Rob Morse CO89 - Old Truronian Heads Home

Did you enjoy your time at Truro School? Absolutely. My time at Truro School was genuinely life changing and I had great fun along the way. The School opened my eyes to the benefits of a broad curriculum and that has been fundamental in my career in education.

Do you have any special or specific memories of your time at Truro School? Almost too many to mention. Even though I was only at the school for a relatively short time, I remember the staff fondly and particularly the patience of Dr Blake (TS Teacher of Biology 1987-2009) and Mr Tall (Head of D.T 1980-2014). Mr Johnson and Mr Laing were inspirational on the sporting front and I have fond memories of my time on the rugby and cricket pitches. I have clear memories of an unusual rugby tour which involved a minibus journey from Truro to the north of England to play in the National 15-a-side competition at Preston Grasshoppers (in torrential rain and covered in mud) which was followed by a stop-off at Rosslyn Park in London to play in the National Sevens on the return. We spent much more time in the minibus than we did on the pitch!

Did you have any siblings or other relations at Truro School? If so, what are their names?

My sister, Karen Green (nee Morse) CO93, attended the school after I had left. She continues to visit school as a peripatetic flute teacher.

Did you have any specific career dreams or aspirations? Or when did you first decide upon a particular path? Before arriving at Truro I always knew that I wanted to be a teacher, but it was Truro School that led me to pursue a career in the independent sector.

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What did you do immediately after leaving Truro School?

After a year out (mainly working, playing sport and having fun), I attended Bedford College of Education. After securing a BEd (Hons) in Physical Education and Humanities I was lucky enough to be offered a teaching position at Bedford School. Over the past 15 years I have been a headmaster at schools in Somerset and Yorkshire, but we always returned to Cornwall in the holidays. Having worked and lived in Devon, Somerset, Bedfordshire, Derbyshire and Yorkshire I am very fortunate in that I now live in a very small hamlet on the beautiful Roseland Peninsula where most of my family still live.

What does your current role entail?

As of April 2023, I work in Truro. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been appointed as the Head of Truro School Prep. Where do I start? Without going into too much detail, my role is to oversee the next phase of this amazing school’s development.

Is there anything that you are especially proud of relating to your life or career?

After almost 30 years in education, I have been fortunate to work in some superb schools and have enjoyed the privilege of working alongside a number of inspirational teachers. The opportunity to inspire and shape the future of the children in our charge is a genuine honour.

Did you consider any other career?

No, although in my teenage years I thought a windsurfing instructor would have been the best job in the world!

Is there any advice you could offer anyone considering a similar life or career path?

Simply to go for it. Teaching is unbelievably rewarding and no day is ever the same!

Please tell us a little about your family life.

I am married to Lottie and we have two children, Daisy (23) and Harry (18). Lottie and I have worked together in schools for over 25 years and she is currently working as a cover teacher here at Truro School Prep. Daisy is currently in her first year teaching GCSE and A-level English at Shrewsbury School and Harry is hoping to read Creative Music Technology at Falmouth University next year. We have two black Labradors, Minnie and Mabel, who have definitely enjoyed the return to Cornwall!

What are your hobbies or how is your leisure time spent?

Running, walking, swimming, surfing, reading, cooking and crosswords.

Are you still in touch with anyone from your time at Truro School?

Yes, and returning to Cornwall has meant that I have reconnected with many more.

Do you feel your time at School, or anything about your time here, helped you to progress in later life?

Yes, as outlined above, Truro School opened my eyes to the benefits of a broad curriculum and that has been fundamental in my career in education.

What are your immediate/long-term plans for the future?

To do my very best to ensure that Truro School Prep goes from strength to strength!

Truro School is delighted to announce that Reverend Helen Byrne will take up the post of School Chaplain in September 2023.

Helen is an Ordained Methodist Minister and Hospital Chaplain. Much of her work has focused on the well-being of children and young people, which equips her perfectly for this role.

Helen’s warmth, energy and creativity mean that she will offer strong continuity and build on the legacy of the current Chaplain, Revd Aubin de Gruchy. Aubin departs in Summer 2023 after 20 years of dedicated and compassionate service to the School and local Circuit. He will continue to work with the Methodist Independent Schools Trust as its Pastoral Visitor.

Helen’s experience and understanding of well-being will also enable her to be a support and listening ear to staff, and