EDUCATION CORNER PODCAST
EDUCATION CORNER PODCAST WITH HEAD
Mr. Andy Johnson FROM TRURO SCHOOL, CORNWALL On the school’s website, you describe the ethos of the school as ‘compassionate ambition.’ Could you explain what this means, and tell us a little bit more about the ethos and values at Truro School?
Established in 1880, Truro School is situated in the southwest of England, and offers a distinctive boarding experience, amidst stunning landscapes and extensive coastline. Voted Boarding School of the Year finalist in the 2023 Independent Schools of the Year Award, the school offers an inspiring environment that celebrates academic success alongside personal growth. Mr. Andy Johnson speaks to us about the bespoke boarding experience at Truro School, the school’s unique Cornish setting, mental health support and compassionate values. 36 | EDUCATION CHOICES MAGAZINE | S P R I N G 2 024
Our school motto is Esse Quam Videri, which means: “To Be Rather Than To Seem To Be.” The essence of that is about children, adults and our institution being able to flourish, being able to enjoy becoming the very best of themselves and not feeling like they have to be whatever someone else is telling them to be. I think that comes from our Methodist foundation as a school, that belief that all are welcome and that we should be doing good with what we have and what we can do. The school is really, really blessed in that regard. We’ve got all sorts of varied talents and commitments through the school and it’s not a hierarchy. I suppose that’s the compassionate side of this sense of ambition: having ambition for everyone as an individual, but without viewing certain types of excellence or ambition as being more or less worthy than others. There’s a real value set behind that and that’s really important. For me, endeavour matters at least as much as achievement does, which I think is a very compassionate position to take, as an educationalist. I love the fact that children come here, aged eleven, and that they have this incredible, supported, opportunity-filled journey ahead of them where they can make right and wrong turns in an environment that will always try to believe in them and bring them back to the values that will underpin their successes, both at present and in the future. What are the main entry points for children and families considering Truro School?
