The school community has been shaken by the sudden loss of two of our most respected, loved and long serving former teachers.

Denis Tomlin and Phil Holt between them gave over a century of service and made an enduring contribution to the lives of generations of Silhillians. After retirement, Denis returned as the School Archivist and until very recently, Phil was still covering for absence in the English Department.

To honour their memory, the school has agreed with both families to dedicate two Silhillian Fund Sixth Form bursaries in their names. We hope to provide these in perpetuity so the Denis' and Phil's names become etched in school life forever. The recipients would not only be outstanding scholars and keen to fully engage in the co-curricular life of the school, but also come from a background that would preclude them from benefitting from all we have to offer without financial assistance.

Both men, with great humour, kindness and skill, dedicated their careers to nurturing intellectual curiosity and a lifelong love of learning in all of their pupils. Their success and impact is apparent from all the wonderful letters and messages that have been received from around the world. Even though they are no longer with us, their spirit and passion for education can enhance the lives of future generations of Silhillians through these bursaries.

A special designated fund has been created to receive gifts to help establish this life changing scheme in honour of two wonderful men. Gifts can be made via this page, or if you are eligible for gift aid please contact Lucy Lunt Director of Development & Alumni Relations at luntl@solsch.org.uk or if you’d prefer to speak privately with me, I would welcome your call on 0121 703 2898.

We would very much hope that when we come together to celebrate the lives of Denis and Phil at their respective memorial services, we will be able to announce that thanks to the generosity of our community these bursaries have been fully funded forever.

David EJJ Lloyd

Headmaster