Foundation Focus- Paul Smith

Foundation Trustee, Paul Smiths explains why his connections with Truro School remain important. 

Having moved in retirement to the other side of the country to be nearer our daughter and her family, I was delighted to be invited to join the Trustees of Truro School and thereby retain my links with the school and its former pupils. 

Our time at Truro School will always hold a special place in our hearts as we were blessed to be a small part in the education and development of so many talented and inspirational young people. It is especially important to me to be involved in the Foundation and to play some role in assisting in a scheme which enables Truro School to be more accessible to those who would benefit from such a special start in life. 

I have many fond memories of seeing young people from all backgrounds grow and develop their talents academically, on the sports field or through their musical and artistic gifts. It has also been most heartening, in retirement, to follow the paths of these Old Truronians as they make their way in the world. 

Kathy and I eagerly await our copies of the Truronian and Keeping Connected to follow the careers and achievements of those we remember as shy First years arriving at Truro School. Our conversation often follows a familiar path of “I remember him/her in the cross-country team” or “you will never guess what she/he is doing now!” These are numerous and tremendous endorsements of the foundation that a Truro School education provided and makes me proud to have been a part in it and to continue to make such opportunities available to future Truronians. 

The challenges of the pandemic has taught us much but nothing as significant as the importance of community and keeping connected, and the splendid team at Truro School are to be commended for their tireless efforts to ensure this bond remains strong and purposeful. 

Let us hope that we can soon resume those much-valued reunions in London, Bristol and in Cornwall so that old friendships can be renewed and news exchanged of the many and varied achievements of former pupils. 

Now I am reduced to shuffling around a golf course or volunteering behind the counter in the village shop I have much time to contemplate those memorable years spent in Cornwall and to be grateful to have had the good fortune to lead such a special school for a few years. At a time when it seems fashionable to criticise independent schools it is vital that we continue to fight to preserve such excellence and through the Foundation ensure that it as accessible to as many as possible.  

Mr Paul Smith

Truro School Headmaster 2001-2012