Film maker Peter Chadwick spent two years filming life at Summerhill for a documentary entitled “How Summerhill Works”. With footage of school life, interviews with kids, staff, ex-pupils and parents the film demonstrates the Summerhill ethos and shows how kids grow, develop and learn with Freedom, but not Licence. A short trailer and option to purchase the complete film is available on the film makers website.

The story of Summerhill, its unique ethos and the schools successful legal challenge against OFSTED was told in a four-part childrens drama for the BBC in 2007. Much of the filming took place at Summerhill, with some of the students taking on roles as extras. The show went on to win two BAFTA awards. The show is available to watch now on Amazon Prime video.