The benefits of a rural setting

Since 1946 our rural setting has shaped and defined the education we provide. It’s set out in 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.

Connection to our environment is embedded in the curriculum. Our Forest School programme involves weekly lessons in the woods to promote independence, resilience, teamwork, and confidence. Children light and cook on open fires, whittle wood, and build dens. Our lawns are in constant use – for lessons, science experiments, battle re-enactments, capture the flag competitions and ‘slip and slide’ days, to name a few activities, while drama productions and the annual ‘Perrott Promenade’ concert take place in locations across the site.

Extra-curricular clubs also connect children to their rural surroundings. In Growing Club (run by one of our gardeners), they grow fruit, vegetables, and flowers. Nature Club sees them roaming the grounds observing, identifying, and recording plants, animals, and insects. Nature Craft Club gets them foraging for natural materials to use in craft projects, while a popular Great Outdoors Club develops strategy and turn-taking, as they enjoy ‘fresh air and great outdoors’. Further afield, our Young Farmers’ Club visit working farms to gain practical, hands-on insights into agriculture.

We aim to provide ‘a proper childhood’, and when our alumni return and reminisce about endless, carefree sunny days outside, we know we’ve achieved that.

To understand how we could support your child’s education, come along to our festive-themed Open Morning on Saturday 7 December.

Please contact our Admissions Registrar, Emma Picken, on 01460 72051 or by emailing admissions@perrotthill.com to reserve a place.