Perkins was born in Barrow upon Soar and went to the University of Cambridge before becoming the rector of Holme Pierrepont, Nottinghamshire, until his death in 1717.

In 1927 the then headmaster, Keeble, introduced a school uniform of black blazer, badge and ties.

On 1 January 2012 Humphrey Perkins became an Academy School and converted to an 11–16 that same year, taking older pupils from September 2013.

[3] Only 14 months later the school was judged as 'good' by the return OFSTED inspection as the improvements that had taken place brought about change.

Nutkins took a strong stance on including creative subjects in the curriculum and is a member of the Heads for Arts national lobby group.