The Mercers' Company
Visit websiteAbout The Mercers' Company
The Mercers’ Company is the premier Livery Company of the City of London, with a history in education dating back to the 16th century. As a significant philanthropic force, the Company acts as a corporate trustee or supporter for a "cluster" of 16 schools and colleges. Its involvement ranges from the direct management and historical foundation of world-renowned independent schools to the sponsorship of modern academies. The Company’s educational mission focuses on providing high-quality governance, pastoral support, and financial grants to ensure young people from all backgrounds can reach their full potential.
Associated Schools(4)
Bute House Preparatory School for Girls is an independent day school for pupils aged 4 to 11, located near Brook Green in Hammersmith. Established in 1958 on land leased from the Mercers’ Company, the school maintains a distinctive non-competitive ethos that avoids academic streaming. The broad curriculum emphasises a well-rounded education, supported by modern facilities including a science laboratory, art studio, and a signature pirate ship playground. While Bute House shares some sporting facilities with St Paul’s Girls’ School, it operates as an independent, mixed-ability environment focused on developing inquisitive and confident learners.
St Paul's Girls' School is an independent day school for girls aged 11 to 18, located in Brook Green, Hammersmith. Founded in 1904 by the Worshipful Company of Mercers, the school is primarily housed in a Grade II listed Arts and Crafts building designed by Gerald Horsley. Its ethos combines academic tradition with a progressive focus on innovation and the arts. Facilities include the Rosalind Franklin Wing, a centre for design and technology. The school maintains a distinguished musical heritage, notably through its association with composer Gustav Holst, a former Director of Music.
St Paul's School is an independent school for boys aged 7 to 18, situated on a 45-acre riverside site in Barnes, London. Founded in 1509 by John Colet, the school emphasises a liberal education and academic scholarship. Its extensive campus includes an on-site boat club, a theatre, and specialised science and music centres. St Paul's operates as both a day and boarding school, with flexible and weekly boarding available for senior pupils. The institution’s historical alumni include notable figures such as John Milton and Samuel Pepys.
The Hall School is an independent preparatory day school for boys aged 4 to 13, located in the Belsize Park area of Hampstead, London. Established in 1889, the school is set within Victorian red-brick buildings and aims to provide a broad, high-calibre education that nurtures curiosity and academic excellence. The Hall School prepares pupils for entry into leading senior schools through a balance of academic rigour, music, and sport. The school is organised across three distinct sites—Junior, Middle, and Senior—and maintains a traditional house system alongside its Church of England foundation.