A leading independent prep school in Somerset, offering excellence in education for 2-13 year olds
We warmly invite musicians and artists of all ages to join us on Saturday 8th March for a creative morning of celebration.
A pop-up, community orchestra will enjoy the brilliance of Bizet by playing four movements from L’Arlésienne Suite with pieces specially arranged to suit any orchestral musicians from Grade 2 standard upwards.
There is also an art workshop open to any children in Years 4 to 6 (from local schools) who are interested in creatively exploring the talents of Van Gogh.
The event starts at 8.40am, is completely free of charge and to round off the morning, there will be a concert for family and friends at 1215 in our Theatre.
Places are limited so register here to join the orchestra, and receive a link to the sheet music and mp3 music files. If you have any queries, please contact our Director of Music Mr Julian Shortman at jshortman@perrotthill.com
To join the Art workshop, please email our Head of Art Mr Palmer at tpalmer@perrotthill.com
We look forward to welcoming you to Perrott Hill.
We are absolutely delighted to announce that three of our pupils reached the final of a Creative Writing Competition that was judged by Academy and Emmy Award winner Lord Julian Fellowes.
The challenge was to write a story that started with the sentence “I cannot believe I left the door open” and was judged on originality, imagination, spelling and grammar.
Tessa, Harry and Rose attended an event in Dorchester on Thursday 9 January, hosted by Lord and Lady Fellowes where the final winners were announced.
Rose was one of four prize winners on the day. She received a Highly Commended Award and her thrilling murder mystery story was read out at the ceremony by Julian Fellowes himself.
As Head of English Mrs Byrne said, “We are delighted to see the talent of three of our pupils recognised in this competition.”
“The ability to write for pleasure in an engaging way is a wonderful life skill, and one we actively develop here at Perrott Hill.”
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.
We are pleased to announce that Emma in Year 8 has won an art scholarship to Shebbear College, Devon in recognition of her talent and potential.
Emma arrived at Perrott Hill in Year 6 having not done much art before, but her innate ability was quickly recognised.
“Emma has developed her creativity through a wide range of media, and everything she does in under-pinned by beautiful draftsmanship,” said Head of Art Mrs Palmer.
“She can connect to and recreate any subject, whether that be nature, portraits, still life etc, and at the same time she is also able to create content from her own imagination. It is quite unusual at this age, to be able to do both.
“Her most recent independent study was outstanding. She researched the history of dogs, and how they are depicted in different cultures, and incorporated her own dogs in her final pieces.
“We wish Emma continued success in the future.”
Congratulations to Gabriel in Year 7 who has been awarded a place in the National Children’s Choir of Great Britain.
This prestigious choir brings children aged 9 to 19 together, from across the country to make music under the tutelage of top choral professionals. To qualify, Gabriel went through a rigorous audition process which involved performing a solo piece as well as completing sight reading and rhythm tests.
“While it is no surprise to me that Gabriel has been selected,” said Director of Music Mr Shortman, “I am delighted to see his musical talent and hard work recognised.”
“He sings with confidence and makes a very welcome contribution to music at Perrott Hill.”
It’s that very special time in the year when the youngest members of our school community enchant parents, staff and pupils alike with their telling of the Christmas story.
For this year’s play, our Nursery, Reception, Year one and Year two classes took on The Bethlehem Bake-off: A Light and Fluffy Musical Nativity.
The children were wonderful! They all looked extremely happy as they waved to parents in the audience, remembered their lines and sang with great gusto. Is there anything more heart-warming?
Thank you to our dedicated Pre-Prep team for pulling off such an ambitious performance, and special mention to our Year 8 art scholars who created the most impressive scenery. Most of all, well done to our children who always rise to the challenge and fill us with such pride.
The historic Grundy Hall felt suitably festive when our talented performers took to the stage for our annual ‘Christmas Carols and Readings’.
Described by one parent as “the most magical evening”, our chamber choir got us into the swing of Christmas with their rendition of ‘Let it Snow’ and a beautiful, gentle jazz arrangement of ‘Silent Night’.
Our annual tradition of a sing-a-long of ‘While Shepherds Watched their flocks by Night’ to new tunes continued, with everyone singing ‘While Shepherds Watched Muppets’ accompanied by the Wind Band. And our rock bands ‘Perrock!’ and ‘Perroll!’ and Wind Band gave us a stomping finale of ‘Merry Xmas Everybody’ with Peppy from Year 8 in starring role with the loudest shout of ‘It’s…. Christmaasss!’ down the Grundy Hall staircase.
A memorable evening that left us all feeling full of joy and festive spirit.
Step into the whacky and whimsical world of Victorian Christmas art with our festive workshops, open to everyone! Create your own unique masterpieces to share with friends and family using etching and Victorian pinhole photography techniques.
Workshops are running on Friday 13th and Monday 16th December from 10 to 3pm.
The cost is £40 per person (or £35 each when you bring a friend), which includes all materials, equipment, and mince pies (just bring your own drink and lunch!). Open to children aged 8 and above, from any school. Parents too – everyone is invited to join the fun!
Spaces are limited so email Mrs Palmer to reserve your place or for more details: tpalmer@perrotthill.com
At Perrot Hill our small class sizes mean we really know each child, and can provide them with the individual attention, educational support, and pastoral care they need. We actively celebrate learning, accomplishment, positive attitude, and overall wellbeing. And our vibrant Learning Support Department, with its dedicated team of expert educators, is on site to ensure every pupil has a chance to shine.
“We understand that learning difficulties can arise at any stage of education, and we’re here to help,” explains Head of Learning Support, Mrs Claire Hobson. “Working closely with form tutors, teaching staff, and parents, we can create personalised learning plans that build confidence and help each child to achieve their full potential.”
“Whether it’s implementing dynamic, differentiated teaching methods in the classroom; engaging small groups; or creating personalised one-on-one interventions, we can cater to each pupil’s specific needs. Our lessons are thoughtfully designed with structured, cumulative approaches that incorporate multisensory techniques and ample opportunity for practice and mastery.”
“Expertise within the team means we cover a range of topics including literacy, emotional literacy, numeracy, social skills, speech and language, study skills, fine motor skills and much more.
“Ultimately our aim is to foster independent learning so every child can thrive – both during their time here, and beyond.”
For more details of how our team of experts could support your child’s development, please contact our Head of Learning Support, Claire Hobson, on chobson@perrotthill.com
The nature writer and environmentalist Roger Morgan-Grenville gave a inspirational lecture to all children in Years 2 to 8.
He challenged them to play their part in a taking a more sustainable approach to their life with a myriad of suggestions varying from making hover fly lagoons from milk bottles to avoiding overly packaged food.
Challenge accepted!
Congratulations to Luca, Reggie and James who have all won prestigious 13+ Sports Scholarships to King’s College in Taunton.
All three boys have enjoyed an extensive range of sport at Perrott Hill, and spoke about the part their coaches have played in their success. “Being a small school means we have benefited from lots of individual attention,” said James. “And the sports coaches here have always been so supportive,” added Luca.
In addition to specialist coaching at school, the boys have also progressed through club and county programmes.
Luca (left) who joined Perrott Hill in Reception and James (right) who joined us in Nursery are both part of the Somerset County Cricket Programme and have coaching at at school with Mark Davis, a former professional cricketer. Meanwhile, Reggie who has been at Perrott since Year 1 is a keen rugby player who also plays for Bridport.
“Naturally, we are all absolutely delighted for Lucas, Reggie and James,” said Headmaster Mr McCullough. “We look forward to seeing what they can achieve as they progress to the next stage in their sporting careers.
For more information about the scholarships available here at Perrott Hill, please visit Scholarships & Bursaries – Perrott Hill
