Telephone Campaign July 2014

From Monday 14th July to Sunday 27th July 2014 Merchant Taylors' School ran its second telephone fundraising campaign. Prior to the campaign, all those who were selected to receive a call were written to and offered the chance to opt out. We felt this was important for both the recipients of the call and our calling team - it was not 'cold calling'; they knew that they would be speaking to OMTs and parents who were happy to receive a call.

Our team of callers did a fantastic job, speaking to hundreds of OMTs and parents over the two-week campaign. The team thoroughly enjoyed the experience and raised over £60,000. Even those who were not able to make a donation during the campaign seemed to appreciate the opportunity to re-connect with the School and find out what its like to study here now.

Campaign Caller Profiles

We recruited a team of 14 callers for the Campaign. They were either in the Upper Sixth Form, so had just left Merchant Taylors', or left School in the last three years. All 14 have taken a very active part in Merchant Taylors' life, getting involved in a wide variety of activities and societies, so we were confident they would find some common ground when speaking on the telephone during the Campaign.

Callum Patel

I was at Merchant Taylors' from 2007-2013 and am currently studying English Literature at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge. Career-wise, all I know at the moment is that I want to work in the City, but there will be time to think about that later! While I was at School, I loved playing hockey and tennis and have continued to play both at university.

Will Copping

I attended Merchant Taylors' School from 2005 to 2012. Having taken a gap year I am now finishing my first year studying Law at the University of Birmingham. I hope to go on to a career in Commercial Law in London, having attended open days at a few firms in the City. At School I had a great U6th in command of the Royal Navy Section of the CCF. At University I write satirically and will be a member of the Pro Bono group and the Law Society Committee for my second year. I am also hoping to start training as a first aid volunteer for St John Ambulance in September.

Rushab Shah

I was at Merchant Taylors' School from 2009 to 2013 and am now studying for a degree in Mechanical/Automotive Engineering at the University of Warwick. I hope to go on to a career in motorsports and carried out an internship with Williams Formular One last summer. I will also be traversing across India in an AutoRickshaw for charity in August. I enjoyed Rugby and PHAB while at School and now play for my university at American Football and am Vice President of our Youth Phab Club.

Max Kellar

I attended Merchant Taylors' between 2008 and 2013, and I am currently studying for a degree in Management Sciences and French at the University of Southampton. I hope to use this to enter a career in international business or perhaps enter the actuarial world, having had internships with Phoenix Group and Actuarial Post. While at Taylors', I captained the golf team, enjoying success in the ISGA Matchplay competition, and I now represent my university golf team.

Ryan Byrne

I was at Merchant Taylors' School from 2007 to 2012 and am now moving into my third year of a Law degree at the University of Bristol. I am currently working towards securing a training contract at a top City commercial law firm. During my time at the School, I was particularly interested in school rugby and maintain a strong involvement in OMT sport.

Amrick Bharj

I was at Merchant Taylors' School from 2008 to 2013 and am currently studying Physics (with a year of study in Spain) at the University of Bristol. I am hoping to continue studying Physics up to PhD level, but am unsure about exactly what I want to do after that. Whilst at School, I particularly enjoyed playing basketball and taking part in the Aid for Tibet Committee.

Tom Brookes

I have just finished my final year at MTS, having been here since 2007 - how quickly time flies! I am hoping to study Geography at the University of Nottingham from September this year, and although I don't yet know which career path it will lead me to, I am looking forward to the adventure and new opportunities. Over my time at MTS I have enjoyed playing football for the 1st XI and participating in everything from music concerts to photography exhibitions.

Ragavan Balendran

Having been at Merchant Taylors' School since 2007, I am looking forward to studying for a degree in Economics at the University of Warwick, results permitting! I hope to go on to a career in finance and investment and I hope to travel as part of work or leisurely. Whilst at School I enjoyed taking part in sports, choir events, and was part of the Phab team which is one of my fondest memories.

Michael Feingold

I was at Merchant Taylors' from 2007 to 2013 and I am currently studying Psychology at the University of Nottingham. I have a profound interest in media, but feel it is still too early to decide which career path I will choose. At School I enjoyed playing rugby and football, both of which I have continued to play at university. I took part in the 2013 telephone campaign and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Khush Shah

I attended Merchant Taylors' from 2004 to 2011 and am now studying Dentistry at King's College London, moving into my fourth year of study. At School, I tried to get involved as much as possible, particularly enjoying Phab and hockey. I have continued to play hockey for my university as well as for the Old Merchant Taylors' Hockey Club. I am looking forward to taking part in this year's telephone campaign and building on the success we achieved last year.

Charles Bennett

Ben Leigh

George Dawson

George Sadler

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