Belonging in Boarding – Maddie’s Story

For Maddie, a student from the Isles of Scilly, boarding at Truro School has been an exciting and enriching experience. Moving from a small island community was a big change, but she quickly found a sense of belonging. “I was excited to come to a new place and meet new people, and now I feel completely at home and comfortable around my boarding family,” she says.

One of the best aspects of boarding for Maddie has been gaining experience in shared living while also forming lasting friendships. She has taken full advantage of the many opportunities available at Truro School, particularly in sports, drama, and music. As a key player on the U18 netball team, she has relished the chance to compete in tournaments and regionals, something she never had the opportunity to do on Scilly. She is also a passionate performer, taking part in numerous drama productions and music concerts, with highlights including performing at the Hall for Cornwall concert and the Cornwall Music Festival.

A typical weekend in the boarding house allows for a balance of rest, study, and socialising. Maddie enjoys the chance to sleep in after a busy school week before focusing on homework, revision, and music practice. She makes the most of the school’s sports facilities and enjoys unwinding with fellow boarders, whether watching TV, playing games, or heading to the gym. She also appreciates the Sunday boarders’ trips, which provide great opportunities to bond with friends and explore beyond the school grounds.

Despite being away from home, staying in touch with family remains important to her. “I FaceTime my parents most days to update them on what’s going on for me,” she says. Returning to Scilly for the holidays is always a highlight, as it means reuniting with friends and family. While life at Truro offers more structure than the freedom of island life, she values the vast opportunities it brings. “There are so many opportunities here, from drama and music to taking part in lots of sports fixtures.”

Boarding at Truro has also introduced Maddie to friends from all over the world, which she finds incredibly rewarding. She enjoys learning about different cultures and forming connections beyond the UK.

When it comes to meals, her favourite in the dining hall is a classic lasagne. As for boarding staff, she especially appreciates Mrs Mulready for always being supportive and a great laugh, as well as Miss Irven, who offers invaluable stress management techniques and well-being advice.

Mrs Sarah Mulready, Head of Girls Boarding, commented, “Maddie has been an absolute pleasure to guide and support as a boarder in Malvern House for the past two years. Coming to us from the Isles of Scilly, she has embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm, immersing herself in school life, boarding activities, and a wealth of extracurricular pursuits. From dazzling in drama productions – including performing at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival last Summer – to showcasing her musical talents and excelling in sports such as netball and rowing, Maddie has made an incredible impact, skilfully balancing these commitments alongside her A-Levels in English, Drama, and Music.

“Highly independent and organised, Maddie has managed her time brilliantly, maintaining a fine balance between academics, social life, and personal responsibilities. As Deputy Head of House, Maddie has supported younger boarders as they settle in and she has provided the perfect role model. She has been an active participant in weekend boarding activities, always bringing her infectious sense of humour – one of my fondest memories being her enthusiastic (and hilarious) attempt at the chocolate game, clad in hat, gloves, scarf, and blindfold, determinedly tackling a bar of Cadbury’s Dairy Milk with a knife and fork. Much liked by both staff and peers, Maddie has formed lasting friendships with students from all over the world. It has been a privilege to support Maddie on this journey, and while we will miss her terribly next year, I have no doubt that she will go on to achieve amazing things. I can’t wait to hear all about her next adventure!”

For students from the Isles of Scilly considering Truro School, Maddie has simple but important advice: “Make the most of every boarding opportunity and make use of the facilities available to boarders outside of school times, such as the gym and swimming pool.”