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Welcome to the School's online archive which features highlights from our collection. It's not just dusty documents in the archive. Explore a range of photographs, articles, transcriptions and online exhibitions below, and find out more about the school since it started in 1880.
Truro Wesleyan Middle Class College opened its doors to 35 boys on 20 January 1880 in a chapel schoolroom in the centre of the town. The school quickly grew in size and the present site was bought in 1881 and opened the following year. In 1931 the name of the school was changed to Truro School, thought to be more suitable, and in 1934 it became a member of the Head Masters’ Conference after being granted public school status. The school became fully independent in 1977 when the Direct Grant Scheme ended.
The first steps towards co-education came in September 1976 when girls were admitted into the Sixth Form. The school became fully co-educational in 1990.
The school has continued to expand over the years. The Prep School, at the Treliske campus, opened in 1936 and the main school has continually expanded its numbers and facilities. In 1977 a new technology block and sports hall were opened. An indoor swimming pool was opened in 1996, replacing the old 1950s open-air pool. The Burrell Theatre was opened in 2002 by Sir Tim Rice and includes six classrooms as well as a 250-seat theatre. The Sir Ben Ainslie Sports Centre opened in 2013, and the Cookery School in 2018.
Alumni include actors Robert Shaw, Nigel Terry and John Rhys Davies, opera singers Benjamin Luxon and Alan Opie, Roger Taylor of Queen, Olympic gold-medallist sailors Christopher Davies and Sir Ben Ainslie, journalist Ros Atkins, political scientist Professor Sir John Curtice, the Government’s Chief Scientific Advisor Sir Patrick Vallance and John Kendall Carpenter, England rugby captain in the 1950s, President of the RFU in 1980, President of the Schools RFU and chairman of the organising committee of the Rugby World Cup until his death in 1990. You can read more about our Alumni here.
Keep scrolling down to explore further
Jun 28th 2024
Jun 14th 2024
Mar 14th 2024
Jan 19th 2024
Getting in touch
Email [email protected] if you would like to find out more about the school’s archive. Additionally, if you have any items connected to the school’s past looking for a new home we would love to hear from you.
Our school motto, Esse Quam Videri (to be, rather than to seem to be), captures the essence of our identity and is defined by the 5 C's below. Underpinned by strong Christian principles, we are a caring and inclusive community which values, nurtures and develops each individual.
Click on the links below to find out more.
Curiosity to always want to discover and learn more, academically and more widely too.
Because we believe that academic excellence is an important part of human excellence. Every child is an individual and we celebrate and develop their uniqueness, helping them to become an independent learner and encouraging each child to explore, understand and cultivate their talent and abilities, whatever they may be.
Compassion to understand and champion the needs of others, in our community and beyond.
Because our mission challenges us to be a vibrant community which enables people to live their lives to the full and transform society for the better. Located in the heart of Cornwall, our distinctive, serene location supports the development of balanced, unpretentious and reflective children who understand their role as global citizens.
Confidence to build resilience by learning from both successes and failures alike.
Because we want every pupil to be comfortable in their own skin, celebrating the uniqueness of each individual in the school community. Through drama, presenting and public speaking opportunities, as well as appearing in productions and concerts, pupils learn key communication skills and gain the confidence to prosper in the real world.
Creativity to be imaginative in how we express ourselves and approach new challenges.
Because we value the development of pupils’ imaginative and creative dimensions as well as their characters. Through a broad curriculum and wide range of co-curricular activities, pupils discover the important balance between creative and logical thinking. These opportunities are fundamental to ensuring your son or daughter discovers their hidden gifts, developing a sense of individuality and a confidence in their own abilities.
Courage to enjoy becoming the very best of who we are, with integrity and ambition.
Because we believe that essential life skills are often best taught outside of the classroom, balancing an academic education. Through a wide-ranging co-curricular programme, we offer every child the chance to participate, perform and lead in the fields of their choice. In a competitive world these opportunities are fundamental to ensuring your son or daughter develops essential life skills and an ambition for life.
