Truro School is the only large independent school in Cornwall and the only one catering for both boys and girls. There are 804 pupils in the senior (11+-18) part of the school of whom some 150 are boarders. Approximately one third of the pupils are girls.
The main school site, occupying fifty acres, is superbly situated overlooking the city of Truro and the river estuary. Demand for places is high; entry is at 11+ (by the school's own exam), at 13+ (usually but not invariably by Common Entrance) and at 16+ (by test and recommendation of the feeder school).
Academic standards are high (A'level pass rate 1995 95%, 1994 93%) and most VIth Form leavers proceed to degree courses, with a steady stream to Oxbridge and medical schools. The school is shadowing the National Curriculum but is awaiting completion of the revised national plan before making a complete commitment.
Extra-curricular life is rich and varied. The main sports are rugby, netball, hockey, tennis, cricket, athletics and football. Minority sports include sailing, badminton, gymnastics, golf, squash and trampolining. The school has its own adventure training centre on Bodmin Moor with opportunities for canoeing, climbing, camping and mountain-biking. There is a very popular Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme programme. There is a strong music department and a very accomplished orchestra and jazz band as well as a host of ensemble groups.
The school is a Methodist Foundation and, while welcoming those of all faiths and none, it is conscious of its tradition. There is a Christian Union and links are maintained with the Methodist community in Cornwall.
A prep school, Treliske, is part of the Truro School community and is situated a mile or so from the main school. Treliske is beautifully situated in its own grounds and comprises a newly built pre-prep unit and prep school for 7 - 11 year olds.
