Celebrating 50 years
2026 marks a golden milestone in Herne Hill School’s history. For 50 years, we have focused exclusively on developing children to their best potential, launching them on a trajectory of happy, healthy and balanced lives. It’s time to say thank you and celebrate!Thank you…
… to every pupil whose future we have had the privilege to shape!
… to their parents for working with us so collaboratively to that end and entrusting us with this huge responsibility.
… to all our current and former staff for your love, care and dedication. You have always been the School’s greatest asset, creating that special friendly, happy, family-feel environment in which young children thrive best.
… and to our founders, Phyll Bennett and Chris Ratsey, along with their husbands Garry and David, for having started it all in 1976! We are grateful for your enduring foundational gifts.
1976—2026: Celebrating 50 years of Herne Hill School
To reminisce on the School’s 50-year journey, we invite you to watch two short videos featuring Phyll and Chris.
In the first, our Director Dominik Magyar reflects on the School’s foundational pillars and how these have informed the present. If you are inspired by the lines from Kahlil Gibran’s beautiful poem “On Children”, you can find it on our Aims, ethos and safeguarding page.
In the second film, Phyll and Chris return to the School and share how it all began.
Our foundations of 50 years
Our Director Dominik Magyar reflects on the School’s foundational values and ethos.
How it all started
Herne Hill School’s founders Phyll Bennett and Chris Ratsey return to the School and explore how it all began.
Saturday 16 May 2026: Golden Anniversary Open Day for former pupils, parents and staff
For anyone connected with the School, past or present, we are holding a special Open Day for you to visit your past stomping grounds, bump into old friends and colleagues, and see how we the School has evolved.
On the day, you can expect to catch up with our founders Phyll and Chris as well as our former Headteachers Vivien Tabone and Jane Beales. We intend to offer tours in groups for alumni from similar periods at Herne Hill School.
To help us gauge the likely number of attendees and plan the day, please complete our preliminary registration form ASAP – and please spread the word to fellow alumni!
You can expect to hear from us nearer to the event with further details.
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please email our event team at [email protected].
Preliminary event registration
Share your photos, memories and stories
We would love to hear how our alumni pupils and parents have fared since leaving the School.
For the “Book of Congratulations” we plan to assemble, please share your story and how the School and the friendships you made here have impacted it.
If you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please email our event team at [email protected].
