A leading independent prep school in Somerset, offering excellence in education for 2-13 year olds
You can get a flying licence before your driving licence, and that is exactly what Cecily intends to do!
She has been captivated by planes ever since she attended her first airshow, aged 2. At which point, she decided she wanted to be a pilot.
Fast forward 8 years and nothing has changed. In fact. she has even persuaded her parents to pay for flying lessons.
She had her first lesson at the age of 8, with Dunkeswell Flying Club, and was thrilled when she able to take control of the plane – under strict supervision of course.
Cecily now understands exactly what she needs to do to get her Private Pilot License b, and we look forward to seeing her achieve this remarkable feat.
At Perrott Hill, children from Nursery through to Year 8 benefit from specialist art teaching.
Our fully equipped art studios mean they can try their hand at ceramics, print making, etching, lino cutting, weaving, architectural drawing and pin hole photography, in addition to fine art drawing and painting. The studios provide a happy, relaxed space where children can experiment, and enjoy conceiving, inventing and creating, and they are always open for them to just drop-in during their break and ‘rest’ times. Often, the younger ones are supported by the older, art scholars (as well as Marty the dog) – which they love.
Here some of our Reception children are showcasing their beautiful hedgehog artwork which is based around their curriculum studies on wildlife and the environment.
“Aside from developing their own creativity, art is a powerful way to teach pupils about the world around us”, says Head of Art Mrs Palmer. “It also educates them to see the beauty in the ordinary, which is a significant life skill.”
“In addition, as a qualified National Geographic Educator, I have access to fantastic resources which allow me to actively promote conservation through art. Something that not only benefits the children, but also the environment.”
To experience our first-class facilities, why not come to our festive-themed Open Morning on Saturday 7 December. Email Emma Picken , our Admission Registrar at epicken@perrotthill.com to book your place.
For the fourth year running, Joe in Year 8 has made it into the National Children’s Orchestra – this year as part of the prestigious ‘main’ orchestra.
Joe plays both the trumpet and the piano so has had a busy few days playing The Last Post in Remembrance Services in Dorchester and here at school.
“Attending the orchestra over the last few years has been a great experience”, says Joe. “I have met like-minded people from across the country, and made some good friends.”
For more details about how we support music at Perrott Hill, and scholarships and bursaries available for exceptional talent, please contact our Admissions Registrar Emma Picken at epicken@perrotthill.com
Staff and pupils from Years 3 to 8 gathered in St. Martin’s Church today, for a special service to mark Remembrance Day.
The local Minister Ian Stobart welcomed children with a reading from John 14.27, before everyone stood to sing I Vow to Thee, My Country.
A wreath was laid by Heads of School Willoughby and Xanthe, then Joe played The Last Post before we all observed a two-minute silence.
During his address, our guest speaker Major (Retd) Sid Keyte spoke about his time in the army, and what Remembrance Day means to him. “This day always reminds me to live my life to the fullest”, he told the congregation, “Which I am sure, those who have sadly lost their lives in war, would want us to do.”
The Senior Choir performed a passage from Bach’s St Matthew Passion, and prayers were led by Prefects Louisa and Peppy alongside the Headmaster, before the second and final hymn Abide With Me.
“Today’s service was a poignant and moving event,” commented Deputy Head Mr Silk. “It concludes a programme of learning, across the curriculum, designed to further enhance the children’s understanding of this annual commemoration.”
It was fantastic to see our friends from Feltonfleet Prep School last week.
Our schools share a unique bond that goes back to WWII, when children from Feltonfleet in Surrey were evacuated to North Perrot Manor, the home of Major Hoskyns, here in Somerset.
When the children returned to their families in early 1945, Major Hoskyns decided to lease the manor house so that it could be used as a school, rather than return to his family seat – a decision that marked the start of Perrott Hill.
Today, we keep that friendship alive by hosting an annual programme of events, from friendly sports matches to the famous Haddock Cup cross-country race. This year we had the addition of a rather bracing slip and slide!
Here’s to many more years of friendship and fun.
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.
Our Autumn Term LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art) Acting Examination results make for impressive reading.
Overall, our pupils achieved six Distinctions and seven Merits. Four of which were for Grade 5, making Eliza, Albert, Xanthe and James the first pupils (since 2019) to have reached this level.
LAMDA lessons are a great way to develop those all-important communication skills, so we are absolutely delighted with these results. Bravo!
We were delighted to welcome Adam Dance MP to the school on Friday.
It was a packed schedule which started with fish and chips in the Grundy Hall, where Adam was joined by the four Year 8 pupils (pictured) who stood as candidates during our school ‘mock election’ in June.
Adam then witnessed a debate in action, as the Year 8 students discussed the motion “Should the Monarchy be abolished?”, before he set off on a tour of the school.
He also joined pupils from Year 3 to 8 in the library to speak about his role as an MP, before taking questions from the floor. One such question was, “What do you think of your fellow politicians?”
Speaking of the visit, Daisie in Year 8 who was acting as ‘Head for the day’ said, “Adam was extremely easy to talk to and knew a lot more about farming and the countryside than I would have expected him to. I would very much like to see him again.”
We certainly second that. It was a fascinating visit for everyone concerned, and we hope to welcome Adam back to Perrott Hill again soon.
Our Year 7 pupils had a fun and highly educational week in France at Maison Claire Fontaine, while developing their language skills and learning about French history and culture. They spent the entire week speaking French – whether that was while shopping in local markets, playing Pétanque, enjoying craft activities, taking part in team challenges or going head-to-head in French-themed cooking competitions. They also got out and about exploring traditional and historical villages including Vezelay and Avallon.
A real highlight of the week was the day spent in Guedelon, a cross-curricular visit which supports their history Common Entrance curriculum, where a 13th-century castle and its environment are being recreated using period techniques, dress, and materials. Mr Finch was in his element!
“The children were great company,” said Trip Leader Madame Brooks. “And it was extremely rewarding to see their language skills and confidence improve as the week progressed.”
This week, Year 6 had the privilege of hearing from local Magistrate Mary Ellis, who gave an insightful talk about the justice system.
The children learned about the role of magistrates, the difference between Crown and Magistrate Courts, and how everything works in practice.
It’s all gearing them up for the Mock Trial in November which will see them compete against five local schools. A much anticipated event, and highlight in the Year 6 calendar.
