A leading independent prep school in Somerset, offering excellence in education for 2-13 year olds
Perrott Hill’s Eco Committee, a passionate group of environmental champions from Years 1 to 8, recently enjoyed a thought-provoking visit to Carymoor Environmental Centre.
Carymoor is a former landfill site where household waste from 1970 to 2020 was buried, covering an area equivalent to around 110 football pitches and reaching depths of up to 15 meters. Today, the site offers a powerful visual reminder of the scale of waste produced over time and the importance of making more sustainable choices.
During the visit, the children took part in a workshop learning about the history of the site and exploring the vital principles of reducing, reusing and recycling. A walk across the grass-covered ‘hills’ of the former landfill helped bring these ideas to life, prompting thoughtful discussions about consumption, waste and environmental responsibility.
The Eco Team also learned how waste management has evolved. Unlike in the past, much of today’s rubbish is now sorted and transported to an Energy from Waste plant in Bristol, where it is burned to generate electricity – a more sustainable alternative to landfill, though one that still highlights the need to reduce waste at source.
The visit provided valuable insight and sparked some meaningful conversations among the children, reinforcing Perrott Hill’s commitment to environmental education and empowering pupils to play an active role in protecting the planet for future generations.
Tickets are now on sale for our 80th Anniversary Celebration Ball Saturday 6th June, 2026
Perrott Hill turns 80 this year, and we’re gathering for a celebration which journeys through the school’s past, present and future. An evening to reconnect and raise a glass to everything this magical school stands for. Arrive to a warm welcome and fizz, while enjoying displays from the archives – glimpses of the moments that have shaped Perrott Hill over eight decades.
Dinner will be a country feast: trestle tables, shared platters, and spectacular outside cooking, proudly sourced from local partners. Between courses we’ll pause for a handful of short toasts,auctions and other entertainment!
As the sun goes down, cocktails, live music and dancing will take us into the night, with firepits and relaxed corners for conversation under the stars.
Dress code: Summer cocktail
Arrival: 7.30pm | Carriages: midnight
Tickets: £95 per person
Year 7 pupils rose to the challenge this term in our annual Public Speaking Competition, delivering persuasive and thoughtfully researched speeches in support of charities close to their hearts.
Eight finalists were selected to present their speeches, each tasked with convincing a panel of judges that their chosen charity was the most deserving of support. With the charities represented by the top three speakers set to become Perrott Hill’s designated charities for the next three terms, there was plenty at stake.
The pupils demonstrated impressive dedication, undertaking thorough research into their chosen causes and crafting speeches designed to inform, inspire and persuade. Their presentations were judged by a panel comprising Mr Mehmed Gokcel, Perrott Hill School Head of Operations; Mr Rob Ford, Chair of Governors; and Mr Olly Woods, Head of ICT, who all commented on the exceptionally high standard of speaking and confidence shown by every finalist.
Following much deliberation, three winners were selected from the eight finalists. The charities they represented will now become Perrott Hill’s chosen charities for the forthcoming school year.
Huge well done to all our Year 7 finalists for their courage, commitment and eloquence, and special congratulations to our top three speakers – Ned, William and Edith – for their outstanding presentations in what was a very closely contested competition.
Year 4 enjoyed an unforgettable educational visit to London, taking in both the Houses of Parliament and the Science Museum.
After an early start and a 6am departure, the children began the day with a walk through central London, spotting some iconic landmarks including Downing Street and the Cenotaph.
The highlight of the morning was a visit to the Houses of Parliament, generously arranged and hosted by The Rt Hon. the Earl of Caithness, Malcolm Sinclair, who put considerable effort into making the visit possible. Accompanied by an official tour guide and the Earl of Caithness himself, the children explored many of the building’s most historic and important spaces, including Westminster Hall, the House of Commons, the House of Lords, the Central Lobby and the voting corridors. His insight and stories helped bring parliamentary history and procedure vividly to life.
After a quick lunch on the coach, the group headed to the Science Museum, where they explored the Who Am I? exhibition and the medical galleries, before a much-anticipated visit to the gift shop. On the way, they also admired the impressive exterior of the Natural History Museum.
It was a long but thoroughly rewarding day, and the children represented Perrott Hill superbly throughout – curious, engaged and brilliantly behaved. A truly memorable trip for all involved.
We are so pleased to announce that five of our pupils reached the final of a Creative Writing Competition, judged by Lord Julian Fellowes and Lady Emma Fellowes.
Their challenge was to write a story that started with the sentence “I will always remember how I felt in that moment…” and it was judged on originality, imagination, spelling and grammar.
Harry, William, Willow, Joe and Jude attended an event in Dorchester where the winners were announced. William was thrilled to hear his story read aloud, by Lady Fellowes herself, and to be announced as one of five winners on the day.
Head of English Mrs Byrne said, “I am so proud of these pupils whose creativity and talent has been recognised and celebrated.”
The DOMVS Story House Writing Competition is an annual event for pupils aged 5-12 that encourages young minds to explore their imagination, sharpen their writing skills and be recognised among some of the area’s brightest talent!
Perrott Hill School is delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Will Silk as Headmaster with effect from April 2026.
As Deputy Head, Mr Silk served the Perrott Hill School community for nearly 15 years. He is an exceptional leader, with a proven track record of nurturing character and creating an environment in which pupils positively thrive. His experience, energy, and vision align seamlessly with the values and aspirations of the school.
He replaces Mr McCullough who has led the school for the last eight years and shown a deep commitment to the pupils in his care.
Mr Silk joins at a pivotal moment in the school’s development. Perrott Hill School is part of the Perrott Hill Education Group. They have recently committed to an ambitious five-year investment and development plan, so this is a very exciting moment in the history of the school as they look to further strengthen facilities and educational outcomes. These plans represent a bold and forward-looking chapter for the school, to ensure pupils continue to benefit from an outstanding, inspirational education. Mr Silk’s tenure as Headmaster will play a central role in shaping and leading this next phase with ambition, clarity and purpose.
“I care deeply about this school and the community connected to it”, said Mr Silk. “To be part of Perrott Hill is to be part of something special. I am proud of the school’s distinguished history, traditions, values and ethos, and look forward to building on this tremendous legacy.”
Speaking of his appointment, Robert Charles Ford, Chair of Governors said, “Mr Silk is dedicated and caring and we feel immensely positive about the future under his leadership.”
Pupils, parents, and staff filled the Theatre to hear from award-winning illustrator George Butler, whose work uses art as a powerful form of frontline reporting from some of the world’s most challenging environments.
During his talk, Butler explained, “Art is a unique way of communicating. One which transcends borders and languages,” a message vividly reinforced by the images he shared. Technically accomplished and emotionally compelling, his illustrations brought his experiences in Syria and Ukraine sharply into focus. Through both his artwork and storytelling, Butler demonstrated how illustration can offer what he described as “gentle, human, more ordinary versions of the truth,” allowing audiences to connect deeply with the lives behind the headlines.
The audience listened in rapt attention, captivated by his accounts of working in conflict zones and the responsibility of visual storytelling. Reflecting on the event, Headmaster Mr McCullough commented, “What a privilege it was to be there.”
Earlier in the day, Butler also spent time with the school’s art scholars, and reminded them that creativity as a powerful way to connect with others.
Thank you George. This was a truly memorable and inspiring day in the life of Perrott Hill.
Christmas Jumper Day, our annual (slightly bonkers, pupil-led) Christmas Show and (highly-anticipated) Christmas lunch all fell on the same day this year, and what a lot of fun we had!
Lots of fabulously colourful knits and accessories appeared as children and staff all joined in the fun to raise money for ‘Save the Children’.
A huge thank you to all our wonderful Prep School musicians and performers, who bring such energy and dedication to this festive season. Their hard work – practising at home and rehearsing at school – helps make this time of year truly special.
Last week, parents were treated to a beautiful evening of carols and readings in a candlelit Grundy Hall, and the term came to a sparkling close with a magnificent Carol Service at St Bartholomew’s Church in Crewkerne.
Now, our performers can look forward to a very well-deserved break.
Father Christmas proved what a hardy chap he is when he braved Storm Bram to pop in and visit the children.
It was incredibly exciting to hear a helicopter overhead and watch it land on our front field, ready for the great man himself (and his two helpers) to disembark. He then stepped in to the Grundy Hall to meet some of the Pre-Prep children and gather up their very important letters.
Thank you so much to Father Christmas (and his friends at RNAS Yeovilton) who provided us all with a magical and memorable day.
