Annual Sports Round-Up 24-25

For my seventh end-of-year report, I approached it like any diligent sportsperson would. I analysed the competition (by reading through my previous entries), I practised to make sure I could perform how I wanted (this is the fourth draft), and I visualised the outcome I was aiming for: to raise a smile, shine a spotlight on our amazing school, and make my English teacher proud. Of course, all this high-level performance needs fuel… three cups of tea and a packet of chocolate Hobnobs later, here we are.

Let’s start with some statistics. Sport is often measured in numbers. While they don’t tell the full story, they do provide a valuable insight into the sporting life of Truro School. Below are the participation figures for each year group, showing pupils who have represented the school in at least one fixture during the 2024/25 academic year.

We’re really pleased that so many pupils have proudly represented Truro School — around two-thirds of the entire school population. At some point during their time with us, most pupils will take part in a fixture, and the table is just a snapshot of the past year. The PE and Sport Department will always encourage pupils to get involved, give their best, and represent the school they love.

That’s the number of fixtures our teams have played in this year, across 18 different sports (up from 419 fixtures and 17 sports last year). An incredible achievement. Thank you to the players who have committed to their teams, and to the staff who have coached, supported and organised every step of the way. To our parents, thank you for your encouragement, your celebratory emails, the countless hours of driving and waiting, and your brilliant touchline support. And to the teams behind the scenes — transport, catering, grounds, caretaking, marketing — you make it all possible, and we’re hugely grateful.

Every other Thursday, we come together as a whole school for assembly. During these, the Head and the Student Leadership Team read out recent achievements from across Truro School life. Unsurprisingly, the sport section is always packed. In fact, when I went through the round-ups for this year, I found 18 pages of sporting highlights. Being able to celebrate our pupils, share their achievements and recognise their efforts among peers is hugely important to staff.

Whether it’s national team selections or charity swims, we want to shine a light on all the ways our pupils are pushing themselves to improve, and in doing so, inspiring others. Sport takes many forms, and we aim to support and encourage them all. Our goal is that every pupil leaves Truro School with a love of physical activity and a lifelong appreciation for its benefits, both physical and mental.

Now, to the message I’d like you to reflect on. As pupils move through the school, their participation in fixtures starts to drop off. This happens for a number of reasons: some prefer to use the fitness suite, others train but choose not to play in matches (which is completely fine), and some prioritise music, drama or DofE, while continuing their sport outside of school. All valid and understandable choices.

However, if you study the table, you’ll notice two significant drop-off points. I’ll give you a moment… You’re absolutely right — 5th Year and Upper Sixth. Both year groups show around a 20% reduction in fixture participation. This isn’t just a Truro School pattern; it reflects a national trend. These are, of course, the key exam years. But as pupils, parents and teachers all know, during times of pressure and challenge, physical activity is one of the best ways to maintain mental wellbeing and stay socially connected.

So, here’s my challenge to us all: let’s encourage each other (yes, even us adults) to stay active and prioritise health. And this doesn’t have to mean traditional sport. Walking, bike rides, surfing — taking advantage of Cornwall’s great outdoors should be a priority, even during exam years.

In conclusion, our pupils continue to represent Truro School with pride and distinction. The support around them, from families, staff, and the wider school community, is extraordinary. We celebrate all achievements, understanding that everyone’s journey looks different. Pupils have been selected for professional academies, national, regional and county teams, while others have taken part in their very first competitive fixture. Every one of these moments matters.

We are incredibly proud of our school and all the people who make our sporting life so vibrant. As always, follow our social media for the latest updates, and please read on for selected highlights from our whole-school assembly announcements.

Thank you, as ever, for your continued support. Please get in touch if there’s anything I can help with.

Dan Sanderson
Director of Sport

Selected Highlights

September

• 1st XV rugby team drew 24-24 against Cornwall U18s in a thrilling match.
• Oly S and Billy E selected for Independent Schools U14 National Football Camp; Oly invited to Plymouth Argyle trial.
• Fenella E selected for U15 National Independent Schools Football Squad – Truro School’s first female national football player.
• Daisy H placed 16th in the World Pentathlon Championships and 5th in the mixed relay.

October

• 30 Truro School swimmers competed at ESSA Southwest qualifier at Millfield; standout performance by Gen P.
• Summer R selected for England Hockey’s Talent Academy.
• George L won three RS Aero 5 National sailing titles and placed 8th at the World Championships, 4th at the Europeans.
• Delilah H and horse Magnus III placed 3rd and 10th in National scurry events, representing Cornwall U21s.
• Tom B, Samson H and Arlo G became U18 rowing national champions, representing the Scilly Isles.
• Clara G-D reached top 16 in Spanish U20 fencing and helped win the team championship.
• Kenny G, Jess B, Harriet B and Aria G excelled at the ESSA Cross Country Schools Cup.

November

• Olly S signed to Plymouth Argyle Football Academy.
• U14 hockey team crowned county champions; through to regional finals.
• U15 boys refereed at the Truro School Prep Rugby Festival with outstanding feedback.
• U18 boys’ rugby team won the Larter Cup 10s tournament at Churston Ferrers, winning all 4 fixtures and conceding only 3 tries.

January

• Aria G won the U14 Cornwall Schools Cross-country Championship despite being a year younger than competitors.
• Kenny G received the John Knowles Special Award Trophy for dedication and attitude in cross country.
• U18 netball team competed in regional finals in Bournemouth with strong performances in the toughest group

February

• Lisbon 7s U18 rugby 7s team put in strong performances; U14 team narrowly lost in the grand final.
• U16 girls football team won the County Cup Final 10-1 – a historic first for Truro School.
• U16 boys lost 2-1 to Saltash in the County Cup Final after a strong season.

March

• KS4 badminton teams competed at regional finals at Bath University; great performance by all players listed.

June

• Ava P completed a 1500m sponsored swim for Marie Curie, raising £460.
• U15 tennis team (Jacob C, Millie N, Esther B, Jonny C) won the county mixed doubles title. U13 team (Sonny P, Tilly H, Amelie P, SammymB) placed 5th.
• Girls U15 and U16 teams (Millie N, Esther B, Martha M, Evie N) won county titles earlier this term.
• Whole school took part in Sports Day including orienteering, water activities, and races
• Vinter House crowned Sports Day champions.