Truro School Preparatory School
Highertown, Truro, TR1 3QN
Pupils
298
Ages
3 - 11
Gender
Co-educational
Type
Primary
Head Teacher
Mr Robert Morse
Boarding / Day
Day
Fees
£992 to £4,770
ISC Associations
IAPS, ISBA
Religion
Methodist
Bursaries
Available
About Truro School Preparatory School
Truro School Preparatory School, located in a picturesque 10-acre setting, offers a nurturing environment for children aged three to eleven. The school is surrounded by a local golf course, extensive woods, and sports grounds, providing a serene escape from the bustling city of Truro. The school’s ethos is rooted in the Methodist tradition, promoting a sense of community and inclusivity.
The pre-prep section welcomes children from the half term after they turn three, with a focus on phonics and number work. The nursery is not merely a childcare facility but a gentle introduction to learning, with one teacher and two assistants. The pre-prep classes are capped at 32 places per year group, divided into two classes of 16, each with a teacher and a teaching assistant. This ensures individual attention and a supportive learning environment.
As children progress to the prep section from year three, they are assessed through tests in English, Maths, and non-verbal reasoning, along with an interview with the head. The year groups expand to 60 pupils by years five and six, taught in three classes. The school prides itself on high academic standards, with teachers praised for their encouragement and positivity. Subject specialist teaching begins in year four, and setting in English and Maths is introduced to cater to different learning speeds.
The school’s curriculum is diverse, with French taught in years one and two, German in year three, Spanish in year four, and a return to French in years five and six. Science is hands-on, with practical experiments and access to the senior school labs for older pupils. Geography, History, and Religious Education are integrated to provide a contextual understanding of various topics. Outdoor learning is a significant aspect, with a robust Forest School programme and a dedicated afternoon for outdoor activities from year three onwards.
The arts are a vital part of the school’s offering, with a light-filled art studio and a bespoke design studio where pupils create impressive works. Music is equally important, with compulsory instrument learning in year four and numerous choirs, orchestras, and bands. The school is the home of the Truro Cathedral choristers, offering a scholarship for choristers. Drama is celebrated with high-quality productions, including a nursery to year two nativity show and an annual production for years three to six.
Sport is a key focus, with a wide range of activities available. Pupils learn to swim by age seven, and the school excels in fencing, mirroring the senior school’s elite academy programme. Despite the long journey times to matches, pupils compete well in various tournaments. The emphasis is on balance, breadth, and wellbeing, with opportunities for all to participate in team sports.
The school’s facilities include a Victorian main building, a modern rear building with classrooms, a music/drama studio, and an assembly hall. The outdoor space features a Forest School, vegetable garden, and apple orchard, maintained by the children. The nursery and pre-prep have their own contemporary building with outdoor play areas and gardens.
The school community is vibrant and welcoming, with a strong sense of friendship and fun. Families from across Cornwall and beyond are embraced, with the school helping new families settle into the area. A shuttle bus between the prep and senior school aids parents with children at both sites.
Lunches are cooked in-house, using organic and local produce where possible, and served café-style. The navy uniform is smart and practical, with wellies kept at school for rainy days.
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ISI Review
Truro School Preparatory School is an independent co-educational day school located in Truro, Cornwall. It operates under the Methodist Independent Schools Trust, with governance delegated to a local governing body that also oversees the senior school. The school has undergone significant changes since its last inspection, including the appointment of a new Chair of Governors in September 2020 and various building projects aimed at enhancing teaching facilities, improving information and communication technology provision, and bolstering security measures.
The school aims to inspire and challenge its pupils, fostering a love of learning and encouraging them to strive for excellence in their academic and personal development. It emphasizes the importance of creativity, inquisitiveness, confidence, courage, and compassion, while also instilling a sense of responsibility towards others and society at large. The student body comprises 293 pupils aged between three and eleven, with a diverse range of professional backgrounds represented among their families. Most students come from within the county, and the school’s assessment framework indicates that their abilities are above average. The school has identified 65 pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities, including conditions such as dyslexia and dyspraxia, all of whom receive additional support. Additionally, twelve pupils are identified as having English as an additional language, with three receiving extra assistance in this area. The curriculum is tailored to meet the needs of the most able students, including those with special talents in various fields such as sports, music, art, and drama.
The Independent Schools Inspectorate conducted a compliance-only inspection of the school, focusing on its adherence to the Independent School Standards and relevant statutory frameworks. The inspection took into account the challenges faced by schools during the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated government restrictions. The inspectors found that the school meets all the standards outlined in the Education (Independent School Standards) Regulations 2014, as well as the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage statutory framework. Consequently, no further action is required following this inspection.
The quality of education provided at Truro School Preparatory School is commendable. The school’s assessment framework confirms that teaching enables pupils to make good progress. The curriculum is well-documented and supported by appropriate plans and schemes of work, ensuring that it covers the required breadth of material. Effective behavior management strategies are in place, and suitable resources support the teaching process. The school also provides relationships education, having consulted with parents and published a written policy in line with statutory guidance.
In terms of spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development, the school actively promotes principles and values that facilitate the personal growth of pupils as responsible and tolerant citizens. The inspectors noted that the school meets the standard relating to this aspect of education.
The welfare, health, and safety of pupils are prioritized at Truro School Preparatory School. The school has established arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of its pupils, adhering to current statutory guidance. Good behavior is encouraged, and measures are in place to prevent bullying. Health and safety requirements are met, including those related to fire safety, and provisions for first aid are adequately addressed. The school maintains proper supervision of pupils, keeps accurate admission and attendance registers, and employs a strategic approach to risk assessment. A disability access plan is also in place, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation.
The school ensures the suitability of its staff, supply staff, and proprietors through appropriate checks, maintaining a register as required. This standard is met, ensuring that those in contact with pupils are suitable for their roles.
The premises and accommodation at Truro School Preparatory School are well-maintained and suitable for the needs of the pupils. The school provides adequate toilet and changing facilities, as well as appropriate accommodation for medical and therapy needs. The premises meet health and safety standards, with appropriate acoustics and lighting, and sufficient water provision. Outdoor spaces are available for physical education and play, contributing to a well-rounded educational environment.
In terms of information provision, the school publishes a range of information for parents, inspectors, and the Department for Education. This includes details about the proprietor, the school’s ethos, curriculum, admission arrangements, behavior policies, health and safety measures, first aid provisions, and the complaints procedure. The safeguarding policy is readily accessible on the school’s website, ensuring transparency and accountability.
The school has established an effective complaints handling process, which operates through a three-stage system: informal, formal, and a hearing before an independent panel. Each stage has clear timelines, and the panel can make findings and recommendations communicated to the complainant. Records of complaints and actions taken are maintained appropriately, ensuring that the school addresses any concerns raised by parents.
Leadership and management at Truro School Preparatory School demonstrate good skills and knowledge, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively. The proprietor ensures that the leadership team consistently meets the required standards and actively promotes the well-being of pupils. The inspectors concluded that the standard relating to leadership and management is met.
The inspection evidence included lesson observations, discussions with pupils, staff, and governors, as well as examinations of pupils’ work and the school’s documentation. The inspectors also reviewed the responses of parents, staff, and pupils to pre-inspection questionnaires, providing a comprehensive overview of the school’s performance.
In summary, Truro School Preparatory School has demonstrated compliance with all relevant standards and requirements. The school provides a high-quality education, promotes the welfare and safety of its pupils, and maintains effective leadership and management practices. The positive findings of the inspection reflect the school’s commitment to fostering an enriching and supportive learning environment for all its students.
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Last Updated: 8 October 2024