Mrs Sarah Matthews,Headmistress

A very warm welcome An exciting journey awaits your daughter as she enters our school; a vibrant community where intellectual curiosity, collaboration and creativity are encouraged and celebrated.

At Truro High School we pride ourselves on understanding every student as an individual and consider it a privilege to enable them to thrive. We are a school where ambitious goals are realised and students are encouraged to be the best they can be.

Within our halls, girls flourish into confident, resilient and articulate young adults, ready to embrace the challenge of life beyond school with enthusiasm. We are delighted you are considering entrusting your daughter to our care and hope to meet you very soon.

Truro High School is a vibrant community

where intellectual curiosity, collaboration

and creativity are encouraged and celebrated. We are a

school where ambitious goals are realised and

students are encouraged to be the best they can be.

We embolden girls to achieve their very best A place where girls are emboldened to be their authentic selves, we are extremely proud that our students consistently attain high standards academically in all disciplines. But it’s about more than just the lessons.

Last year, girls headed off to some of the UK’s top universities to study subjects ranging from medicine to mechanical engineering, textile design, psychology and criminology. More than a third of the A Level cohort went through our Aspiring Programmes for Medics, Engineers and Lawyers and secured places to study on a number of these highly competitive courses. Nearly 15% of students secured coveted spots to study Masters degrees and all students wishing to pursue a career in the creative arts earned unconditional places at top arts colleges.

We asked our parents to choose any three words to describe a typical student. The most popular choices were Happy, Confident and Polite and we firmly believe that this is a direct result of watching their daughters grow up in an environment where every girl matters and every girl is supported and challenged to become the very best that she can be.

Being a smaller school allows us to provide truly bespoke development for your daughter’s skills, exceptional academic support and first class teaching in focussed classes that enable girls to follow their curiosity way beyond the syllabus. It is this perfect combination that means our students leave with offers to the world’s top universities and results that mean we are considered one of the best schools in the country.

OUR SCHOOL

We asked our parents to choose any three words

to describe a typical student. The most popular choices were

Happy, Confident and Polite.

It’s about laying the foundations to think big and to be bold“There’s no such thing as an average school day and it’s certainly not the kind of place where girls are tied to their desks.”

Prep School is such an important time in any child’s life. It’s a time when they learn how learn. From the very youngest age, we aim to prepare girls for life beyond Truro High – to instil in them learning behaviours and attitudes that will stay with them for life. We teach them to think big and to be bold.

As a school, we encourage girls to develop a growth mind-set, to take on a challenge, to build the resilience to cope when things don’t quite go as planned, to have confidence and to take risks in their learning.

PREP SCHOOL | Ages 4 -11

The Prep School is like one big family – a place where girls discover the joy of learning and take the first steps towards a bright and exciting future. There’s no such thing as an average school day and it’s certainly not the kind of place where girls are tied to their desks.

Our Prep School is situated on the same site as our Senior School and a wide range of subjects, including PE, Art, Science, Dance, Computing and Modern Languages, are taught by specialists as girls progress through the year groups. Lessons often make use of our specialist teaching facilities including our theatre, sports pitches, science labs, swimming pool and much more.

Whether they are exploring the school grounds in their weekly Outdoor Learning sessions, learning the basics of robotics in the engineering workshop or perfecting their moves in the dance studio, we introduce the girls to a wonderful world of exciting possibilities and watch as the enthusiasm spreads across their faces. Learning here really is a journey.

Learning here really is a journey.

PREP SCHOOL | Ages 4 -11

SENIOR SCHOOL | Ages 11 -16

Happiness is right at the heart of the curriculum“We want our girls to be bold and ambitious; to not only have big dreams, but have the skills, resilience and tenacity to achieve them.”

Visitors are always struck by the confidence and drive of our girls and, walking through our corridors, will quickly find that Truro High School is a hive of purposeful activity, brimming with ambitious students.

Taking the next step up to Senior School is an exciting moment for students offering them the opportunity to begin exploring their talents, finding their passion and making their future a reality.

Whilst aiming for, and achieving, the highest standards of academic success are very important, we place the happiness of our students at the heart of the curriculum, preparing the girls for the future and ensuring they flourish in every way.

We encourage our students to become critical thinkers; independent learners who are intellectually curious and who question what they are being told. In an ever-changing world, they will need these skills to adapt and thrive.

We want our girls to be bold and ambitious; to not only have big dreams, but have the skills, resilience and tenacity to achieve them. With everything from enterprise projects and lifeguard training to Oxbridge preparations and bespoke programmes for aspiring medics, lawyers and engineers, our curriculum brims with exciting opportunities to make this possible.

It is these skills, along with tremendous academic results, that empower our girls with the confidence and resilience they will need to tackle whatever challenges may come their way.

We encourage our students to become critical thinkers; independent learners who are intellectually curious and who question what

they are being told.

SENIOR SCHOOL | Ages 11 -16

SIXTH FORM | Ages 16-18

We prepare our students to face their future as confident, articulate leaders in their field“Students can expect their time in Sixth Form to be an inspirational and empowering experience, where independent learning, creativity and collaborations are encouraged.”

Our Sixth Form offers a vibrant new beginning for our students. With our sights firmly on your daughter’s individual aspirations, we provide all she will need to leave ready to face her future as a confident, articulate leader in her field.

The Sixth Form experience is distinctly different to the time spent in the lower years at Truro High and we will look to girls to lead our community. Extensive leadership opportunities are afforded in an all-through school that will allow students’ applications for further study and employment to stand out from the rest.

SIXTH FORM | Ages 16-18

We have a wide range of subjects on offer, from Chemistry to Latin, Textiles to Business Studies and Geography to Psychology. There are also a huge number of qualifications and projects girls can undertake in addition to their studies. These range from the Extended Project Qualification and training to teach English as a foreign language to undertaking experimental scientific research and publishing their findings.

First class teaching, one-to-one tutoring, a bespoke life skills programme and a myriad of opportunities for students to extend their studies beyond the classroom prepare our girls to study at some of the world’s top universities, and be confident to face any challenges that might head their way.

Students can expect their time in Sixth Form to be an inspirational and empowering experience, where independent learning, creativity and collaborations are encouraged. Your daughter will be emboldened to work towards high aspirations and to value the joy of academic challenges, eventually leaving us absolutely ready to embrace her bright future.

Our Sixth Formers have their own separate space where they can study, relax and enjoy downtime with friends. The centre is fully equipped with wi-fi, private study space and a well-stocked kitchen.

Girls eventually leave us absolutely ready to embrace their

bright futures.

The wealth of co-curricular

and enrichment opportunities here

means your daughter will discover and develop

new talents, whilst forming friendships that last

a lifetime.

ENRICHING LEARNING

The spirit of enquiry goes way beyond the classroom “There is a great sense of getting involved at Truro High – right throughout the School. Some students find themselves spoilt for choice and cramming activities into every moment of their school day.”

Whilst we are exceptionally proud of our students’ achievements in the exam hall, we are equally proud that they excel outside of the classroom in all areas. The wealth of co-curricular and enrichment opportunities here means your daughter will discover and develop new talents, whilst forming friendships that last a lifetime.

They can create costumes, play football, construct theatrical sets, design and build cars to race at events around the UK, read ancient Greek, gaze at the wonders of the universe through our telescopes or play in the Jazz band.

As they progress through the school, the range of activities continues to grow and grow, and students are encouraged to take the lead in the areas they are passionate about. They can become creative leaders in the Gold Arts Award, organise outreach work the school is undertaking in Cambodia, qualify to teach English as a foreign language, train as first aiders, canoe through Sweden as part of Gold Duke of Edinburgh, conduct experimental scientific research and so much more.

The range of activities is considerable and is constantly being reviewed and updated in response to demand.

ENRICHING LEARNING

As they progress through the school, the range of activities continues to grow and students are encouraged to take the lead in the

areas they are passionate about.

FUTURE READY PROGRAMME

Equipping girls with skills for life is keyAs a school we believe a key part of our role is to equip the girls with skills for life and to empower them with the confidence and resilience they will need to tackle whatever challenges may come their way in the future.

Our ‘Future Ready’ programme aims to do just this, providing opportunities for girls of all ages to learn new skills, to develop entrepreneurial talents and to be best placed to make informed decisions about their futures.

This ranges from Bikeability courses, online safety and learning to cook in the Prep School to enterprise projects, lifeguard training and organising outreach work in the Senior School. Our Aspiring programmes for medics, lawyers and engineers also provide weekly talks and workshops from industry experts for girls considering a career in those professions.

FUTURE READY PROGRAMME

This year will see the introduction of even more activities designed to help develop the entrepreneurs and business leaders of the future with a series of challenges and competitions.

Alongside this will continue courses in everything from Mental Health First Aid and TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) to practical skills such as how to change a tyre, how to manage a budget and how to shop and cook at university.

These opportunities provide real-life experience and first-hand knowledge that will set the girls apart from the rest when they come to take their next step up the ladder.

Year on year, Truro High School students go on to study at some of the world’s top universities studying courses ranging from Astrophysics and Architecture to Veterinary Medicine, Fashion Design, Classics and Law. A programme of tailored support and one-to-one mentoring is offered to all students including specialist assistance for Oxbridge and Overseas applications.

The majority look for entry to Russell Group and other top-ranking universities. Along the way they are well supported by our Head of Sixth Form and Careers and by a carefully-tailored programme of university guidance and support at both a whole school and department level. In order to ensure pupils make the right decisions they sit accredited psychometric tests followed by one-to-one discussions in Year 11 and have weeks of work experience in both Year 10 and Year 12.

These opportunities will set the girls apart from the rest

when they come to take their next step up the ladder.

ASPIRING PROGRAMMES

Our bespoke Aspiring Programmes open doors Our bespoke programmes for girls wishing to pursue a career in medicine, engineering or law are open to all students to support their successful applications to study these highly competitive courses. Last year, more than a third of the A Level cohort went through these programmes and secured places to study on a number of these highly competitive courses.

Working in partnership with industry experts and professionals, we offer a tailored calendar of lectures, workshops, mentoring and one-to-one support to best prepare our students for the applications and interviews ahead.

Guests ranging from the Head of British Cycling to the former Government heart tsar Sir Roger Boyle have all visited the school to pass on their expertise. Other weeks have seen our budding lawyers going behind the scenes at the Crown Court while their engineering colleagues pay an after-hours visit to one of the county’s biggest engineering plants.

These comprehensive programmes provide girls with the personalised support and in information they need to select the best path for them and then identify, and prepare for, the specific requirements of their chosen place of study. This includes one-to-one mentoring with industry specialists, lectures, practical workshops, additional tuition for entrance exams, unlimited online mentoring and a full programme of work experience.

We offer a tailored calendar of lectures, workshops, mentoring and one-to-one support for girls wishing to pursue a career in

medicine, engineering or law

CREATE

Creativity sparks learning It is perhaps no surprise that a school in Cornwall has a strong pedigree in the Creative and Performing Arts. Creativity is at the heart of learning at Truro High and our excellent reputation in the Arts is well-founded – last year, we were again the biggest prize winner at Falmouth University’s CreatEd Exhibition winning three major awards and sixteen highly commended.

Dance, Drama, Art, Textiles and Music are all taught by specialist teachers throughout the Prep School, Senior School and Sixth Form offering practical and critical learning experiences to inspire imaginations and hone creative skills.

The department includes a theatre, state-of-the-art music technology suite, pottery studio, dark room and a dedicated Sixth Form studio that is larger than many undergraduate art spaces.

Performance is a key part of the curriculum, instilling girls of all abilities and ages with the confidence to create, collaborate and take the lead in order to produce highly professional productions. Every year, the school hosts a glittering dance show that involves girls from ages 4 to 18. The annual school production also offers students the chance to take to the stage and has opportunities for student actors, musicians, costume designers, set designers and technical crew.

Extra-curricular opportunities don’t stop here and clubs also include Ukulele band, LAMDA, Photography, private music tuition, animation and many more.

Students are also encouraged to develop their leadership skills in the Creative Arts as part of our Gold, Silver and Bronze Arts Awards.

CREATE

Performance is a key part of the curriculum, instilling girls of all

abilities and ages with the confidence to create, collaborate and take the lead.

COMPETE

Whatever her ability, we believe that ‘this girl can’Firm believers in the mantra that ‘this girl can’, sport plays an important role in the lives of our students. Whether they represent their country as part of a national squad or simply relish the thrill of honing their skills at a brand-new sport, our team of top level coaches ensure that getting active and pushing boundaries are seen as both indispensable and enjoyable. The department is led by Kat Barbery-Redd, winner of England Hockey’s prestigious national Coach of the Year Award 2019.

Aware of the value sport adds to every student’s education, we offer a wide and varied programme of sporting activity designed to stretch and challenge even the most able.

Hockey, netball, football and athletics are amongst the most popular, but options range from golf and sailing to street dance and yoga. The School has its own all-weather astro pitch and a 22.5 metre swimming pool, as well as a sports hall, dance studio, tennis/netball courts and football pitch.

We have more than our fair share of sporting stars and our Prep and Senior school teams regularly make it to the regional and national finals, as well as students earning individual places in the West of England and, indeed, UK squads. To support the aspirations of these top sportswomen, our Elite Sports Pathway Programme offers one-to-one mentoring in order to help girls manage their busy schedules playing for the country’s top teams.

All of our hockey teams have reached regional, and for some national, finals this year with our Netball, Football and Athletics squads close behind. Students who are part of our brand-new Swim Squad also continue to thrive at regional and national competitions with the support of Cornwall’s leading swim coaches.

COMPETE

Huge numbers of our hockey teams have reached regional, and for some national, finals this year with our Netball, Football and Athletics

squads close behind.

Nestled just a 5 minute walk from the heart of Cornwall’s

cathedral city, Truro, our girls have shops, cafés and

culture all on their doorstep and endless golden beaches are just a

10-minute drive away

BOARDING

For our boarders, we really are their second family“In boarding, it is just like a family – we help each other with homework, we hang out together, watch films and go out so it’s very hard to feel lonely.” Jasmine, Boarder

Boarding at Truro High offers students from all around the world the opportunity to achieve exceptional academic success and grow up in a beautiful part of the world.

With many en suite bedrooms, exciting weekends out and a great family feel, our two boarding houses are always popular. Whilst small, boarding is at the centre of our community – it is a warm and nurturing environment that offers a real home from home for girls who join us from almost every continent in the world to be part of the Truro High family.

While many students are day girls, the boarding houses remain very much at the heart of the school. Girls and House Parents eat together in the Dining Hall with a mix of eight different nationalities living and learning side by side. Years 11-13 occupy Rashleigh House, which has single and double study bedrooms, all with en suite facilities. Both houses are equipped with wi-fi, though for the young boarders in Dalvenie this is restricted to communal areas.

We don’t see the girls as being from different countries – they are all part of the boarding family and, at school, our students are excited to have friends from all over the world.

Some girls just board occasionally or on weekdays, but the majority choose to stay in school full-time and at the weekends there’s certainly no slowing of the pace. From horse-riding on the beach to paintballing and from ice-skating to climbing, the activities menu is long and tempting and with Cornwall as the backdrop there’s little wonder they love it so much.

“It’s never boring with so many activities. We’re really like a big family and there are always so many sisters round so when you feel homesick or have questions you can just come down and talk to them.” Lena, Boarder

We don’t see the girls as being from different countries – they are all part of the boarding family and, at school, our students are excited to have friends from

all over the world.

BOARDING

GETTING HERE

Getting to Truro High is hassle-free and quicker than many trips across LondonTravelling to Truro High is quick, easy and hassle-free. Many of our international students fly into London Heathrow where they can either be picked up by minibus, take the train to Truro or board a 45 minute transfer flight from London Heathrow to Cornwall.

Students living in the Greater London area may choose to board with us on a weekly basis and, with just a short flight from Newquay or train journey from Truro, can be home in time for Friday night supper in SW1.

Our day girls come from a huge catchment area too – right from the very west of Cornwall to Wadebridge, Padstow, Fowey, Liskeard, St Ives, Helston and Falmouth. Some girls come to school by car whilst many make use of our school bus services and public transport via train.

WHY CHOOSE ALL-GIRLS?

In girls’ schools, girls have all the opportunities We firmly believe that girls’ schools can do much more for equality than co-ed schools. Our girls can try and succeed at anything and everything. This is particularly important during the teenage years when gender stereotyping starts to take hold.

The pressures on young people today are immense and certainly considerably greater than they were even ten years ago. In a girls’ school, girls are free from some of the social and societal pressures they might otherwise feel. They can remain children for longer. Our Year 8 students still go out onto the fields at lunchtimes to do cartwheels.

Girls’ schools are often viewed from the outside as overly-safe, old fashioned environments and academic hothouses. This perception could not be further from the truth. Whilst girls’ schools do offer a place where girls can build confidence and flourish academically, at the same time they are places where girls get stuck in and have a go; where they commit fully to their passions; where they are prepared to truly aim high. They go on to lead the way in all fields. Examine the women in the top echelons of any field and you will find a disproportionate number who attended girls’ only schools.

THE NEXT STEP

What’s the next step?The next step is to experience the buzz around the school grounds for yourselves and our Headmistress, Mrs Sarah Matthews, would be delighted to meet with you and your daughter before taking you on a private tour of the school.

To book your tour or for more information about joining Truro High School please contact Mrs Jo Norriss, our Executive Assistant, by calling 01872 242902 or email registrar@trurohigh.co.uk.

To Mrs Norriss, there is no such thing as a silly question and she is here to help with everything from tours and taster days to the selection of school uniform and advice on school buses.

Please do not hesitate to contact her with any queries you may have and we hope to see you in school very soon.

Truro High School for GirlsFalmouth Road, Truro, TR1 2HU

01872 242902 trurohigh.co.uk