A leading independent school in Somerset, offering excellence in education
We are pleased to share the news that Zachy in Year 6 has been invited to continue with Exeter City FC for another year at Under-12 level. This is a tremendous achievement and reflects his ongoing commitment, and enthusiasm for football.
He received the confirmation in a particularly memorable setting, just before coming out of tunnel as a mascot at the Real Betis vs Real Madrid match in Seville last weekend. It was an exciting experience for him to be involved in such a major fixture, where he also had the opportunity to meet some of his footballing idols including Jude Bellingham, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kylian Mbappé, and Héctor Bellerín.
We are delighted for Zach and look forward to seeing him continue to enjoy his football and development in the year ahead.
As Head of English here at Perrott Hill I am incredibly protective of ‘reading rest’ – our pupils’ daily allocated reading time – and here’s why.
It doesn’t just affect English results. It has a huge impact on children’s ability to progress and access the curriculum in every subject, even subjects which don’t appear to involve literacy.
Renaissance Learning, the company behind the hugely popular Accelerated Reader programme that we use here at Perrott Hill, have assessed the impact of daily reading.
Their analysis of more than 2.2 million students found a clear dividing line: Children reading fewer than 15 minutes a day made progress below the national average. At 15 minutes and above, gains rose sharply and kept rising.
The cumulative impact is staggering:
· A child who averages 30 minutes or more of daily reading over their school career will encounter around 13.7 million words
· A child reading fewer than 15 minutes will meet just 1.5 million.
That 12-million-word gap shapes vocabulary, comprehension, oracy and confidence, not just reading levels.
Aside from the sheer enjoyment, and the way in which books can transport us into new and wonderful worlds, this is why we value and prioritise quiet reading time. Fortunately, we know it is something our parents do too and by re-enforcing this at home, we are creating a shared ethos, and building a strong foundation for our children’s future.
This April, we welcome Mr Silk back to Perrott Hill as Headmaster. Having served the school as Deputy Head for 15 years, he already knows it well. Ahead of his arrival, we caught up with him to ask a few questions.
What does Perrott Hill mean to you?
I care deeply about this school and the community connected to it. To be part of Perrott Hill, is to be part of something positive and purposeful, something that is greater than ourselves but from which we all benefit. I also feel great personal pride in its distinguished history, traditions, values and ethos.
What do you enjoy most about working in education?
Seeing young people achieve their full potential – not just academically but personally too – is deeply rewarding. It is why I believe so strongly in the importance of a rich and varied co-curricular programme so pupils can discover where their interests lie, and have an opportunity to develop their own unique talents.
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe in a child-centred approach to teaching that is tailored to the needs of the individual, encourages their curiosity and is relevant to the world which they inhabit. I am also a great believer in the value of what happens outside of the classroom, and the lifelong lessons they teach children on how to navigate the world around them.
What do you believe are the most important values for schools to instil in children?
Good manners never go out of fashion. Being kind and polite, listening carefully to the views and opinions of others and showing consideration and respect will serve children well. This also includes good table manners! I believe we should always have high expectations of behaviour, as invariably the children will rise to meet them.
In addition, having a positive attitude and being willing to ‘have a go’ – whether that is in the classroom, on the sports field or the stage – is another important value to instil in children. I want children to leave school as enthusiastic, life-long learners who embrace every opportunity they are given.
What are the benefits of attending a school in a rural setting?
Since 1946 our rural setting has shaped and defined the education we provide. It’s part of our mission statement as this historic estate, with 28 acres of fields, formal gardens and woodland, gives children ‘time and space for a full education’. In part this means spending time outside – the health benefits of which are well documented.
Our wonderful setting always allows us to provide ‘a proper childhood’. One that is filled with a sense of freedom and adventure, and when our alumni return and reminisce about endless, carefree sunny days outside, we know we have achieved that.
How do you like to spend your spare time?
Out of school, in the hours of daylight and when not on family holidays in North Cornwall, you can usually find me in the garden, clad in overalls and wellington boots indulging my inner farmer. As the light goes the chances are you will find me by the fire with a good book.
What is your vision for Perrott Hill?
Perrott Hill School is part of the Perrott Hill Education Group, who 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. Being part of an international group of schools means we can maintain the ‘magic’ of Perrott Hill while also providing pupils with a first-class education that equips them for the future.
My vision is that over the next five years we will broaden horizons and increase opportunities for pupils, while being relevant to the needs of the community we serve. I want to celebrate our history and heritage while growing the school so that generations of children to come can benefit from the education we provide here.
The motion, This House Believes that technology is harmful to the environment, sparked some thoughtful, well-researched arguments from both sides.
Pupils explored not only the challenges technology presents, but also how innovation, including AI, can help us better understand and address environmental issues.
There were some well thought through questions and points addressed from the floor which contributed to the lively discussion.
Ultimately won by the Proposition with a 75% majority.
If we may say so ourselves, this year’s production of Matilda was completely fantastic. So much so that the cast received standing ovations during both performances.
The whole production was bursting with brilliant singing and dancing and all the humour you expect from Roald Dahl.
There were some stand-out individual moments, and super-slick group performances.
A huge well done to our wonderful cast and to Head of Drama Mrs Durrant for bringing it all together.
The children exceeded all expectations, and gave us a show to remember.
The amazing Onatti Theatre Productions visited us to perform a play – entirely in French – for all pupils in Years 2 to 8.
The story follows a young man who had become stranded on a French coast and the colourful characters he meets along the way as he tries to find his way back to his family.
The children loved it and there was plenty of lovely participation throughout the performance, with everyone doing their best to guide him along his way – all in French, of course.
Brilliant as always, from Onatti, and it was wonderful to hear the buzz of French being spoken around the school throughout the rest of the day.
Pupils were drawn into a world of escape rooms and adventures when the award-winning children’s author Christopher Edge came to visit. And they were challenged to solve puzzles – just like the characters in his books.
Mr Edge also shared how his ideas grow from everyday thoughts and experiences, and explained how he writes his books, building the twists and turns that make his stories so exciting.
It was a brilliant day, and Mr Edge certainly inspired all the children to start thinking about recording their own adventures and escape room stories.
Sidney in Year 8 has won the national ‘Time to Write’ competition (in the Years 7, 8 and 9 category), organised by the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS) and the Independent Schools Examinations Board (ISEB). Sidney won this coveted award with his story, The Red Thread, and will now see his story turned into an illustrated book. He will also receive an audiobook player, audiobooks and a set of accessories; an Oxford Dictionary and a personalised winner hoodie from competition sponsor Team Elite.
Thanks to Sidney, Perrott Hill School will receive a set of books from Oxford University Press.
In addition, Tess in Year 6 achieved a highly commended in the Years 5 and 6 category for her story The Hole in the Ground – a classic mystery story with disappearing villagers and an unexpected twist ending.
“We know these winners are picked from entrants from across the country” said Head of English Mrs Byrne, “So to have the talents of not one, but two pupils recognised is really wonderful news.”
You can visit the Time to Write 2026 website for more information.
We have recently received a fluffy of positive news from Senior Schools regarding 13+ scholarship outcomes and it has been a real pleasure to celebrate these achievements.
Jemima: Music Exhibition to King’s School, Bruton
Esme: Art and Design Scholarship to Sherborne Girls
Sidney: Headmaster’s Award and Sport Scholarship to King’s College, Taunton
Saul: Sport Scholarship to Taunton School
Hughie: Art Scholarship to Taunton School
In addition (not pictured):
Raffi: Art Scholarship to King’s School, Bruton
Luca: Art Scholarship: King’s School, Bruton
“Warm congratulations to all those who have been recognised for their hard work and talents,” said Headmaster Mr McCullough.
“My very best wishes to those still awaiting results. Watch this space for further updates.”
We are delighted to confirm that our Learning Support Department has been awarded Runner-Up in the ‘Great for SEND’ category in the 2026 Best of the Best Prep Schools awards by The Week.
This is a tremendous achievement particularly in light of what we understand was an exceptionally competitive year, with the publication “inundated with fantastic submissions.”
Notably, the overall winner of this national award is a specialist school in central London – the first of its kind – which makes us especially proud to be recognised alongside some of the leading SEND providers in the country.
“I am delighted to see our Learning Support Department receive the recognition it so richly deserves,” said Headmaster Mr McCullough.
“My warmest congratulations go to the team led by Mrs Hobson, and to the pupils themselves, who respond and adapt so positively to the strategies put in place for them.”
Full details can be found in the Spring/Summer 2026 issue of The Week Independent Schools Guide.
