Meet our Executive Team

Michael Alderson, Executive Head

Before joining Merchant Taylors’, Dr Alderson was Warden (Head) of Glenalmond College in Perthshire, and had previously spent 17 years at Durham School, where he rose to the position of deputy headmaster. Dr Alderson originally hails from the North East and trained and continues to teach as a modern linguist (French and German).

Elizabeth Lynan, Head of Stanfield Preparatory School

Elizabeth joined Merchant Taylors’ as Deputy Head Teacher in 2015, and in January 2019 was appointed Acting Head at Stanfield in its previous structure of a Co-Educational Infant School and a Junior School for Girls. In 2020 Elizabeth was appointed as Head of the newly formed co-educational school at Stanfield.

A history graduate from Durham University, with a Postgraduate Certificate in specialist primary mathematics, and an alumnus of St. Hilda’s School, Liverpool, Elizabeth began working life in banking. Her first academic role was at Runnymede, St Edward’s, Liverpool, where she spent four years as a teacher of infants, before moving to Huyton with Roby CE Primary School, where her roles included PE and Maths Subject Lead as well as Key Stage 2 Leader.

In her spare time Elizabeth enjoys being outdoors with her golden retriever dog, either walking or running and, in the past, has completed several road marathons as well as multi-terrain events. More relaxing interests include gardening and reading.

Bridget Ward, Head of Girls’ School

Bridget Ward has worked in girls’ and co-educational schools, including two years as Deputy Head at Woldingham School in Surrey and three years as the Director of Academic Administration and Compliance at Queen’s Gate School, London. Bridget joined Merchant Taylors’ Girls’ School in 2021 as Deputy Head before taking the role of Head of School at the beginning of the 2022/23 academic year.
 
 

Deiniol Williams, Head of Boys’ School

during his career, Deiniol Williams has served in boys’ and co-educational schools, including four years as the Head of Sixth Form at Wisbech Grammar School and more than seven years as the Deputy Head, Pastoral at the Boys’ School, including a year as Acting Headmaster in 2017-18. Deiniol assumed the role of Head of Boys’ School at the beginning of the 2022/23 academic school year.