Archive Attic: The Prep School turns 90

This summer term marks 90 years since the Prep School began in May 1936.

First boarders at Pentreve, 1930

Since the earliest days of Truro School there have been a few boys under the age of 11 on the school roll. By the late 1920s the increase in numbers of the youngest pupils led to the purchase of Pentreve as a boarding house specifically for them. It opened in 1930.

Pentreve

However, it was not long before more boarding accommodation was needed for older boys, who began to overcrowd Pentreve. Newly built Epworth opened in 1934 for middle-years boarders but still there was not enough boarding space; some boys were using part of the sick bay for beds. It was decided to provide new accommodation for the youngest boys, and a search began

With nearby Tregolls unavailable, initially it was proposed to rent Treliske for five years. After an inspection the site was thought ‘eminently suitable for a Preparatory School for little boys’, able to accommodate 26 boarders. The school was able to ‘get hold of Treliske under very favourable circumstances through Col. Stanley Smith’. Colonel Smith was Chairman of the Governors at the time and Treliske had been his family home. His father Sir George Smith, the first Chairman of the Truro School Governors, bought Treliske in 1886

Sir George Smith

Col. Smith’s sister Margaret was appointed as school governor, the first lady on the board, initially to oversee the renovation of Treliske. The renovation costs were estimated at just under £1000. In the furnishing of the school several gifts were received including an oak hall table, a carpet for the library, and many books for the library from Margaret Smith, a lantern from the children of Leonard Smith (her brother) and a desk, chairs and kitchen dresser from Dr Enid Smith (her sister).

Adverts were placed in the Methodist Press for staff which would comprise 1 matron, 1 maid, and a married couple as teachers. In the end, Mr and Mrs Stratton, already the boarding master and mistress of Pentreve, were appointed to take charge at Treliske, and Miss Parry, the school matron, acted as matron-housekeeper there.

A sub-committee also finalised the fees:

21 guineas per term for the 15 boys present in TS who would be transferred to Treliske.

25 guineas per term for boarders going to TS after Treliske

29 guineas per term for boarder going elsewhere after Treliske

6 guineas per term for day boys going to TS after Treliske

10 guineas per term for day boys going elsewhere after Treliske.

The school hours would be regulated to coincide with the Western National Bus timetable.

On 6 May it was reported to the Governors that there were 23 boarders and 10 day boys at Treliske. At this time, Col. Smith offered to sell Treliske to the Governors for £3250, which was recommended by the sub-committee.

A plan was produced and the property offered included Treliske, the front lawn and drive, the Lodge, the Nursery Gardens and pond, the Cottage in the back lane and also a portion of the field by the side of Treliske for use as a playground, together with the water rights.

It was also explained that there was a proposal to form a Golf Club on the land at Treliske, and if

that matured, the Club would have three Wayleaves over the property, viz. two across the drive and one over the back lane. It was also explained that the adjoining farm, called Stencoose, and Treliske, together with the proposed Golf Club had water rights but that Stencoose and Treliske had the prior claim thereto. … it was Resolved that it be a recommendation to the Methodist Secondary Education Trustees that Treliske be purchased for £3250 as set out in the draft contract, and the question of a mortgage be left in the hands of Dr Workman.

It was hoped the purchase would be complete by 15 September 1936.

It was proposed to hold a formal opening of the Preparatory School in the middle of June 1936, with a garden party.

The Truronian, the school magazine, reported in July 1936:

New Preparatory School

In consequence of the rapid increase in the number of boarders it has been found necessary to use the Pentreve Boarding House for older boys. This is now under the supervision of Mrs S.H. Way. In order to accommodate the Junior boys the Governors have acquired Treliske, the mansion formerly occupied by Sir George Smith, the late Chairman of the Governors. The grounds extend to rather more than 10 acres and there are ample facilities for playing fields. Gas, water, electric light and central heating have been installed. The dormitories are light and well ventilated. The new School was opened in May with 33 pupils and gives promise of being a great success. Miss Parry (formerly Nurse-Matron in Truro School) is Matron at Treliske, and Mr Stratton the House Master. Although the boys live entirely at Treliske and have their lessons there, the connection with the Main School is maintained in every possible way. Certain members of the Staff visit Treliske for lessons and the boys are brought to the School by private bus for all school functions, and for the most important cricket and football matches.

On Monday, 13th July, a reception was held by the Chairman and Mrs B.O. Mitchell at Treliske Preparatory School. The School and Grounds were open for inspection and light refreshments were provided.