New Deputy Chairs Appointed to Governing Body

Truro School’s governing body is delighted to announce the appointment of two new Deputy Chairs, Martin Ayliffe and Richard Raistrick. Martin and Richard have been on the Board of Governors since 2021 and 2022, respectively, and bring a wealth of experience and passion for education.

Martin Ayliffe is currently a Director at Smart Commercial Property Ltd, registered valuers and commercial property agents, and runs his own specialist project management consultancy in Cornwall, having recently retired as a partner at construction and property consultants Ward Williams Associates. Martin brings extensive strategic estates and facilities experience, having worked in real estate consultancies in London, the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust and the All England Lawn Tennis Club. As a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Martin has served nearly 10 years on the RICS South West Regional Board. Additionally, Martin is a former parent at the school.

Commenting on his new role, Martin said, “I am pleased to take on this new role as Deputy Chair and to give back to a school that means so much to me as a former parent. I’ve seen first-hand the value of a Truro School education and the positive impact it has on its pupils’ lives. With my experience in construction and property, I look forward to supporting the strategic decisions around the exciting new music centre development, which will enhance the school’s already vibrant and award-winning performing arts program and provide even more opportunities for Truro School pupils to thrive.”

Richard Raistrick recently retired as Vice Principal, Academic Director, and Designated Safeguarding Lead at Somerhill. Throughout his career, he has taught across various age ranges, beginning as a Sixth Form Housemaster and English teacher in Yorkshire. He later moved overseas, serving as Head of English at Saltus Grammar School in Bermuda for twelve years. Upon returning to the UK, Richard transitioned into prep school education, where he gained experience as Director of Studies, Housemaster, and Deputy Head at IAPS schools before becoming Head of an IAPS co-educational day and boarding school. He has also been an ISI inspector for over 20 years.

Richard said, “I care deeply about the education that young people receive, and consequently, I feel extremely privileged to be a Governor. This role has enabled me to remain connected to the world of education that has been in my blood for so long, within an environment where I feel encouraged to bring a fresh perspective to strategic decisions. Supporting senior leaders as they constantly seek to improve outcomes for pupils is a huge but wonderful responsibility – and one that I relish. Being a Governor is challenging, interesting, and hugely rewarding.”

Chair of Governors, Richard Thomas, welcomed the appointments and said, “Martin and Richard are vital members of the Governing body and bring a wealth of expertise. To have them both as Vice Chairs demonstrates the commitment of volunteers to the school and shows the strength in depth of the Board of Governance. I have been very lucky to have had Liz Garner and Nigel Ashcroft as deputies in the last four years, and I know that Martin and Richard will operate with the same dedication and expertise.”

The Deputy Chairs will play a key role in shaping the school’s strategic vision and will offer valuable support and guidance to the leadership team. The governing body also expressed its gratitude to the outgoing Deputy Chairs, Liz Garner and Nigel Ashcroft, for their dedicated service over the past several years.