Sam West's (2009-2016) Merchant Taylors' Story
‘As someone who hadn’t even considered an independent education, my 100% bursary was the bridge that enabled me to benefit from the outstanding education and environment that Merchant Taylors’ provides.’ – Sam West, June 2023.
When my mother and I were looking at secondary school choices, independent schools were simply not an option, due to my family’s financial circumstances. However, a friend who was applying to MTS encouraged me to do some research and I discovered that the school offered 100% bursaries. When I attended the open day, I remember being overawed by the facilities – it was such a contrast to my primary school, and I knew I wanted to come here. I still vividly remember opening the letter that confirmed my 100% bursary, and I still have that letter today.
I later discovered that the then Head Master, Stephen Wright, had told my mother that I wasn’t one of the boys who scored highest in the tests, but in interview he felt I had potential. I’m pleased to say I realised that potential by securing three A*s in my A-Levels, and won the politics prize in Lower Sixths. I really don’t think I would have achieved these results if I hadn’t come to Merchant Taylors’.
My primary school was a small Jewish state school with just a few hundred pupils and a small footprint, so when I first came to Merchant Taylors’, I found it quite intimidating and felt a bit like a fish out of water. What helped my transition to a very different school environment was my tutor, Mr Kyriacou, who really cared for my wellbeing. Later in my MTS journey I had the support of my Head of House, Mr Tyler, also my English teacher. I had faced difficulties in English due to me being dyspraxic and it is a testament to Mr Tyler’s dedication and skill as a teacher in supporting me that I succeeded in gaining GCSE A*s in English Language and English Literature. I really have Mr Tyler to thank for that, and many of my friends also held him in high regard. We were all very saddened to hear of his passing.
Another factor that helped me develop my potential in those early years was that I had good relationships with my teachers – they were always willing to provide one-on-one communication and support, and they gave me the confidence to ask questions. They were really determined to ensure that no one missed out. I entered the school quite a shy person, but the environment developed my confidence so that, by the time I reached the Sixth Form, I was happy to mix with my whole year group and to speak up more in class. There is something about the environment at Merchant Taylors’ that builds your confidence and helps you to develop and grow as a person.
A pivotal influence for me at Merchant Taylors’ was my politics teacher in the Sixth Form, Mr James. I already had an interest in politics, but his passion for the subject and his ability as a teacher inspired me to realise that working in politics was something that I wanted to do. It meant that when I finished university, I knew exactly what I was going to do. I now work as the Head of Legislative Strategy at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero. I am so proud to be working on an area so important for our future and to be able to play a part in making the world a better place. I have Merchant Taylors’ to thank for bringing me to this point.
In 2018, when the opportunity to take part in the school’s telephone fundraising campaign arose, I jumped at the chance. It was my first ever paid job, and I found the two-week campaign really fulfilling, and an excellent chance to develop my communications skills. As a bursary recipient, to have the opportunity to talk to OMTs and parents about what a difference it had made to my life, and to ask them to consider supporting, was a chance to give back at a time when I couldn’t support the bursary programme myself. I was proud of my role in the calling team.
As someone who hadn’t even considered an independent education, my 100% bursary was the bridge that enabled me to benefit from the outstanding education and environment that Merchant Taylors’ provides. If the pathway I have taken was not open to others, that would make me very sad. It is vital that the experience I benefitted from should be open to anyone who has potential and who is willing to work hard to make the most of what an independent education provides. For those supporting bursaries, thank you for investing in talented young people, it really does change lives. I hope that through my work in politics I can have a positive impact on the future.