A leading independent prep school in Somerset, offering excellence in education for 2-13 year olds
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.
In ceramics, Year 1 have been making Dvia lanterns and learning about their significance during the Hindu Festival of Lights (Diwali) where they symbolise prosperity, enlightenment, and the triumph of light over darkness.
A huge thank you to James Purefoy who joined us last week to read from Island of Whispers by Frances Hardinge.
Described as a ‘A grown-up gothic fairy tale’, this was listed as one of The Guardian’s ‘Five Best Young Adult Books’.
Set on the island of Merlank, the Dead must not be allowed to linger. The very sight of their ghosts can kill you. But when young Milo is thrust into the role of Ferryman following his father’s sudden death, he is the one who must carry away the Dead. Pursued by a vengeful lord and two malignant magicians, Milo must navigate strange and perilous seas where untold threats whisper in the mist. Does he have the courage and imagination to complete his urgent mission?
Mr Purefoy’s reading was completely captivating and you could have a heard a pin drop as the children gathered around the fire in the Grundy Hall. A magical session which we all thoroughly enjoyed.
To find out more about how we inspire a love of reading and literature, why not book a visit.
Last week ended with a fantastic and highly interactive science show, given by the Head of Chemistry at Blundell’s School.
Children gathered in the Theatre and were kept spellbound by an array of sensational experiments. A really entertaining way to bring science to life.
As part of our wider investment plan, we are delighted to announce the arrival of two brand-new, 16-seater minibuses, with a third due for delivery in January. These new vehicles will be used throughout the week for sports fixtures, school trips, and other off-site opportunities.
In addition, we are currently reviewing our school-run routes with a view to expanding the service. If this is something you might be interested in, please contact our Facilities Manager Mr Josh Lovatt, by email at jlovatt@perrotthill.com
Nearly 80 years ago, Bill and Nora Grundy planted the seeds of what would become Perrott Hill and today their vision lives on through Perrott Hill Education, a growing network of schools that currently span Prague, Madrid, and Vilnius in Lithuania.
This month, their son, John Grundy, travelled to Prague to celebrate a milestone at the Perrott Hill British School: the opening of its new library, aptly named The Grundy Library.
During his visit, John fondly recalled his own childhood at Perrott Hill, sharing memories of riding ponies and playing cricket on the school grounds. He spoke with genuine delight about how the school’s vision for the future continues to reflect the values his parents instilled so many years ago.
Before leaving, Mr. Grundy presented the school with copies of two paintings completed in the 1970s depicting his parents. A lasting tribute to a family whose passion for education continues to inspire.
