telephone and given the opportunity to share their son’s experience of Merchant Taylors’, repeating a study last undertaken in 2017.
The conclusions are emphatically positive, with Taylors’ emerging as one of the very best schools assessed by Mungo Dunnett and his team from 338 similar studies carried out over the past 15 years. This is a powerful endorsement of the School and a testament to the commitment of staff, pupils and families alike.
Parents continue to choose Merchant Taylors’ for its distinctive balance of academic ambition and breadth of opportunity. Many spoke warmly of a school that is challenging without being a hothouse, combining strong academic standards with exceptional co-curricular provision, particularly in the Performing Arts, Sport, and Design, Engineering & Technology. Our campus, facilities and friendly, collegiate atmosphere were frequently highlighted, especially when contrasted with more narrowly competitive academic environments.
The admissions process was praised for being calm, considerate and reassuring, standing out positively in what can be a stressful landscape for prospective families. Parents also recognised the care taken to help boys settle, particularly in Year 7, with numerous examples of individualised support and thoughtful intervention.
Pastoral care and Learning Support were repeatedly recognised as outstanding. The Tutor system was described as exceptional, with Tutors acting as a consistent and trusted point of support for boys and effective partners for parents. Parents spoke with particular warmth and confidence about the Learning Support provision, praising the care taken in understanding individual needs, the clarity and openness of communication with families, and the close collaboration between specialist and teaching staff. The research team described this as the most exceptional Learning Support provision they have encountered in any mainstream school, particularly rare in an academically selective school. This integrated approach was seen as both highly professional and deeply supportive, enabling boys to thrive academically while building confidence and independence.
Teaching quality more broadly attracted strong praise, with many parents describing staff as inspirational and highlighting the depth of experience and continuity across departments.
There was also positive feedback on the Sixth Form and careers guidance, with parents valuing the academic support and thoughtful advice that helps boys prepare confidently for university and future pathways. Careers provision was valued for its breadth and the quality of advice available, helping boys to make informed and confident decisions about their next steps.
The Performing Arts were also viewed very positively. Parents praised the quality of musical and dramatic performances, the encouragement provided by specialist staff, and the confidence boys gain through involvement in music and drama. These opportunities were seen as an important part of the School’s commitment to developing articulate, well-rounded young men.
Sport remains a defining strength of the School, valued for both its quality and its inclusive culture. Parents particularly appreciated the emphasis on participation, respect and encouragement across all ability levels, alongside the professionalism of the staff who support the boys.
Parents also welcomed the School’s openness to reflection and continuous improvement. Many recognised the complexity of delivering a rich, ambitious education at scale, and valued the way Taylors’ listens carefully, adapts thoughtfully and plans ahead to ensure every boy continues to be known, supported and challenged appropriately as the School evolves.
I am very grateful to parents for the honesty and generosity of their feedback. It is encouraging to see such confidence in the School and in the care our staff provide, and we will continue to listen carefully as we look ahead.
Overall, the research offers a clear and affirming picture of Merchant Taylors’ today: a school with a strong sense of purpose, a deeply committed staff body and a community that values both ambition and care.
