The Perse School

“Older and wiser… a school that is 399 not out has seen a lot of history. With 400 years of teaching and learning experience,
The Perse is well placed to look beyond educational fads and concentrate on what makes a great school.

No school can be better than the sum of its teachers, and this edition of OP News includes the obituary of the remarkable
Keith Symons who created the CCF Naval Section and used it to develop teamwork, communication, leadership, resilience, and
independence. Brilliant teachers inspire young minds, and The Perse is fortunate to have so many enthusiastic, committed, and caring staff.

Great schools know that talents come in many different shapes and forms. We are delighted that four Perseans have been
selected to represent the UK in academic Olympiads, and that Perse teams reached the national finals in indoor hockey, outdoor hockey, netball, and golf competitions. Beneath the headline
successes great schools value the achievements of all their pupils
emphasising that endeavour matters most of all.

Great schools need excellent facilities to maximise pupillearning. We are very excited about our performing arts centre
project, and the high class performance, assembly, lecture, exhibition and social space it will create. Designed by Stirling
Prize winners Haworth Tompkins, the performing arts centre will transform The Perse site.

But schools are nothing without pupils. The Perse benefits from being a community of talented children who spark off one another to achieve great things. It is right that in our 400th year we are working hard to increase our means-tested bursary provision so that the benefits of a Perse education are open to all children
irrespective of family wealth.

Ed Elliott
Headmaster”