We are very sorry to share the news of the passing of Michael Perrins (Former Staff 2000-2014)
At Haileybury Michael taught Politics and History, he was HM of Batten, Head of Politics, Director of MUN and OC RAF.
His colleague Alison Baker (Former Staff, HM Hailey, Haileybury Society trustee) describes him as being full of life with incredible energy and huge dedication to his pupils and colleagues, arranging fascinating overseas trips and with a passion for openness and transparency.
The Society sends sincere condolences to Jenny and the family at this difficult time. We will provide further details in due course.
Michael Anthony Perrins (1962-2025) passed away in Cleveland, Ohio on Aug. 3, 2025, surrounded by his wife, Jenny, and three sons: Anthony, Richard and William.
Michael was born Jan. 4, 1962 in Cape Town, South Africa. He attended Rondebosch Boys’ High School and the University of Cape Town, where he received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s in education. On July 18, 1998 he married Albinia Jennifer (Jenny) Pearce in Cape Town.
After graduating, Michael worked in Johannesburg as a script writer on a morning news show for the South African Broadcasting Company. He then moved back to Cape Town, where he became a teacher at Rondebosch, his boyhood school.
His life was defined by adventure. In 1995, he first moved to the United Kingdom, eventually becoming a history teacher at Giggleswick School in North Yorkshire.
In 2000, he and Jenny moved south to Hertfordshire for a position at Haileybury College. Michael worked at Haileybury for the next 14 years as a politics teacher, head of house and squadron leader in the Royal Air Force’s Combined Cadet Force program.
It was at Haileybury that Michael’s interest in Model United Nations grew and evolved. In 2014, he was offered a position at St. Edward High School in Lakewood, Ohio, tasked with expanding the school’s international presence — the role Michael was born for. Over the next 12 years, he introduced his students to six of the world’s seven continents, running trips and exchanges in countries ranging from Uganda to New Zealand, and was foundational to the growth of MUN in the Cleveland area.
For two years, Michael fought lymphoma with fortitude and strength, continuing to plan and attend trips for his students across the globe.
Michael was a man who adored his family. With siblings and cousins usually thousands of miles away, he dedicated himself to maintaining those relationships. His passions lay with travel, and he always included his wife and sons; ensuring they experienced every adventure he could make possible.
He loved his dogs, his braais, and his rugby — becoming a referee in the latter in a side career that spanned 30 years.
He will be remembered as an excellent father; an inspiring teacher; a loving husband; and an intrepid explorer of the world. He will be sorely missed.
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Unless otherwise stated, all content and images on this website and blog © The Haileybury Society, 2024, all rights reserved