Key Facts
| School | Truro School |
|---|---|
| Location | Trennick Lane, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 1TH |
| Type | Coeducational independent day and boarding school |
| Age Range | 3-18 years |
| Pupils | Over 1,050 students |
| Day Fees | £5,950 per term (at time of writing) |
| Boarding Fees | £10,155-£13,075 per term (at time of writing) |
| Entry Requirements | 11+ entrance examination and interview |
Figures correct at the time of writing — always confirm current fees and deadlines with the school directly.
Key Information Summary
- School: Truro School
- Location: Trennick Lane, Truro, Cornwall, TR1 1TH
- Type: Coeducational independent day and boarding school
- Age Range: 3-18 years
- Pupils: Over 1,050 students
- Head: Mr Andrew Johnson
- Day Fees: £5,950 per term
- Boarding Fees: £10,155-£13,075 per term
- Entry Requirements: 11+ entrance examination and interview
About Truro School
Established in 1879 by the Wesleyan Methodists, Truro School has grown to become Cornwall's largest independent school, welcoming over 1,050 pupils across its magnificent 40-acre senior campus and adjacent prep school. The school's Methodist heritage continues to influence its values-driven approach to education, emphasising academic rigour alongside strong pastoral care and character development.
Located in Cornwall's cathedral city, Truro School benefits from its unique position in the South West, offering pupils access to both outstanding natural environments and excellent transport links. The school operates across two well-appointed campuses, with the prep school conveniently situated near the Royal Cornwall Hospital, providing seamless transition pathways for pupils progressing through their educational journey.
The school has earned 'Excellent' ratings from the Independent Schools Inspectorate across all age groups, reflecting its commitment to delivering exceptional educational outcomes. Truro School's comprehensive co-educational environment fosters intellectual curiosity and personal growth, preparing pupils for success at leading universities and in their chosen careers.
With both day and boarding options available, including weekly, flexible, and full boarding arrangements, the school accommodates diverse family circumstances whilst maintaining its close-knit community atmosphere. The school's extensive extra-curricular programme encompasses everything from outdoor pursuits that maximise Cornwall's natural advantages to academic societies and creative arts opportunities.
The 11+ Assessment Process
Truro School's 11+ entrance examination is designed to identify pupils who will thrive in the school's academically rigorous environment. The assessment process combines formal testing with personal evaluation to ensure the best possible match between pupil and school.
Academic Assessments
The core academic components focus on fundamental skills in English and Mathematics. These assessments evaluate pupils' current attainment levels and their potential to engage with Truro School's challenging curriculum. The English component examines comprehension, written expression, and analytical thinking, whilst the Mathematics assessment covers numerical reasoning, problem-solving, and mathematical concepts appropriate to Year 6 level.
Reasoning Tests
Verbal and non-verbal reasoning assessments form integral parts of the examination process. These tests evaluate cognitive abilities, logical thinking, and problem-solving skills that are essential for academic success. The verbal reasoning component assesses language comprehension and analytical skills, whilst non-verbal reasoning examines spatial awareness and pattern recognition abilities.
Personal Interview
Successful candidates are invited to attend a personal interview, allowing the school to assess each pupil's character, interests, and potential contribution to the school community. This conversation-based assessment helps determine whether a pupil will flourish within Truro School's distinctive ethos and values-based environment.
How to Apply
The application process for Year 7 entry requires careful preparation and adherence to the school's published timelines. Early engagement with the admissions team is strongly recommended to ensure all requirements are met.
Application Steps
- Complete the online application form via the school's website
- Submit all required supporting documentation
- Register for the entrance examination
- Attend the assessment day at the school
- Participate in the interview process if selected
- Await formal offer notification
Key Dates and Deadlines
Prospective families should consult the school's admissions timeline carefully, as places are awarded on a competitive basis. Early application is advisable given the school's popularity and limited year group capacity.
Financial Considerations
Truro School offers various scholarship opportunities recognising academic excellence, alongside means-tested bursary support for families requiring financial assistance. These awards can significantly reduce the financial commitment whilst ensuring access to the school's exceptional educational provision.
Preparing for the Truro School 11+ with Taylor Tuition
Families preparing for the Truro School 11+ usually come to us a year or so before the assessment, though shorter runs work where the foundations are already sound. Having prepared pupils for entry to leading independent and grammar schools, with placements including Westminster, St Paul's, Wycombe Abbey and Eton, our tutors build each programme around the format the school actually uses, whether a written paper, an online pre-test, an interview or a combination of them.
More than half of our tutors hold Qualified Teacher Status and around three in five hold a master's degree or doctorate, and the pool includes former heads of department, exam-board examiners and teachers from independent and boarding schools, so the preparation is led by people who know how selective schools assess. Every tutor who works with children holds an enhanced DBS check.
Families in the South and South West and further afield work with us online, and in person in central London. Fees start from £50 per 50-minute session and depend on tutor level and subject, with no registration fee and a free initial consultation to talk through your child's current level and the timeline to the 11+. Families receive progress reports after sessions and have a dedicated point of contact, and we reply to enquiries within one working day with tutor recommendations.
Read more about our 11+ entrance exam tutors, or send an enquiry and we will come back with tutor recommendations.
Frequently asked questions
- How much are the fees at Truro School?
- Day Fees: £5,950 per term; boarding fees: £10,155-£13,075 per term (correct at the time of writing). Always confirm current fees directly with the school.
- What type of school is Truro School?
- Truro School is a coeducational independent day and boarding school.
- How should my child prepare for the Truro School 11+?
- Start structured preparation 12–18 months before the assessment: secure core English and maths beyond curriculum pace, introduce verbal and non-verbal reasoning question types systematically (these are rarely taught at primary school), and build up to timed practice in the final months.
Enquire about 11+ preparation
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English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, with mark schemes.
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