Sir William Perkins’s School Marks 300 Years by planting 300 trees and staging Inaugural Founder’s Day

At Chertsey Recreation Ground, Head Ms Debbie Picton and the Mayor of Runnymede, Cllr Margaret Harnden, planted the final trees in a series of 300, joined by Year 13 and Eco Committee students. “This act reflects our commitment to sustainability and giving back to the community,” said Ms Picton.

Following the tree planting, the school community gathered for the first-ever Founder’s Day, held at Guildford Cathedral. This formal occasion featured music, drama, readings, and reflections from students, staff, alumni, and special guests, including Ms Anna Leach, Chief Economist at the Institute of Directors and alumna of the school. Founder’s Day will become an annual tradition, celebrating the legacy of Sir William Perkins, who founded the school in 1725. As a successful Chertsey merchant and Tallow Chandler, Sir William Perkins set out to transform the lives of young people in this community. His vision was simple yet radical: to provide free education and clothing for 25 poor boys of the town, and, just a decade later, for 25 girls as well - a remarkable commitment to education for all, at a time when such opportunities were rare.

As a Tallow Chandler, he was part of a centuries-old craft that brought light to homes and communities, and it was fitting that the service included the lighting of candles by members of the school community - candles generously donated by the Worshipful Company of Tallow Chandlers.

As part of its tercentenary celebrations, the school community has undertaken a year of charitable efforts, with students and staff pledging to contribute at least 1,725 hours of volunteering - a number chosen to reflect the year of the school’s founding and exceeded by some way. “These hours have supported a wide range of local causes, from environmental clean-ups and food bank collections to mentoring and community outreach programmes, reflecting the philanthropic mission of the school’s Founder, Sir William Perkins.” Said Ms Picton. This initiative highlights the school’s enduring values of service, generosity, and civic responsibility, and its ongoing mission to make a meaningful contribution to the wider Chertsey and Runnymede communities.

In addition to this outstanding volunteering achievement, the year has been marked by a series of memorable events that united the school community. Highlights include a 300-themed Jamboree Day, an Alumni Afternoon Tea, the 300 Book Reading Challenge, a bikeathon covering 1,500km raising over £1,500 for charity, and a music concert at Sinfonia Smith Square in London. Year 7 students also took part in Curiosity Week, a cross-curricular programme themed around the 300th anniversary, with their work contributing to the SWPS history exhibition at Chertsey Museum. From uncovering a historic school bell to the ongoing search for the founder’s missing portrait, each initiative has celebrated SWPS’s rich heritage and forward-looking spirit.