Arlo and Samson’s Boarding Experience

For students from the Isles of Scilly, boarding at Truro School offers a unique blend of opportunity, adventure, and community. Arlo and Samson, two boarders from the islands, share their experiences of life at Truro.

Moving from the close-knit island community to a bustling boarding house could have been daunting, but both Arlo and Samson quickly found their footing with the support of fellow boarders, especially those from the Isles of Scilly. Arlo recalls, “Everything was so big and new, a huge contrast to the Islands. But having senior Scillonian boarders to show me the ropes really helped. They gave me a starting point for building my social circle.” Samson, too, appreciated the familiarity of having island friends nearby. “I felt quite excited when I first came here, as it was my first extended stay away from home. At the same time, I also felt a little homesick, but I knew it was going to be okay.”

One of the biggest highlights for both Arlo and Samson has been the sense of camaraderie in boarding. “I think the best thing is having so many close friends around who are always up for doing something at a moment’s notice,” says Arlo. “Being an only child, it’s great to have so many ‘brothers’ who share my interests.” Samson echoes this sentiment, adding that boarding has broadened his social horizons. “Until Year 11, I’d been in a class of 30 students my whole life. Coming to Truro School has really allowed me to make new connections and experience different cultures.”

Both students have taken full advantage of the opportunities at Truro School. Arlo is an active member of the football team, plays in both the Jazz and Wind Bands, and participates in school productions. Samson, a talented musician, formed a jazz quartet, ‘Silver Sax,’ where he plays piano, and the group frequently performs at school events. While he used to play football, he has stepped back this year to focus on his exams, with Arlo continuing the tradition.

Evenings and weekends in the boarding house offer a mix of study, relaxation, and activities. With exams on the horizon, Samson spends much of his time revising, while Arlo balances schoolwork with workouts at the SBA gym and midweek football matches. Both enjoy communal cooking sessions in the boarding house, with trips to Tesco often leading to shared meals and plenty of laughter. “Most weekends end with a big kitchen gathering, where we blast music and cook a lot of pasta,” Arlo shares.

Despite being away from home, both Arlo and Samson stay closely connected to their families through video calls and messages. Returning to the Isles of Scilly during the holidays provides a welcome change of pace. “There’s a lot more freedom at home,” Arlo explains. “We can go to the beach in minutes and stay out in the woods until dark. But I understand the need for structure in boarding, and Truro School does a great job of balancing freedom and routine.” Samson adds, “Going back to the Isles of Scilly is often a relief as it’s a break from all the work, and it’s very nice to see my family and spend time with them again.”

Boarding at Truro School has also introduced Arlo and Samson to a diverse mix of students from around the world. “Some of my best friends are from Germany, and I’ve really enjoyed learning about different cultures,” says Arlo. Samson agrees, noting that living alongside international students has been eye-opening. “I’ve picked up a few German phrases and traditions that I plan to remember for years to come.”

Both students have their favourite aspects of boarding life: Arlo’s top meal is Mediterranean Night, featuring lamb kofta and hummus, while Samson looks forward to Friday’s chicken kebab.

For those considering boarding at Truro School, their advice is simple: get involved and embrace the experience. “Don’t sit around and let the size of the place overwhelm you,” says Arlo. Samson adds, “Make the most of what’s on offer – you’ll make amazing friendships and have so many opportunities to grow.”

Head of Boarding, Mr McKeown, commented, “Our Truro Boarding family is truly something special, and it has been wonderful to see Arlo and Samson grow, develop, and flourish during their time here. They, like all our boarders, bring something unique to our community, making each year in boarding memorable in its own way.

“First and foremost, we are here to support our boarders, to make them feel like part of an extended family. Whether it’s Arlo embracing new friendships and opportunities in music, sport, and school productions, or Samson balancing his passion for jazz with academic dedication, it’s been a joy to see them thrive. Boarding is about friendships, personal challenges, fun, structure, and life skills, and we hope both Arlo and Samson leave with incredible memories, feeling happy, settled, and ready for their next steps in life. We love sharing our time with all of our boarders, they are incredible, and we couldn’t be prouder of all they achieve.”