Independent SeniorCo-educationalBoardingISI · Excellent

Truro School

· TR1 1TH

AAB+ A-level

33.3%

9–7 GCSE

41.8%

Day fees

£20k

Inspection

Excellent

Read report
School website

Truro School is a leading independent day and boarding school in the heart of Cornwall, offering co-education from nursery through to sixth form. With a Methodist foundation, it combines strong academic ambition with a genuine commitment to pastoral care and character development. Set on a hillside overlooking Truro Cathedral, the school serves as the dominant independent school for the county and draws pupils from across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Its relative geographic isolation fosters a close-knit, loyal community with a notably broad co-curricular life.

  • →The only major independent senior school in Cornwall, making it the default choice for families seeking a high-quality independent education in the far south-west
  • →Strong pastoral tradition rooted in its Methodist ethos, with genuine emphasis on personal development and wellbeing alongside academic results
  • →Exceptional music provision including a cathedral chorister programme, and breadth of co-curricular activity unusual for a regional independent school
  • →Flexible boarding options that allow local day pupils and those from further afield to coexist, with a warm community feel

Who thrives here

Pupils who are well-rounded, enjoy taking part in a wide range of activities, and benefit from a nurturing but academically stretching environment will thrive here. The school suits both high achievers who want to be a big fish in a regional pond and sociable, community-minded students who value belonging.

Strengths at a glance

Exam results50th pctSports56th pctCo-curricular50th pctValue vs peers50th pctPastoral & wellbeing83rd pct

Percentiles within UK independent + grammar schools we track.

At a glance

School typeIndependent Senior · Boarding
Founded1880
Number of pupils837
Day pupils690
Boarders72
Sixth form181
Age range11–18
GenderCo-educational
Day fees£20.4k/yr
Boarding fees£40.5k/yr
AssociationsHMC, ISC, BSA, Methodist Independent Schools
Settingurban
LocationTruro is served by Great Western Railway on the Penzance–London Paddington mainline; the school runs an extensive coach network covering much of Cornwall. Cornwall's road network means journey times from remoter parts of the county can be lengthy.
EthosMethodist

Contact & visit

Trennick Lane, Truro, Cornwall

TR1 1TH

www.truroschool.com
01872272763
Mr Andrew Johnson, Headteacher

Nearest stations

Truro12 min

Notable alumni

Rosamunde Pilcher

Bestselling novelist (The Shell Seekers)

John Nott

Conservative politician and Secretary of State for Defence during the Falklands War

Charles Causley

Celebrated Cornish poet

Tim Smit

Founder of the Eden Project

Recent investment

✓Ongoing development of sixth form and STEM facilities
✓Expansion of music facilities supporting the Truro School Music Project
✓Sustainability and outdoor education infrastructure improvements

Frequently asked questions

What are the fees at Truro School?

Day fees at Truro School are approximately £20,400 per year (2024/25). Boarding fees are higher.

How do you get into Truro School?

Truro School admits pupils at 11+, 13+, 16+. Entry is assessed by 11+ Selective Examination. See the Admissions section above for open days and key dates.

What are Truro School's exam results?

At Truro School, 33.3% of A-levels were graded A*–B and 41.8% of GCSEs were grade 7/A or above. Full results are in the Results section above.

Is Truro School a boarding school?

Truro School offers boarding as well as day places.

What is Truro School's latest inspection rating?

ISI rated Truro School “Excellent” (2017).

What parents say

Frequently praised

✓Warm, genuine pastoral care — children are known as individuals by their teachers

✓Outstanding music provision and the cathedral chorister link is seen as genuinely special

✓Strong sense of community and school pride; pupils are loyal and happy

✓Good breadth of sport and activities for a school of its size and location

✓Staff are approachable and responsive to parents

Common concerns

!Geographic isolation means limited access to the wider independent school network and London-focused opportunities

!Transport logistics can be demanding for pupils from west or north Cornwall

!Some parents feel academic stretch at the top end could be greater for the most gifted pupils

!Boarding provision, while valued, is smaller scale than dedicated boarding schools