OTs Honoured with Prestigious Doctorates

Ros Atkins CO93

Notable OT and Cornish journalist Ros Atkins has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate (DLitt) from the University of Exeter for his passion for truth and justice and work to improve gender balance in newsrooms. Ros, who was at Truro School between 1986-93 and is BBC News’ analysis editor, was given an honorary degree at the university’s Penryn campus in recognition of his role within a new genre of accessible journalism.

His passion for the power of storytelling was influenced by his time growing up and being educated in Cornwall.

Atkins is also known for his drum and bass DJ sets, stemming from a lifelong love of the genre born from being part of the Cornish dance music scene in the early 1990s.

He told the graduating class of 2025: “I’m sure there were moments where you felt you reached your limit. Things were a struggle. But your ambition, diligence and curiosity, got you through. Yours is no mean feat. I’m sure that achievement was a team effort so congratulations to your families too.”

Read more here.

Talan Skeels-Piggins CO89

Congratulations to Notable OT Talan Skeels-Piggins CO89 who has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate (DLitt) from the University of Warwick. The honour was given to Talan, who was presented with a scroll by Vice Chancellor Professor Stuart Croft and who delivered a short speech to a crowd of more than 1,000 people focused on self-belief, resilience, and positivity. Talan attended Truro School between 1982-89.

Talan told us:

“On 16 July my partner (Juli) and I visited University of Warwick. We were there, not as sightseers, but for myself to receive a Doctorate of Letters. When I received the email about the award during the dark winter months, I initially thought it was a hoax as I didn’t know anyone at Warwick, so how would they even know about me. It turned out to be real and one of the staff had been to a conference in London that I had spoken at. My speech stuck a chord and ignited an interest in the staff member to find out a bit more about me. A nomination was made to the University and after discussion the application was approved. Some months later I was sat at the front of the Arts Hall feeling very humble, with over a thousand pairs or eyes on me as the citation was read out (I have enclosed this below). After the citation Professor Stuart Croft, the Vice Chancellor, presented me with my scroll and then stepped back to allow me to say a few words of my own. The short speech focused on; the need to believe and trust in yourself, the understanding that we all have a resilience inside to help up take the next step forward, to choose the narrative we tell ourselves or listen to, and to understand that positivity in our lives gives opportunity to succeed. A truly memorable day and one I feel extremely proud of.”